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
Tahquitz Peak, Out & Back
Let’s climb some hills! With the summer heat coming up, it is time to head to Idyllwild to do some hiking.
This 8.5 mile round trip hike begins at Humber Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/CchpfeSTkJtT1SBQ8) and climbs ~2350 feet to the Tahquitz Peak fire lookout. We will maintain a moderate pace on average (quick on the flat and downhill, slow on the uphills). Due to the elevation gain and distance, I rate this hike as strenuous. Expect an elevated pulse and respiration rate!
We will start at 08:30 at the trailhead and will return to the trailhead at 13:30 or thereabouts. Bring snacks and a lunch to eat while we take in the view at the peak. Hiking poles are recommended to take the strain off of knees and hips. There are no reliable water sources on this trail, so bring water in sufficient quantities to stay hydrated for the entire distance.
To park a car at Humber Park you need a permit. These can be obtained at the US Forest Service office in Idyllwild (https://maps.app.goo.gl/85Tb37fQcAQQdvoa9). You can also use various National Park and State Park passes (details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26483 ).
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME HIKING WITH ANDREW, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT atwalls@gmail.com TO INFORM ME OF YOUR HIKING EXPERIENCE AND CURRENT FITNESS LEVEL.
Trip details:
- Altitude gain: ~2350 feet
- Cumulative altitude gain: 2365 feet
- Distance: 8.47 miles
- Pace: average 2 MPH
- Terrain: packed trail, some rocks
- Obstacles: nothing significant
- Difficulty rating: Strenuous
- MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/8471GHF
Please email Andrew to sign up for this hike and include your phone number.
HIKE LEADER: Andrew Walls
HIKE LOCATOR: Humber Park, Idyllwild
HIKE DATE/TIME: Friday, March 20, 2026 08:30-13:30
Note: You must be a current CVHC member to hike with the club! Join Now!