Current and Past Trip Information

Remember: You must be a member of Desert Survivors with a release on file to join in with one of these trips. Join Desert Survivors if you are not yet a member.

Click here for your Overnight Backpacking Checklist.

For reference, we have many listings for trips in the past.

If you are new to Desert Survivors or contemplating joining one of our interesting desert trips as a new member please click on the above "General Trip Information" button to acquaint yourself with additional information concerning the scheduled trips below.

Many of our popular trips, particularly car camps on 3 day holiday weekends, tend to fill early and quickly, so plan accordingly. We ask that if you do secure a reservation with a trip leader, please be sure to use it, but if you cannot keep the reservation then advise the trip leader immediately to allow someone on standby to take the open slot.

Other backpacking trips tend not to fill to maximum at all times and may have an open space or two. If you find yourself with an open weekend and want to join in, try phoning the trip leader, space may still be available.

Most of our trip leaders ask that you contact them directly by telephone. This enables the leaders to assess your skills and abilities and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Your safety and enjoyment while on the trip is just one of their many concerns. They want you have fun and the trip to be a rewarding experience. This also enables the trip leaders to build a "balanced group" that will enhance everyone's enjoyment of the trip.

Upon securing a slot for the trip you will be mailed additional information concerning the meeting area, car pooling, last minute changes, etc.

It may help you to jot down your questions before phoning.

SUMMER 2008 TRIPS

May 17 (Sat)
Tilden Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Berkeley, CA

Enjoy this hidden-in-plain-sight park in the Berkeley hills, where getting away from it all is so easy. I'm always amazed at how vast and little-used the trails are (close to so many people) and how fun they can be. We'll hike about 8 mi., from deep eucalyptus groves to 360-degree views. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
May 18 (Sat)
Desert Survivor Trip Leaders Seminar
San Francisco, CA

These twice-yearly seminars are open to any person who has submitted a written request to become a trip leader, covering issues faced by leaders, trip planning, first-aid requirements, service trips, and reimbursement for first-aid training.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
May 24-26 (Sat-Mon)
Black Rock Rendezvous Carcamp (E)
Gerlach, NV

Diverse organizations that use and enjoy the Black Rock Desert come together once a year to educate, share, and entertain. In addition to our booth, Desert Survivors will offer a workshop and hike on the Desert Trail, which goes right across the Black Rock playa. Come for one or all of the days, to partake in the desert education and activities (plus campfires, music, and potlucks), and, if you can, to help out Desert Survivors by staffing the booth or bringing up materials.
Contact Organizer: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
June 6-8 (Fri-Sun)
Poodle Mountains Carcamp (M)
Northwest Nevada

Camp 8 mi. up a rough cherrystem deep in the Poodle Mtn. Wilderness Study Area northwest of Gerlach. The area is rich in wildlife including pronghorn, sage grouse, and wild horses. Dayhikes will include a short but steep climb of Poodle Mtn. and a longer trek down Tin Mtn. to Eddie's Garden, an isolated mesa which has probably never been grazed and is not recommended by BLM for wilderness status. This should be a good time for flowers. Co-leader David Oline. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
June 14 (Sat)
Wildcat Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Richmond, CA

Our last spring dayhike ranges from the shade of live oaks and bay laurels to breezy panoramic views of San Pablo Ridge. The scale of this park never fails to impress, as our route should illustrate the wild in Wildcat. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
June 14-15 (Sat-Sun)
Leave No Trace Trainer Training Carcamp (M)
Sierra Foothills, North Fork American River

Our topic is the Seven Priciples of Leave-No-Trace camping, but we will also explore historic gold-mining trails and sites and ponder the area's geology. After an initial 1800' descent into Green Valley, our route will be relatively level. Each participant will teach an LNT principle to the rest of the group, so please do not sign up unless you are dedicated to learning. Upon completion, you will receive a LNT Trainer certificate. The trip leader is a LNT Master Educator.
Contact Leader: Catherine O'Riley (530) 346-9323
nfpathfinder (at sign here) yahoo.com
June 21 (Sat)
Summer Solstice Party (E)
Oakland, CA

Beginning a new annual tradition, we'll share a BBQ and potluck meal, drinks, stories, slides and videos, as well as music--bring your instruments. Also, on this longest day of the year and first full day of summer, we will celebrate the sun with an offering: Bring a simple sun-inspired gift to exchange -- costumes and hats are encouraged! Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer.
For information, call: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org

Oregon Desert Trail Relay

Since 2001 Desert Survivors has conducted a series of relay backpacks on the Desert Trail from Mexico northward. That year we did the entire California Desert Trail in two stages. In 2004 and 2005 we did the south and then the north halves of the Nevada Desert Trail. This summer we will complete the mapped portion of the Desert Trail in Oregon, from the Nevada border to its current terminus at Highway 78 east of Burns. Join us for five trips that are sure to be an exciting adventure. Limit 15 on these trips.

