Organizer

Daniel Coleman
Daniel Coleman
Phone
(360) 481-1477
Email
teninopt@gmail.com

Daniel Coleman has been hiking on his own and with clubs in the Coachella Valley and nearby areas for over 10 years. He has participated in many hikes as sweep and enjoys mapping and tracking the hikes as well. Back home in Washington State, Dan hiked and camped over many years with family and friends in the deserts in Eastern Washington and in the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. As a serviceman in the Air Force, he enjoyed some hiking in the Phillipines, eastern France, Germany, and Austria. Dan's experience includes marine navigation and sailboat racing as well as search and rescue for the Olympia Harbor Patrol and the Civil Air Patrol. Dan retired from practice after 40 years as a physical therapist and enjoys leading hikes here in the desert. Dan has developed 7 hikes in and around Joshua Tree National Park during which he relates historical tales of adventure and misadventure at these sites. When you discover an old cabin or mine while hiking in the desert, it likely holds a story of adventure from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Join Dan on his hikes to hear what happened in seven of these different locations!

Location

Morongo Canyon

Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Jan 10 2026

Time

9:30 AM

Labels

Easy Hike

BIG MORONGO MEANDER

This is the third in Dan’s series of hikes that traverse the area traveled by Willie Boy in 1909.
This loop hike through the Big Morongo Preserve will take us up the Yucca Ridge overlooking the Preserve, down the upper part of Big Morongo Canyon and back via the West Canyon trail.  Interesting geology, flora and fauna.  There are some boardwalks near the beginning then dirt trails. You have the option to remain in the section without elevation. Partial shade. Please bring the usual 10 essentials, a snack, and binoculars.

4.25 Miles with Elevation Gain of 550 ft   Pace: 2 mph w/water stops
We’ll meetup a bit later than usual to allow for warmer temps.

Limited to 12 hikers plus leader and sweep

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME HIKING WITH DAN, PLEASE CALL   360-481-1477.  IF YOU HAVE HIKED WITH THIS LEADER BEFORE, PLEASE TEXT OR EMAIL 360-481-1477 OR teninopt@gmail.com

HIKE LOCATOR: Morongo Valley      
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Easy with some moderate incline
HIKE LEADER:Dan Coleman

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