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.
Magnesia Falls to Art Smith-Hwy 74
Magnesia Spring Canyon
This challenging and exciting hike begins simply enough at Blixseth Park. The trail – such as it is – heads south along a fence and water diversion canal, ascends a massive, concrete dike, crosses a catchment basin and then goes up a steep slope to the wash which marks the beginning of the actual canyon. From there, the trail advances up a giant’s staircase of pour overs and washes involving multiple slick rock climbs from 8 to over 30 feet tall until we reach an 80 foot dry fall where an unmarked side trail scrambles up a very steep slope to get past the falls. This climb will have your heart pounding and your lungs straining while your feet and legs struggle to find something solid to step on.
Soon after, we reach a massive pile of boulders which we will climb to resume the Giant’s staircase through washes cluttered with flash flood debris until we reach the Art Smith Trail. The boulder climb will test your balance and comfort levels with vertical exposure!
Once we are on the Art Smith trail we have a long, but comfortable walk to the trailhead at Hwy 74, passing multiple oases along the way. Anticipate a lot of sun exposure along the Art Smith and dress accordingly. Bring plenty of water!
The route through the canyon involves sun exposure and shade, producing large temperature swings. The route moves through catclaw acacia and palm fond debris piles, so dress to protect your skin and stay alert for late season rattlesnakes.
Map available here: https://caltopo.com/m/NDKGJ
- Altitude gain: 2149 feet (Low 328′ to High 2477′)
- Cumulative altitude gain: 2780 feet
- Distance: 11.25 miles
- Pace: 2 MPH, ~6 hours
- Terrain: Highly varied, climbing, scree slopes, deep sand, slick rock, high steps up and down
- Obstacles: Rock slabs, boulder slope, plant debris
- Difficulty rating: Very strenuous
Please email Andrew to sign up for this hike and include your phone number.
- HIKE LEADER: Andrew Walls
- HIKE LOCATOR: Blixseth Park, Rancho Mirage – Art Smith parking lot, Hwy 74, Palm Desert. SHUTTLE REQUIRED
- HIKE DATE/TIME: Saturday, Nov 8 08:00-16:00
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!