Organizer
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Andrew Walls
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Phone
530-264-6290 -
Email
atwalls@gmail.com -
Andrew is a full time resident of Palm Desert who actually hikes during the summer! Andrew is an avid hiker and backpacker who can be found strolling on and off trails throughout the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree NP and Grand Canyon NP. In addition to his participation in CVHC activities, Andrew is a Certified California Naturalist and a hike leader with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Prior to moving to the CV in 2017, Andrew was a team leader with the Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team in Northern California.
Magnesia Falls to Cathedral Cove
Opening Day!!!!
This challenging and exciting hike begins simply enough at Blixseth Park. The trail – such as it is – heads south along a fence and water diversion canal, ascends a massive, concrete dike, crosses a catchment basin and then goes up a steep slope to the wash which marks the beginning of the actual canyon. From there, the trail advances up a giant’s staircase of pour overs and washes involving multiple slick rock climbs from 8 to over 30 feet tall until we reach an 80 foot dry fall where an unmarked side trail scrambles up a very steep slope to get past the falls. This climb will have your heart pounding and your lungs straining while your feet and legs struggle to find something solid to step on.
Soon after, we reach a massive pile of boulders which we will climb to resume the Giant’s staircase through washes cluttered with flash flood debris until we reach the Art Smith Trail. The boulder climb will test your balance and comfort levels with vertical exposure!
Once we are on the Art Smith trail we turn right and ascend to the intersection with Dunn Road (lunch at the picnic tables!). From there, we have a moderate, comfortable walk along a trail and down into Cathedral Canyon. Anticipate a lot of sun exposure and dress accordingly. Bring plenty of water!
The route through the canyon involves sun exposure and shade, producing large temperature swings. The route moves through catclaw acacia and palm fond debris piles, so dress to protect your skin and stay alert for rattlesnakes.
- Altitude gain: 1982 feet (Low 323′ to High 2415′)
- Cumulative altitude gain: 2375 feet
- Distance: 9.45 miles
- Pace: 2 MPH, ~6 hours
- Terrain: Highly varied, climbing, scree slopes, deep sand, slick rock, high steps up and down
- Obstacles: Rock slabs, boulder slope, plant debris
- Difficulty rating: Very strenuous
The hike starts at Blixseth Park in Rancho Mirage and finishes at the Dunn Connector trailhead in Cathedral City. Car shuttle required. Map of the route available here: https://cvhikingclub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MagFallsCathedral.pdf
Use the RSVP form below to register for this hike! Limited to 10 hikers.
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
HIKE PACE: Moderate
HIKE LEADER: Andrew Walls
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!
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