Organizer

Andrew Walls
Andrew Walls
Phone
530-264-6290
Email
atwalls@gmail.com

Andrew is a full time resident of Palm Desert who actually hikes during the summer! Andrew is an avid hiker and backpacker who can be found strolling on and off trails throughout the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree NP and Grand Canyon NP. In addition to his participation in CVHC activities, Andrew is a Certified California Naturalist and a hike leader with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Prior to moving to the CV in 2017, Andrew was a team leader with the Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team in Northern California.

Location

Palm Desert
Category

HIKE GROUP SAFETY

Date

Dec 21 2024
Expired!

Time

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Labels

Moderate Hike,
Pace of Hike: Medium

Eisenhower Loop at the Living Desert Zoological Park: RESCHEDULED!!!

Hidden behind the Living Desert Zoological Park, this moderate trail climbs onto the flank of Eisenhower Peak. The trail starts next to the Big Horn Sheep enclosure and then heads east into the arroyo and hills. We will take the trail counter-clockwise, starting with a sandy wash with lots of rocks and then climbing up onto the banks of the wash before ascending steadily to the picnic area at the base of the peak. The trail is rugged, with lots of rocks and some exposure along steep slopes above the wash. Boulder hopping is minimal and no climbing is required.

The trail is clearly marked and navigation is easy. We will take a break at the picnic tables to enjoy the various views available from this high point. Bring a snack! I like to use hiking poles on this hike to improve my balance in the rocky wash. As always, protect your skin from the sun, pack the ten essentials, and wear footgear suitable to the terrain.

You must pay to enter Living Desert or be a member to access the trail.  We will meet at the front entrance to the Zoo. Please arrange for admission to the Zoo before our start time. Take a walking tour of the Zoo after the hike!

5 Miles with Elevation gain of 700 ft. This hike takes ~3 hours. Map is available here: https://caltopo.com/m/MD5N8

  • Altitude gain: 685 feet  (321′ to 1006′) 
  • Cumulative altitude gain: 811 feet
  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Pace: 2.0 MPH, ~2.5-3 hours
  • Terrain: Varied, deep sand, steep sections, rocks/boulders, sun exposure
  • Obstacles: Rocks!
  • Difficulty rating:  Moderate to strenuous
  • Limited to 10 hikers!

EMAIL ANDREW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS HIKE.

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

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