Organizer
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Jeff Guckenberger
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Phone
541-954-1531 -
Email
jguck61@gmail.com -
Jeff and his wife have been visitors to the desert for the last 30 years and more recently wintered in Palm Desert for the last seven years. Our summer home is in Eugene, Oregon. Jeff has been mountain biking the Western states for 30 years, backpacking the John Muir Trail and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail more recently. You will find me hiking the Coachella Valley on a weekly basis during the winter months. Jeff prefers more strenuous and challenging hikes with the hope of seeing wildlife and marveling at the incredible beauty of the Coachella Valley.
CATHEDRAL CANYON EAST TO MAGNESIA SPRINGS TO ART SMITH
The hike starts at the East end of Foothill Road in Cathedral city. After a very short walk through a sandy wash, we begin a steep ascent up the Cathedral Canyon East Trail. The beginning of the hike will definitely get your heart rate up for the first 3 miles and then becomes a gentle climb. The desert formations change quickly as you ascend and there have been many Bighorn sheep seen on the last several hikes this year.
After 4 miles on the trail, we will head off on very faint “trail” toward the Magnesia Falls/Springs drainage. After crossing that canyon, we will continue through an ever-changing Desert and eventually arrive at the Art Smith Trail. We will continue up the Art Smith trail to the picnic tables and have a bite to eat before returning back on the Cathedral Canyon East Trail.
There will be approximately 1/2 mile of loose rock at the beginning of the hike and then of course again on the descent. Hiking poles may make some people more comfortable on the descent. See map insert for view of the route.
9.0 miles with elevation gain of 1900 feet; medium to fast pace; 4 hours moving hike time
Meet at the East end of Foothill Road, Cathedral City, at 8:00 AM. Lots of street parking is available.
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME HIKING WITH JEFF, PLEASE CALL (541-954-1531.). OTHERWISE, PLEASE EMAIL.
HIKE LEADER: Jeff Guckenberger
HIKE LOCATOR: Cathedral City
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
HIKE PACE: Medium to Fast
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!
