Join the Friends for “Thursday Morning Hikes,” A Popular Program of Free, Volunteer-Led Hikes
Every Thursday Through April2008

PALM DESERT, CA – September 26, 2007 – Friends of the Desert Mountains (Friends), a Coachella Valley land conservation nonprofit, offers “Thursday Morning Hikes” to accommodate the desert’s growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

After a well-attended early-morning summer program, participants of the Friends’ Thursday Morning Hikes will be sleeping in a little later. Every Thursday through April 2008, hikers, naturalists and other outdoor enthusiasts will meet at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center at 8:30 am and begin hiking by 8:45. The Monument Visitor Center is located in south Palm Desert on Highway 74, four miles south of Highway 111. The guided hikes are free to the public and beginners are welcome! Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring plenty of water.

These one to two hour, easy to moderate hikes in the National Monument explore several trails, including the Art Smith, Hopalong Cassidy and Randall Henderson trails. For itinerary information or to assist with the program, check the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ website, www.fotdm.org, call the Monument Visitor Center Office at (760) 862-9084, or e-mail to Program Director Scott Segal at ssegal@saveourmountains.org.