Organizer
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Sandy Sladen
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Phone
714-404-7066 -
Email
sandysladen@gmail.com -
Sandy first discovered the mountains as a young girl spending summers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountains have called her ever since and she has been fortunate to have the opportunity to hike and backpack in the White Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, the Andes, the Annapurna region of Nepal, and in various Southern California ranges. She really got going after she turned 60 and completed all the 48, 4000 foot peaks in the White Mountains between the ages of 60-65 and then between 70-71 she hiked the PCT from Mexico to Idyllwild. When hiking, Sandy likes to be in the moment enjoying all the sights, sounds and smells of nature. She also enjoys nature writing and poetry. Sandy moved to Palm Springs in 2019 and joined the CVHC in 2024. She has enjoyed learning about new trails and meeting some great fellow hikers. Sandy looks forward to leading moderate hikes in some of her favorite places and sharing her love of nature and nature writing.
Location
- 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
PUSHAWALLA PALMS/HIDDEN PALMS LOOP
Located in the Coachella Valley Preserve, smack on the San Andreas Fault, this moderate loop trail leads up a rugged 700 feet to a ridge line trek with spectacular 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The rocky descent heads into an improbable palm grove oasis — the only shade you’ll find on this hike and a refreshing spot to stop, hydrate, and chill while listening to the breeze ruffle the palm fronds and watching the lizards and other critters scurry around. The Pushawalla Palms grove is fed by water that has risen to the surface through cracks in the fault. On the way back, we will hike through Hidden Palms, full of thick growth fan palms. The trail is a mix of hard-packed sand and loose sand. The hike along the ridge features a steep incline and has some narrow ridge spots.
This trail has a lot of sun exposure. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
Meeting Place:
Pushawalla Palms Trailhead
Thousand Palms Canyon Rd., Desert Hot Springs
Parking lot on the right, going north, before you get to the Coachella Valley Preserve Visitor Center.
Look for the CVHC sign.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 882 feet
Pace: 2 -2.5 miles per hour (moderate)
Group size: 10 hikers maximum
Please email Sandy with any questions and to request participation in the hike. Include your phone number. If you haven’t hiked with Sandy before, she may ask about your recent hikes.
HIKE LEADERS: Sandy Sladen
HIKE LOCATOR: Coachella Valley Preserve
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate
HIKE PACE: Medium
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!