For reference, we have many listings for Past Trips.
Current 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.
If you are new to Desert Survivors or contemplating joining one of our interesting desert trips as a new member please read General Trip Information at the bottom of this page.
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.
Click here for your Overnight Backpacking Checklist.
Also avaliable in PDF format (310KB)
DESERT SURVIVORS TRIP SCHEDULE
SUMMER 2010
"I veered left and headed for Dripping Spring. The water is mineralized and smells slightly of sulfur. Desert travelers are tied to water. Every cup is precious."
Bill Broyles, Peril and Wonder in the Gran Desierto
(E) EASY (M) MODERATE (S) STRENUOUS
PLEASE NOTE: The date for the Summer Picnic (#5) and Beginner Backpack Seminar (#4) have been changed from June 19 to July 10.
1. June 6-12 (Sun-Sat)
DINOSAUR CARCAMP AND GREEN RIVER RAFT TRIP (M)
UTAH/COLORADO
We'll spend three days hiking and sightseeing in Dinosaur National Monument before embarking on four days of rafting down the Green River following John Wesley Powells adventure through the Gates of Lodore. Guided hikes each day provided by ARTA along with equipment, guides, food, and transportation. This trip is full.
Trip leader Bob Lyon.
Contact co-leader: Steve Perry (925) 443-8894
2. June 12-13 (Sat-Sun)
TWIN PEAKS BACKPACK (M/S)
WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA
A quick weekend backpack into an as yet unvisited wilderness study area between the Smoke Creek Desert and the California border. We'll explore canyons and permanent springs in this 90,000-acre WSA at what should be a good time for flowers. From the southwest in the Smoke Creek Archaeological District, we'll work our way up to a high camp and the 6500' Twin Peaks. The terrain is rugged, with basalt ridges and incised canyons, and we'll have some elevation to gain. We can expect pronghorn, mule deer, horses, but not much shade. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Dave Oline (541) 552-1195 olined@sou.edu
3. June 12-14 (Sat-Mon)
BARSTOW -RODMAN PETROGLYPH TOUR (M)
NORTHWESTERN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
We will visit a number of petroglyph sites north of Barstow including Inscription Canyon, Black Canyon and Murphy's Well. This will include a three-mile hike over flat ground. We will depart Barstow for the Rodman Mountain Wilderness and visit two very prominent sites. This will include a dayhike of five miles over flat ground. The third day will take us to sites near Red Mountain and a final night at Trona Pinnacles. The weather will be warm and the sky will be dark, so plan accordingly. Pace will be sedate. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Chuck McGinn (530)753-0979, or cemcginn@gmail.com (preferred)
4. July 10 (Sat)
BEGINNING BACKPACK SEMINAR (E)
ORINDA, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
This introductory class is a good refresher emphasizing lightweight, inexpensive backpacking. We'll show how to get your pack weight down to 10 pounds. Equipment topics include backpacks, tents, tarps, sleeping bags, clothes, shoes, and accessories. We'll demonstrate how to start a fire without matches, pitch a tarp, and load and adjust your pack. Learn to carry just what you need with minimum impact on the environment, your back, and your wallet. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
5. July 10 (Sat)
DESERT SURVIVORS SUMMER PICNIC (E)
ORINDA, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Join us for our traditional Summer Picnic. We'll gather at 11 a.m. at a member's house in Orinda (Contra Costa County) for a potluck meal and desert stories. The house has a pool and barbecue apparatus. A hiking trail to Lafayette Reservoir goes right out the back fence. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow members in the outdoors, and perhaps find new hiking partners. A detailed flyer will be sent with directions. Note: Come early for Bob Lyon's "Beginning Backpack Seminar" at the same location.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
6. July 3-5 (Sat-Mon)
PILOT MOUNTAINS CARCAMP (M)
WESTERN NEVADA
Three days in a convoluted mountain range near Mina. The Pilots are faulted sedimentary rock with interesting textures and erosional forms. We'll drive into the hills and find a camp, then hike two long loops and one short one in canyons, visiting springs for a water survey. We'll have canyon walls and trees for shade. Long views from ridges are a special treat. Campfires on both nights will ward off the mountain chill. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip, you must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
7. July 16-18 (Fri-Sun)
CLAN ALPINES MEADOW SPRING CANYON BACKPACK (M)
CENTRAL NEVADA
Last year we did a great three days in Bob Canyon in the Clan Alpines. This year we'll do Meadow Spring Canyon, a shallow gradient on the west side. We'll hike up the canyon to a spring, then dayhike to the headwaters to see what's there. The map shows springs and lots of trees. Another of our "Neglected Wilderness" trips, and a real exploration. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip, you must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