June 27-29 (Fri-Sun)
Pueblo Mountains Segment (M/S)

Meet in Denio to begin this 24-mi. segment, up Denio Canyon and along the crest to Fields. Water in several places. Views from the top are outstanding. Aspen groves and bighorn sheep are major features. Parts are strenuous uphill. Footing is good in the canyons but can be rough on the crest.
Contact Leader: Skip Smith (541) 598-7404
bs_as3457 (at sign here) yahoo.com
July 5-6 (Sat-Sun)
Alvord Desert Segment (M)

Meet in Fields to begin the 23 mi. hike to Frog Spring across the Alvord Desert. Features are greasewood flats, dry lakes, Borax Spring, great views of surrounding mountains, and the biggest payoff of all, wide-open spaces. Hiking is entirely flat ground. Expect some heat, but we will carry umbrellas to protect ourselves from the sun. Carry all water for two days. This is real desert hiking, with the mountains only a memory.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 7-12 (Mon-Sat)
Steens Mountain/John Scharff Segments (S)

These two segments will be hiked as one 50-mi. six-day journey from Frog Spring to Page Springs, right over the top of the Steens, Southeast Oregon's premier mountain massif. Strong uphill on the first two days past Little Wildhorse Lake to the crest. Aspen groves, junipers, and mountain streams. Outstanding views at the summit and possible snow, then into the Steens' glacial gorges and across the desert country to the east. Downhill the last three days. An experience not to be missed.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
July 14-15 (Mon-Tues)
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Segment (M)

This 24-mi. route from Page Springs to Diamond Craters crosses grasslands, rimrocks, and sage hills. Good bird watching at Page Springs and the Blitzen Valley marshes, also volcanic calderas and lava flows. The ground is gently rolling with junipers for shade. Malheur has outstanding wildlife values.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
July 16-19 (Wed-Sat)
Riddle Mountain Segment (S)

Four days of strenuous hiking to complete this 36-mi. segment. The route has many ups and downs, crossing 13 ridges of various heights and many gulches. Net gain from west to east is 2000'. Your reward is hillsides of juniper trees and an experience of remote and sometimes difficult country. Springs are few; water will have to be purified. A fitting end to the Desert Trail's version of the Western wilderness experience.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
July 19-20 (Sat-Sun)
End-of-Relay Celebration (E)

We will celebrate the end of the relay late Saturday as we greet the hikers coming out of the Riddle Mountain Segment. We'll treat the hikers to a meal Saturday night and have a campfire, then eat breakfast together and hike on Sunday morning before heading home in the afternoon. A fitting end to our Desert Trail explorations.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 26 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Summer Picnic (E)
Tilden Park, Berkeley, CA

We gather at 11 a.m. for our traditional summer potluck meal and desert stories. Badminton in the afternoon and a hike to the ridge later in the day. Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer. Note: Come early for Bob Lyon's "Beginning Backpack" seminar at the same location.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 26-28 (Sat-Mon)
White Mountains Carcamp (M/S)
Eastern Mono County

Escape the heat and crowds in a bristlecone forest. We explore the upper Cottonwood Spring area Saturday, then try in a long hike to reach White Mountain Peak Sunday. If we turn back before the peak, the views east and west are still extraordinary. Monday will be gentle as we visit the Shulman Bristlecone Grove then head home. Cameras a necessity. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
August 2 (Sat)
Redwood Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Oakland, CA

A mid-summer dayhike in a shaded redwood paradise of California sequoia redwoods in a park known for its cool ecosystem. We hike about 6 mi. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
August 9-10 (Sat-Sun)
Bodie Days Carcamp (E)
Bodie State Historic Park, CA

Bodie annually celebrates its wild past as the most lawless and toughest mining camp in the West. Share what it was like to live during the early 20th century in the high desert of California. Saturday we will hike near Buckeye Ridge then camp near Buckeye Hot Springs, a wild and heavenly soak right on the river. Sunday will be full with Bodie Days. Costumes and carpooling highly encouraged. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
August 16 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Technical Seminar (E)
Mt. Diablo State Park, CA

