Organizer

Joel Friedrick
Joel Friedrick
Phone
858-335-3270
Email
jgfriedrick@gmail.com

Since relocating from San Diego in early 2025, my wife and I have proudly called Palm Desert our full-time home. For over a quarter-century, we explored nearly every trail San Diego has to offer, whether on foot or by mountain bike. My journey began in Minneapolis and led me to the Navy for six years immediately following high school, followed by a long career in mechanical engineering. Yet, after all those miles, I can say with certainty: nothing compares to the beauty of Southern California.  

Location

Palm Desert

Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Apr 01 2026

Time

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Labels

Strenuous Hike

PALM DESERT CROSS NIGHT HIKE

Well, it’s a marvelous night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your eyes…😎  (Van Morrison, 1970)

This is an Out-and-Back hike that begins at the Bump and Grind Trailhead (our parking place). We’ll hike to the Palm Desert Cross for an enchanting view of Coachella Valley at dusk and into the evening. You may have seen the cross at a distance at night since it is well illuminated in the west.
NOTE: April 01 is a FULL MOON so hopefully we won’t have any cloud cover and perfect illumination of the trail for the trek back.
Our Schedule:
Meet at Trailhead: 5:30pm
Start Hiking: 5:45pm Sharp
Arrive at the Cross; ~7:00pm
Sunset on April 01: 7:06pm
Moonrise on April 01: 7:12pm
Head back down: 7:30pm
Terminate: 8:45-9:00pm

Important Notes: 

  1. We will do a small amount of rock scrambling along the route (up and down) so wear good hiking footwear and bring poles if needed.
  2. Bring at least 1L of water and a snack
  3. Bring a Flashlight 
  4. Optional: Windbreaker Jacket since it gets cool at night.

6.31 miles total with elevation gain 1,200 ft. Hike limited to 10 participants.

We will meet on Painters Path (see map below) and parking is available along Painters Path road.  If it helps, the coordinates of the trailhead are: 33.72543096349351, -116.40597599271156 or you can search for ‘The Bump and Grind’ on your GPS and it should come up. Be ready to start the hike at 5:45pm Sharp.

Email Joel (jgfriedrick@gmail.com) if you would like to participate and include information about your hiking experience. 

HIKE LEADER: Joel Friedrick
HIKE LOCATOR: Palm Desert:  The Bump and Grind
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate/Strenuous
HIKE PACE: Medium, about 2 mph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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