8. July 17-18 (Sat-Sun)
PESCADERO CREEK BACKPACK (E/M)
SAN MATEO COUNTY
This hike is intended for beginners but is open to all as space permits. We'll spend two days in the forest along Pescadero Creek, hiking from Sam MacDonald Park to Shaw Flat Trail Camp. Along the way we'll visit the Heritage Grove, the Sierra Club Hikers Hut, and Tarwater Creek. Mike Yantos and Carolyn Dorsch will be our botanical guides. Evening campfire and stories. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
9. July 30-August 1 (Fri-Sun)
CLAN ALPINES DEEP CANYON BACKPACK (M)
CENTRAL NEVADA
The second three-day backpack into the Clan Alpine Mountains. This time we'll do Deep Canyon, a steep-walled penetration into the range's interior. The topo map shows trees, two springs and some amazing cliffs and outcrops. Our backpack will be benign, but the dayhike to the head may be a humdinger. We'll hike as far as we can. Another real exploration, worthy of Desert Survivors. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip, you must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
10. August 13-15 (Fri-Sun)
SHELDON WILDLIFE REFUGE CARCAMP (M)
NORTHERN NEVADA
We'll make a base camp at the west side of the Sheldon near Fish Creek and dayhike into Echo and Fish Creek Canyons. August is prime time for viewing migrating pronghorn antelope. The high elevation should make for comfortable weather and moonless night skies will offer fine star gazing. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
11. August 14-22 (Sat-Sun)
MOQUI CANYON BACKPACK (M)
SOUTHEAST UTAH
In 1992 we did a classic week in this wonderful redrock canyon. We saw cliff dwellings, pictographs, rock pools, green trees, sheer cliffs and thunderstorms on our cross-country quest. This time we'll explore farther north, searching for springs and seeps in tight canyons. Seven days hiking includes two dayhikes. Summer monsoon rains mean full rock pools. Cliff walls and trees provide shade. Note: On this wildlife-viewing 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
12. September 4-6 (Sat-Mon)
BUFFALO HILLS CARCAMP (M)
NORTHWEST NEVADA
Three days west of the Black Rock in remote hills, watching for wild horses, antelope, coyotes, burrowing owls, and eagles. Day one: Hike Buffalo Creek Canyon in the Twin Peaks WSA. Day two: Hike to the top of Burnt Mountain in the Poodle Mountains. WSA. Day three: Chimney Creek on the west side. Campfires both nights far from the Burning Man urban zone. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip, you must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
Also avaliable in PDF format (373KB)
DESERT SURVIVORS TRIP SCHEDULE
FALL 2010
Show a hiker a map with a blank space, and some innate impulse roars “go there.” A feature, a mood, a line.
— Bill Broyles, Peril and Wonder in the Gran Desierto
(E) EASY (M) MODERATE (S) STRENUOUS
1. Sept. 10–12 (Fri-Sun)
DRY VALLEY RIM WSA BACKPACK (M/S)
WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA
The Dry Valley Rim wilderness study area, just west of the Smoke Creek Desert, is more reminiscent of Oregon plateau and rim country than of the basin and range around it. We’ll explore the northern portion with a shuttle hike that climbs up Red Rock Canyon from the Smoke Creek Desert. After a dayhike along the rim to look for sage grouse and antelope, we’ll drop down to shady Robber’s Roost. Carry all water. Limit 12. Contact Leader: Dave Oline (541) 552-119, olined@sou.edu
2. September 17–21 (Fri-Tue)
INYO MTNS BACKPACK/SERVICE TRIP (S)
NORTHWESTERN INYO COUNTY
Over the past two years, the SCA, BLM and Desert Survivors have worked to stabilize the Beveridge Ridge cabin. On this follow-up trip, we will hike in from New York Butte carrying additional stabilization supplies and equipment. Prior projects have included straightening the cabin, replacing foundation, and window replacement. This trip will include more of the same. We will be hiking on primitive hiking trails with spectacular views of both Saline and Owens Valleys and riparian canyons. 4WD is necessary to reach the trailhead; some space is available in other vehicles. Sign up early if you need a ride to the trailhead. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Jerry Goss (408) 248-8206
3. September 25 (Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, BERKELEY MAIN LIBRARY
2090 KITTREDGE ST, BERKELEY, CA
Meet in the Community Meeting Room (third floor). Your participation at this meeting will determine the future of Desert Survivors. We are looking for an entire new slate of Board of Directors to take on the duties of running the organization. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please attend one or both of the pre-AGM planning meetings or contact any member of the current Board. Additional information on the AGM and the pre- AGM meetings may be found at the Desert Survivors Web page (desert-survivors.org).
