Organizer
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Andrew Walls
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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
Category
Indian Canyons: West Fork to Andreas
West Fork to Andreas Canyon
Looking for sweeping vistas far from civilization? Looking for a fitness challenge?
Come hike the rugged landscape of the West Fork trail in the Indian Canyons. This hike is just under 8 miles long, climbs ~2000 feet in elevation, and provides stunning views in all directions as we climb above the Visitor Center in the Indian Canyons of the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians.
The trail passes through multiple climatic zones supporting a range of plants and birdlife. This hike requires a brief shuttle between the Andreas Canyon and the Visitor Center. We will meet at the Andreas Canyon parking lot just after the gates open at 08:00. We will leave some cars there and car pool to the Visitor Center and start our hike. Due to the distance and elevation gain, this is classified as a strenuous hike. We will maintain a moderate pace with a couple of breaks and a lunch period.
Anticipate up to 6 hours on trail and we must exit before the gates close at 5:00 PM! There is an admission charge at the gate (Adults $12, Seniors 62 $7).
Limited to 8 hikers.
Map here: https://caltopo.com/m/00PQR
For driving directions:
- Andreas Canyon Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UBNsvkDL4L5P3VRz8
Trip details:
- Altitude gain: 1917 feet
- Cumulative altitude gain: 2113 feet
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Pace: 1.5-2.0 MPH, 4.5 hours
- Terrain: packed trail, some rocks, sand
- Obstacles: nothing significant
- Difficulty rating: Strenuous (distance, altitude gain)
Please email Andrew to sign up for this hike and include your phone number.
HIKE LEADER: Andrew Walls
HIKE LOCATOR: Andreas Canyon Trailhead, South Palm Springs
HIKE DATE/TIME: Monday, January 26, 2026 08:00-1:00
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!