PS - Hike: Thousand Palms Oasis

Thousand Palms Oasis: McCallum Trail.  The Oasis is part of the Coachella Valley Preserve located 10 miles east of Palm Springs in the bluffs and mesas of the Indio Hills. Roadside parking is outside the gated Oasis driveway.  Within the Oasis is the McCallum Trail about halfway down the driveway on the right.  We will take the sandy trail to Simone Pond (subject to closure) and nearby vista point.  Then we head back to the Oasis' information center with extensive information and displays, and a boardwalk down and back among the Oasis palms.  

Mumawet.  We will take a side trail to the Múmawet, meaning “Great Hill” in the Cahuilla Native American language.  The The hilltop provides sweeping views of the Thousand Palms Canyon.  It is the site of the ancient Cahuilla village of Yum Ich You (pronounced yoom itch yoo).

Protecting the desert environment and its endangered plant and animal life is the mission of the Preserve System.  The endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard depends on the unusual blow-sand desert for survival. Other unique wildlife species can also be found here: the endangered Desert Pupfish, the Coachella round tailed ground squirrel, the giant red velvet mite, the flat-tailed horned lizard and the giant palm-boring beetle.  The federally endangered Coachella Valley Milkvetch can be found tucked into desert dunes.

The geology of the area is evidence of tectonic shifts with the San Andreas Fault system bringing underground water to the series of oases in the Preserve.  Of interest, the Thousand Palms Oasis is located on the Mission Creek strand of the San Andreas fault.  The Mission Creek strand has been identified as the primary fault responsible for the most earthquakes in the region including 4-5 major earthquakes in the last 1200 years.

• Meet at Walmart/PetSmart (Ramon & Crossley) Time: 9:00 AM Map click here. 
• Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver.  You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Limited parking at trailhead or alongside roadway. 

• Trail features: Out and back, 3 miles length, 2 hrs. duration, elevation gain/loss 250 ft., mostly full sun exposure.  

• Terrain: soft sandy trail and some unpaved hard pack sections.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy

• Sorry no pets allowed in the Preserve.
• Please advise leader of any medical concerns or physical limitations.
• Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks.
• Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. 
• Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
• Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE).

Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.

Contact Hike Leader:  Pat Miyamoto Email click here