Contact: Dave Halligan (510) 528-3360
hallidave@yahoo.com
4. October 2–4 (Sat-Mon)
BRIGHT STAR WILDERNESS SERVICE TRIP CARCAMP (M)
SOUTHERN SIERRA
This portion of the Paiute Mountains on the east side of Sierra Nevada is an unspoiled haven for desert wildlife. We need to repair and extend a fence along the Bright Star corridor to keep the ATVs out (before the start of hunting season). Marty Dickes of Ridgecrest BLM will coordinate the work. On Monday we’ll hike in the beautiful country around Kelso Creek or Cortez Creek. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
5. October 9–12 (Sat-Tues)
MOJAVE DESERT PETROGLYPHS II (M)
EASTERN MOJAVE
This is a three-day trip (plus travel time) to the eastern Mojave to indulge in a different rock art than we have seen in the Eastern Sierra. These are some cool sites. We will stay at a ranch along the Old Mojave Road (near Cima) and use it as base camp for dayhikes and drives to the rock art sites in the region. On Sunday we will drive and hike to the site of historic Fort Piute and see what there is to see. On Monday we will go to the Cow Cove site on the way home. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Chuck McGinn (530) 753-0979, cemcginn@gmail.com (preferred)
6. October 15–17 (Fri-Sun)
BIG SMOKEY VALLEY CARCAMP (M)
CENTRAL NEVADA
South of Highway 50 tucked between the Toyabe, Toquima, and Monitor Ranges lie the beautiful basins of Ione Valley, Big Smokey Valley, and Monitor Valley. We’ll visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, Spencer Hot Springs, Diana’s Punch Bowl, Peavine Canyon, and old mining towns at Manhattan and Berlin. There is so much to see, three days won’t be long enough and you may want to extend this trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
7. October 16–24 (Sat-Sun)
SALINE VALLEY TAMARISK REMOVAL (E/M)
CARCAMP/SERVICE TRIP, CENTRAL INYO COUNTY
Join Desert Survivors, BLM, and others in our continuing quest to eradicate tamarisk in the canyons of the Inyo Mtns. We will be doing follow-up tamarisk removal and removing any regrowth encountered. This trip will also include numerous dayhikes and two other canyon and petroglyph sites. We will also find time to soak in the Saline Valley hot springs. Come for any or all of the days listed. Limit 15
Contact Leader: Jerry Goss (408) 248-8206
8. November 12–14 (Fri-Sun)
BEGINNING DESERT BACKPACK, RIDGE TO RIFT (E/M)
CARRIZO PLAIN, EASTERN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Experience an arid wildland backpack, a remote experience with support. Learn about and prepare for desert backpacking. We will emphasize skills in different conditions. You will experience cross-country and openspace hiking. Learn to carry water and pathfind. If you ever wanted to backpack in the desert, this trip will help to prepare you. We will travel through different plant communities and sleep on the San Andreas Fault. Explore this wonderful National Monument of early grassland California. To ease your concerns, there will be trail support so you can stop at different times. Limit 15.
Co-leaders: Bob Lyon and Carolyn Dorsch Contact Leader: Michael Yantos (650) 743-2807 yantosarchitect@att.net
General Trip Information
** Annual membership ($30) required for trips. A $20 donation may also be requested by the leader at the trailhead.
** Each participant must sign a general liability waiver before departing on the trip.
** Trips are cooperative in nature.
** Some trips may be exploratory (not previewed by trip leader). Conditions may be difficult and the unexpected may occur. Consult with leader for details before deciding to go on trip.
TRIP SIGN-UP PROCEDURE:
1. You must call or write leader in advance to reserve space and receive a map and detailed trip description. Leader will confirm your sign-up.
2. As noted in trip write-ups above, some leaders have set limits to the number of participants.
3. Sign-ups are first come, first served. A waiting list will be maintained to fill any spaces that arise due to drop-outs. Please notify the leader ahead of time if you are dropping out.
4. As noted in write-ups, some leaders have set beginning and end dates for signing up.
5. Desert Survivors' trips begin at the designated trailhead.
6. While trip participants are expected to cooperate with the trip leader, each participant is responsible for his or her own safety. In particular, trip participants are responsible for safely transporting themselves to and from trip locales.
7. Desert Survivors encourages trip participants to carpool as a means to increase driver safety while reducing costs, energy consumption and environmental impacts. Trip participants are responsible for making their own carpool arrangements. Desert Survivors recommends that trip participants make equitable arrangements to share costs, and that all arrangements and financial compensation should be clearly negotiated in advance.
Additional questions?
Call Dave Halligan, Activities Director, (510) 528-3360.
E-mail to: bighorn@desert-survivors.org
Desert Survivors online: http://www.desert-survivors.org
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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.