An all-day seminar on trip planning, route-finding with map/compass, and introduction to wilderness first aid, ending with a short hike to test our map and compass skills. Both hikers and potential trip leaders will benefit. Optional longer hike afterward. Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer. You must register beforehand. Space is limited. A $5 donation is requested.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
August 23-25 (Sat-Mon)
Surprise Canyon Service Trip (M)
Panamint Mountains, Death Valley NP

The Weed Wars continue as we remove invasive tamarisk from the lower part of Surprise Canyon with Marty Dickes, Wilderness Coordinator for the Ridgecrest BLM office. It's a pleasant setting for our work Saturday: a flowing stream and shade. Sunday we hike a little-known trail from Surprise Canyon to Hall Canyon. For those who can stay on Monday, work will continue. Carcamp, 2WD vehicles okay. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
August 30 - September 1 (Sat-Mon)
Skedaddle Mountains Carcamp (M)
Northeastern California

Three days of hiking in obscure mountains near the Nevada border. Hikes to springs in canyons and up on the range itself in this BLM Wilderness Study Area at 4000-7000'. Hills are grown to sagebrush, bitterbrush, and mountain mahogany. The air should be cool and refreshing up on top, with outstanding views. Possible antelope, deer, and wild horses. A new moon promises excellent stars. Note: On this wildlife-viewing and monitoring trip you must stay behind the leader while hiking; if you cannot, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

FALL 2008 TRIPS

September 12-14 (Fri-Sun)
Hays Canyon Carcamp (M/S)
Northwestern Nevada

East of Surprise Valley is the Hays Canyon Range's massive escarpment. Friday we'll hike mostly on roads to 7916' Hays Canyon Peak for a spectacular view of the Warner Mtns. Saturday we'll explore the range's wilder side, heading deep into the Wall Canyon WSA to climb Boulder Mtn. Hikes will be long but not very steep. Watch for pronghorn, mule deer, horses, and sage grouse. Expect chilly nights at our high camp and sweeping views from the high plateaus. Requires dirt-road driving, high clearance recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Dave Oline (541) 552-1195
(after August 23) olined (at sign here) sou.edu
September 13 (Sat)
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (M)
Antioch, CA

Learn about some of California's mining history at what was its largest coal operation and sand mine, including an underground guided tour ($3) and a hike through the preserve. We'll start the day with a tour of the Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine, then head overland through the preserve's hills and valleys, finishing near the historic cemetery. Mine temperature is in the 50s, but outside will be high 70s to low 80s. Dog-friendly (but not on the mine tour). Please sign up by September 5. I must confirm mine-tour reservations by that date. Park fees: $5/vehicle $2/dog. Carpooling highly encouraged. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
September 19-21 (Fri-Sun)
Desert Survivors Annual Gathering (E/M)
Benton Hot Springs, Eastern Sierra, CA

At our autumn-equinox membership gathering, enjoy geology and plant hikes, historical sites, and other activities during the day, star gazing and campfires at night. Nine hot tubs for soaking anytime. Our Annual Membership Meeting will be Sunday morning. Members will receove a detailed flyer about signing up. This event has been great the past two years and will be again.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
Sept 21-26 (Sun-Fri)
Saline Valley Service Trip Carcamp (E/M)
Tamarisk removal

Join Desert Survivors and Friends of the Inyos in our continuing quest to eradicate tamarisk in the canyons of the Inyo Mountains. This trip will be supported by paid staff from BLM and Friends of the Inyos and may include some assisted rock climbing and rappelling. Come for any or all of the days listed. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Jerry Goss (408) 248-8206
Jergo2000 (at sign here) aol.com
October 3-8 (Fri-Wed)
Saline Valley Svc. Trip Carcamp/Backpack (E/M)
Tamarisk removal

Join Desert Survivors and Friends of the Inyos in our continuing quest to eradicate tamarisk in the canyons of the Inyo Mountains. This service trip will be supported by paid staff from BLM and Friends of the Inyos and may include some assisted rock climbing and rappelling. May also include a backpack up one of the canyons. Come for any or all of the days listed. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Jerry Goss (408) 248-8206
Jergo2000 (at sign here) aol.com
October 4 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Route-Finding Seminar (E)
Briones Park, near Orinda, CA

Desert Survivors' second annual all-day seminar on route finding will cover map reading, compass skills, and GPS (global positioning). Briones Park features rolling hills, little peaks, and small valleys good terrain to test our skills. Meet at picnic tables under the spreading oaks in the morning, then hike to practice what we've learned in the afternoon. Sign up in advance by calling the contact below. A small charge will help defray costs of renting the park. Call early for this one; it's bound to be popular!
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
October 11-13 (Sat-Mon)
Furnace Creek/Fishlake Valley Carcamp (M)
Eastern Sierra, CA

