Organizer
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Diane Petrilla
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Phone
931-224-5149 -
Email
petrillad@gmail.com -
Diane and her husband Eric moved to Palm Desert in the Spring of 2024 from east Tennessee. They are year-round residents and are loving being closer to grandchildren who live in the valley! Diane is an avid hiker and backpacker, having led multiple hikes for the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club for many years, and holding a number of leadership positions in that 100 year-old organization. She thru-hiked the John Muir Trail in 2022 and is excited about living closer to the magnificent Sierra Nevadas, as well as exploring all of the hiking opportunities California has to offer!
Location
Category
Thomas Mountain- Ramona Trail
The Ramona Trail up to Tool Box Spring on Thomas Mountain is a beautiful switch backed trail full of Spring wildflowers. We’ll have views of the San Jacinto mountains to the northwest, as well as Garner Valley. At the top, we won’t hike all the way to the summit of Thomas Mt., but will have lunch under the evergreens at a lovely campsite with views out over the Anza Valley.
The trial is exposed at lower elevations, with more trees as we get higher. The spring is not always reliable, so bring at least 2 liters of water, as well as snacks/lunch and sturdy hiking shoes. Hiking poles are helpful for climbing and descending, although there is no scrambling or extremely difficult stretches.
The hike is 8 mi RT with about 1900 ft of elevation gain.
Leader: Diane Petrilla
Rated: Strenuous due to climb
Pace: Moderate
Meet at the Ramona TH at 8am. The TH is 28 miles north from Hgwy 111 on Rte 74, Palms to Pines Hgwy, on the left. Carpooling will be discussed with those that sign up.
Hi Diane. I’m new to the club and would like to sign up for this hike. I’m a travel nurse and will be in Rancho Mirage through mid-June. I’m training for my next adventure and will be wearing a full pack (<25#). I’m looking forward to meeting other hikers and exploring the Coachella Valley!