Organizer

Karen Welmas
Karen Welmas
Phone
707-494-3313
Email
kwelmas@gmail.com

Karen was born and raised in Palm Springs (Go Matadors!), and now splits her time between the desert and her home in Sonoma County, California. Karen wasn't always an avid hiker, but after completing the Camino Frances in 2022, she became hooked on thru hikes and has completed the AV1 (Dolomites), the Camino Portugues and, most recently, the Tour de Mont Blanc. When she is not on a trail, you can find her on her road bike, gleefully climbing the hills of Sonoma County or the slow but steady ascents in the Indian Canyons.

Other Organizers

Shirl Donahue
Shirl Donahue
Phone
(908) 230-6199
Email
shirldonahue@gmail.com

Location

Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons

Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Jan 21 2026

Time

9:00 AM

Labels

Moderate Hike,
Pace of Hike: Medium

WEST FORK TRAIL TO FALLS, INDIAN CANYONS

This short but steep out and back hike begins at the Trading Post. We will walk through Palm Canyon for about .5 miles and then head west to begin our ascent on West Fork Trail. 
 
We will climb steadily for the next 2 miles, experiencing an elevation gain of around 1600 feet. The trail is well-maintained but does have some loose rock, so hiking poles are encouraged. Once we reach the top of the ridge, the trail flattens out a bit and we make a quick descent down to the stream where we will take a short break so that we may enjoy our snacks and dip our feet in the cool, refreshing waters of West Fork Falls. Once we’ve feasted and rested, we will turn around and head back to the Trading Post.
 
The trail is exposed, so hats and sunscreen are highly encouraged. And, as always, whenever hiking, especially in the desert, please bring plenty of water.

Fee to enter Indian Canyons: Adults $12, Seniors (62+) $7.  Gates open at 8:00 AM.

PLEASE EMAIL KAREN TO REQUEST PARTICIPATION IN THIS HIKE AND INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER. 

HIKE LEADERS: Karen Welmas and Shirl Donahue

HIKE LOCATOR: Indian Canyons

DISTANCE: 5.5 miles

PACE: 2-2.5 MPH (slower on the uphill)

ELEVATION GAIN: 1600 feet

HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate

HIKE PACE: Medium

RECOMMENDED WATER: 2 liters

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