Furnace Creek is an endangered riparian area on the east side of the White Mountains where off-roaders have damaged the stream and its vegetation, but the BLM has neglected to close it to vehicles. We will hike one day up through the willows (turning yellow?) to appreciate this unique desert canyon. We'll also hike one day in the colorful Esmeralda Badlands nearby, and a third day elsewhere. We'll top off the trip with a dip in Fishlake Valley Hot Springs. Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
October 17-19 (Fri-Mon)
Benton Petroglyph Carcamp (E)
Eastern Sierra, CA

Enjoy the great gifts of the desert! Camp at Benton Hot Springs and caravan to nearby petroglyph sites. Puzzle over the messages from both near and distant past. Hike in open flat desert in search of other nearby sites. We will photograph, draw, record, and document what we find. Evenings should open with dark skies and a moonrise later, perfect for soaking. Potluck on Friday night. Conditions should be cool and sunny. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Chuck McGinn (530) 753-0979
e-mail preferred: cemcginn (at sign here) gmail.com
October 25 (Sat)
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve (M)
Livermore, CA

Enjoy an area out of space and time, hidden like an island in the sky or desert oasis due to its remoteness. South of Mt. Diablo, this isolated preserve offers commanding views and isolation. While a different ecosystem than the desert, I always get a desert sensibility here because of the expansiveness and wonderment. Autumn temperatures should be perfect. Carpooling highly encouraged. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
October 30 November 2 (Thu-Sun)
Funeral Mountains/Death Valley Backpack (M)
Death Valley National Park

Halloween in the Valley of Death! Thirty miles in four days along the crest of the Funerals from Keane Wonder Mine to Echo Canyon. A trail up to Keane, then cross-country. Midway we'll drop to Indian Spring to get water. Expect a lot of ups and downs as we hike in and out of canyons. Great long views and wonderful sedimentary geology. Summer heat will be gone as we do our best to stay upright in this rugged terrain. Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
November 1-3 (Sat-Mon)
Carrizo Plain Service and Discovery (M)

Closer to the coast but still a desert save gas and time and combine carcamping, dayhiking, exploring, and service in this San Luis Obispo County wilderness! Our service on Saturday will modify about a mile of fence to facilitate the preference of pronghorn antelope to go under rather than jump fences escaping predators. All-day hike Sunday in the Caliente Range. For those who stay, a visitor's car tour of the lower plain Monday morning. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
November 8-11 (Sat-Tues)
Corridor Canyon/Round Valley Backpack (S)
Death Valley National Park

Stunning geology and solitude will be featured as we explore a remote northern region of the park, with coral-reef fossils, rock-art sightings, and a moonlit walk on the mysterious "moving rocks" Racetrack playa. We'll hike down from the Ubehebe Mine then work our way up through a wildly volcanic area to Round Valley. Carry all water. Possibility of snow or rain, but moderate temperatures. Road passable by low-clearance vehicles, but high-clearance recommended. Carpooling highly encouraged. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
November 27-30 (Thurs-Sun)
Ibex Dunes/Amargosa Canyon Carcamp (M)
Mojave Desert, Southern Inyo County

We'll explore the rarely trodden Ibex Dunes then head to the Ibex Springs Ghost Town for a T-day potluck and campfire. Next day we'll enjoy a southern-Utah-style canyon dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Mojave," with many adjoining narrows, as well as a desert wonderland near China Ranch, and finally hike down Amargosa Canyon along the Amargosa River. Hike each day is 7-10 mi. Optional Delight's hot springs Saturday night. High-clearance vehicle and carpooling highly recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
November 27-30 (Thu-Sun)
Cottonwood to Lemoigne Backpack (M)
Death Valley National Park

Four day, 25-mi. backpack from Hwy 190 to Cottonwood Canyon. Get water in Cottonwood late the second day amidst beautiful riparian vegetation. Camp in the open valley below Panamint Butte and dayhike to the crest. Third day, backpack to the head of steep-walled Lemoigne Canyon. Fourth day, backpack out to Emigrant Camp. A variation of one of the great Death Valley routes. Great sedimentary geology. A new moon promises good stars if it doesn't storm. Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

Desert Wildflowers: Where and When?
An often asked question of Desert Survivors is "what trip should I choose to see desert wildflowers". This can sometimes be a difficult question to answer. Phone the trip leader and ask that question if you are interested in that aspect of your trip. Click on the above link for additional information about desert wildflowers.