Hi Happy Hikers,

Well, summer is just around the corner here in the Sonoran desert. We had a mediocre winter regarding rainfall, so there's not a lot of snow left to melt, to keep our streams in the canyons running through summer.

Wildflowers are out in the lower elevations, but it doesn't appear we'll have much of a bloom, depending on the area. Some of our open spaces close to Palm Springs are showing sand verbena, and the edges of the 10 freeway & Hwy 62, (the route to Joshua Tree Nat'l Park), are showing desert dandelion, and some dune primrose. I haven't checked on conditions at Anza Borrego State park, but it's generally similar to the Coachella Valley.
We'll be offering our Sunrise Joshua Tree tours this summer, meeting before sunrise to enjoy the cooler mornings with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, (coyotes, ravens, snakes & lizards, maybe even a rare desert tortoise). We avoid the crowds & have many of the areas to ourselves, (plus, you can be back & napping at the pool by noon!).

And, there's always the cool forest with fresh mt. air at 8,500 ft. We offer several hikes  up there, ranging fro 1-2 fairly easy miles, a great 5 mile loop, and the fitness challenge climb to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, 10,834 ft. for amazing 360 degree views.

We look forward to meeting you & exploring one of the gems here in the southwest.

Happy trails,  Scott  chief guide

Here's a quote I've always loved by one of the great minds of time past:

"To laugh often and much;
 
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
 
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
 
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
 
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
 
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
 
This is to have succeeded'.
 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We here at Trail Discovery wish you & yours an amazing year ahead, full of life, love, exploration & continued growth & prgress towards all your hopes & dreams.

Happy Trails,
Scott 2

Hi friends,
The Coachella Valley & surrounding area has been experiencing some unusual weather & conditions the last month. Much cooler weather, (70's & 80'sF), followed by triple digit heat typical this time of year.

A 30k acre wildfire, (around the city of Big Bear), has blown through part of the San Bernardino Nat'l forest. Things are under control now, with no loss of life, & only a few structures destroyed.

We're conducting tours in the San Jacinto State park, (above the PS Aerial tram), in the cool, 8,500 ft. pine forest. Easy 1-2 mile walks, or the 5 mile, 2,400 ft. climb to the summit of San Jacinto, 10,834 ft.

Joshua Tree Nat'l park is also a summer option, if your an early riser. At 4,500 ft., there's magical, wide-open vistas that stretch for miles.

Have a great 4th of July weekend, and get in a nice hike with a friend, family, or just you!
Happy trails,

Scott, chief guide