Organizer
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Duane Pellervo
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Phone
4157176410 -
Email
dpellervo@gmail.com -
Duane and his wife Pat moved to Rancho Mirage in 2020 and are mostly full time here, although they also have a small place on Monterey Bay when it gets super hot in the desert (and they also like to travel). Since the move, hiking has displaced cycling as Duane’s exercise of choice, and he’s been an enthusiastic member of CVHC since 2023. Club member Thierry Dhers has been a particular inspiration; based on Thierry’s 2024 presentation to the club on his climb of Mt. Vinson (Antarctica), during which he also mentioned how much fun he had trekking up Kilimanjaro, Duane did that trek in 2025. Lhakpa Ri in Tibet, billed as the easiest 7000-meter mountain in the world, is Duane’s goal for April 2026, coinciding with his 70th birthday. Just one illustration of how CVHC can change your life!
Other Organizers
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Gene Demsey
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Phone
(908) 477-3352 -
Email
trigene4@yahoo.com
Location
Category
MURRAY PEAK CLOCKWISE LOOP FROM GARSTIN TRAILHEAD
Right from the jump at the Garstin trailhead, we have a steady climb of about 900 feet for the first mile, which works out to an average grade of approximately 17%. This is the second most strenuous part of the hike.
For the next two miles, we mostly have gentle ups and downs leading to a long downhill that ends in a wash at mile 3. The most challenging part of the hike begins here, starting with a short rock scramble out of the wash (maybe 15 feet up, but child’s play compared to stuff at Magnesia Falls, for example). For the next 1.6 miles the hike becomes progressively steeper until we reach the top of Murray Peak. The total elevation gain for this segment of the hike is about 1,300 feet (average grade of over 15%).
After a lunch break and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing views, the remaining 3.75 miles back to the trailhead are almost all downhill, although some of the descents are quite steep.
The pace for this hike is intended to be brisk, averaging 2.2 mph or better. (NOTE: For those who wish to attend the CVHC lecture at 3 pm, you should have plenty of time to do both—this is one reason for the relatively early 7:30 am start.) Hike number limit: 10
THIS HIKE STARTS AT THE GARSTIN TRAILHEAD, INTERSECTION OF BOGERT TRAIL AND BARONA ROADS, PALM SPRINGS. See here. (Note: this is not the Frank Bogert trailhead). The trailhead is to the right of where the street dead ends. Please park so that you do not obstruct a driveway or mailbox.
8.4 miles with elevation gain of 2800 feet. Our pace will be fast.
Please email Duane to request participation in this hike and include your phone number.
HIKE LOCATOR: Palm Springs
HIKE LEADERS: Duane Pellervo and Gene Demsey
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
HIKE PACE: Fast
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!