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.

Location

Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons

Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Mar 14 2026

Time

8:20 AM

Labels

Pace of Hike: Medium,
Strenuous Hike

EAST FORK TRAIL LOOP, INDIAN CANYONS

This roughly 7 mile hike starts at the Trading Post, follows Palm Canyon, and continues on to the East Fork trail. We are taking this trail counter clockwise so that we can climb up the small dry waterfalls on the southern part of the trail. The beginning of the trail is mostly through sand, but as we head north the trail becomes more compact.
 
This route mostly follows trails of moderate difficulty. The short dry waterfalls and a few short, steep climbs are strenuous. The overall hike is rated as “strenuous” due to these sections. 
 
Please bring plenty of water! There is no shade on this trail. Hiking poles are not required, although they are recommended.

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

Plan to meet at the Trading Post about 8:20 AM. The hike will start at 8:30 AM.

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

HIKE LEADERS: Karen Welmas 

HIKE LOCATOR: Indian Canyons

DISTANCE: about 7 miles

PACE: 2.0-2.5 MPH (slower on the uphill)

ELEVATION GAIN: 1430 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!