MAGNESIA FALLS TO ART SMITH TRAILHEAD, HIGHWAY 74

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 have a long, but comfortable walk to the trailhead at Hwy 74, passing multiple oases along the way. Anticipate a lot of sun exposure along the Art Smith 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 late season rattlesnakes.

• Altitude gain: 2149 feet  (Low 328′ to High 2477′) 
• Cumulative altitude gain: 2780 feet
• Distance: 11.25 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 Art Smith tailhead in Palm Desert.  Car shuttle required. Map of the route available here: https://caltopo.com/m/NDKGJ

If you haven’t hiked with Eugene before, please call.  Otherwise, email and include your phone number. 

HIKE DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
HIKE PACE: Moderate
DISTANCE: 11.25 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2800 FEET
HIKE LEADER: Eugene Demsey

Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club!   Join Now!