On the Trail
Hiking in the Coachella Valley
by Jace Edwards
March 31, 2010

What is it you’re looking for? Solitude. Introspective moments that transcend emotion, logic or thought. Do you need to be healthier? Want to lose a few pounds? Many times our path to what we need or what we want, is just that, a path. Or trail, and whatever your motivation or your reason, the Coachella Valley has a trail for you.

Hiking is a great way to build muscle, decrease unwanted fat and improve circulation. And aside from the physical aspects, your mental prowess will benefit as well. Simply being alone with your thoughts while exerting yourself physically is an awesome way to get to know yourself and can be therapeutic. This breaking down of your own ideas as you gaze at the natural beauty that surrounds you while physically exerting yourself will foster growth from within. And this all encompassing exercise is available and free for the taking!

But before going hiking you have to be aware of a couple things. This provisional knowledge, not only of your gear, but your surroundings as well will prepare you for a safe and fun adventure. To start, realize that this is the desert. Water is life. Bring plenty of it. I recommend a camelback style canteen. Something that can hold lots of water without being a burden on the trail. Wear comfortable shoes, something athletic. Dress in layers. It is better to have the ability to adjust, remember during the day it is hot, but if you get caught at night it can get cold real fast. A personal first aide kit is always good to have; minor scrapes and cuts that may happen are best to take care of as soon as possible. And last but not least, bring your cellphone. Most of the trails will have cell coverage over the majority of their respective hikes.

Now that your gear is set it is good to get a grasp of the critters you might encounter. Besides an array of lizards, bees, eagles, hummingbirds, crows, and stink bugs there are ants. So watch where you sit. The last thing you need is to stop and sit next to an ant hole. No one likes an ant hole. Meanwhile, slithering among the desert rocks and brush is the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This is a serious threat to anything that crosses its path (I ran into a 5 footer just a few days before writing this). It is venom causes extreme swelling and necrosis of muscle tissue and requires immediate medical attention. It is an aggressive snake that will attack humans and accounts for more bites per year than any other snake in its class. It does have a loud rattle to warn you of their presence, heed its call and avoid at all cost. These hills are also home to the Bighorn Sheep. There are signs placed on specific trails asking that you do not pass during certain dates. Please help us preserve the land for the animals that call it home.

So now you’re ready, but which trail to take?

Eagle Canyon
This is a great hike for all levels. For beginners it is the first real incline, a fire road that steadily climbs to an array of trails, that will be enough of a workout. While the moderate hiker will find satisfaction from the full trip down into the canyon itself. The trailhead is located east of the Vons Shopping Center on 111. Follow the fire road past the two large water tanks. The challenge comes when the trail veers to the right. This second incline is tedious and seems much longer. At the top, just before it levels off, there is a junction to the left.
If you took the left turn or followed the original path along the widened and groomed road your next big incline will come after these trails meet up again. Look for the tops of palm trees jutting from a crevasse that lies southeast of you. That grove is the beginning of the canyon. The trail that leads you there is visible as it parallels the fire road. This much smaller trail joins with the main path shortly after a small clearing at the top of this third incline.

Once you take this left turn onto this much smaller trail you begin a decline towards the canyon. Before you know it, you are beyond sight of the fire road and at another junction. The right hand trail leads towards Murray Peak while the left hand trail takes you down to the riverbed. A series of switchbacks opens up to the grove of palm trees you saw earlier. Follow the riverbed and stay to the left; you will find the next trail.
This new trail traverses a cliff down to the bottom of the canyon. As you decline to the floor notice the large boulders that create awesome climbing opportunities. Also keep a sharp eye out for an eagle or two. There are a few nests located here among the peaks above the canyon. The ledge trail drops you off at the bottom of the riverbed. Getting out of the canyon is just as fun and adventurous as getting in. Follow the riverbed in reverse. A natural obstacle course will challenge you and excite the explorer within.

Bump-n-Grind
This is a moderate hike and is great for individuals looking to increase their fitness level. The trailhead is not the original one. So for hikers who have done this trail in the past, get ready for something new. At the border of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage on Hwy 111, marked by a sign that points toward the Visitors Center, Civic Center, McCallum Theater, and Living Desert, it is the trailhead set perfectly next to the Legacy Furniture’s parking lot. This long gradual climb is an immediate cardio workout. The access trail that makes up this new trailhead joins the original trail. At this juncture make a note of its location. Missing this turn on the way down will ensure a much longer trek to where you began.

Turning left and continuing upward you will find that this is a heavily traveled trail used by pets and their owners as well as hikers of all motivations. The traffic makes for more of a workout hike than a hike of silent introspective thought. The wide lanes keep traffic moving and allow for faster hikers to overtake and pass those that travel more leisurely. The several side paths (generally to the left) added other options to take you to the same result.

At the top of this 45 minute juggernaut is a clearing large enough for several picnics. It also provides a great view of the climb you had just completed. With many people traveling it so often, it is hard to conceive of getting lost. The Bump-n-Grind is a great weekly workout with full completion, including rest periods, in under 2 hours.

When coming down, take care in watching your footing. The rocky path is often lubricated with sand that can be treacherous in parts. Watching your downhill speed and where you are stepping will make all the difference.

Next week: 2 more Trails that you need to know...

Jace Edwards is a Writer/Broadcaster/Event Host based in Southern California. His radio program has been on KCLB, KCAL, KKND, KEDG, KNRQ and KZEL. His voice has been heard in Palm Springs, New Orleans, San Bernardino, Las Vegas, and Eugene. He was instrumental in helping to evacuate New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina and has always given back to the communities he’s served. In 2007 College of the Desert named him the Work Experience Employer of the year for his intern program. He has also served in the United States Marine Corps. Jace is the deserts premiere host for Mixed Martial Arts and currently is writing a book about his 16+ years in radio broadcasting. He can be found online at: Jaceweb.com