FALL 2005 TRIPS
1. September 23-25 (Fri-Sun)
Black Rock Desert Service Trip Carcamp (M)
Northwestern Nevada
After meeting Friday morning for breakfast in Gerlach, we'll hike in the
Calico Mountains Wilderness. That evening we'll set up camp near the hot springs
at Soldier Meadows Ranch. Saturday we'll work with Bureau of Land Management
volunteers camouflaging wilderness roads, and party at night with presentations
by BLM naturalists and wilderness activists. BLM will provide food and drink as
we celebrate Public Lands Day around the campfire. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
2. October 1-3 (Sat-Mon)
"Biking Man" Black Rock Carcamp (M)
Northwestern Nevada
Tired of biking up big hills? Spend three days mountain biking in and
around the famed Black Rock Playa. We will enjoy the wide-open vistas of this
wonderful conservation area. Planned rides include biking to Black Rock Hot and
Double Hot Springs. With few hills, this will be a good trip for first-time
unsupported long-distance riders.
Contact Leader: Paul Menkes (510) 525-9347
pmenkes@pacbell.net
3. October 14-16 (Fri-Sun)
Leave No Trace Carcamp/Backpack (M)
Little High Rock, Northwestern Nevada
On Friday we'll dayhike in the Black Rock Desert and camp at hot springs
on the shore. Saturday and Sunday we'll join Brian Murdock of the Black Rock NCA
staff on a two-day backpack trip in the Little High Rock Canyon Wilderness,
learning and teaching Leave No Trace practices and wilderness ethics. While
there, we'll monitor the wilderness for trespass and vandalism. Expect cool
weather and good wildlife in this high sagebrush desert land. Note: We'll be
hiking with folks from other Nevada groups, so good networking! Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
4. October 14-16 (Fri-Sun)
Benton Hot Springs Artists' Carcamp (E/M)
Artists, photographers, musicians, and storytellers will gather for our fourth
art-focused carcamp. We'll begin with a hike in Panum Crater. Base camp will be
at Benton Hot Springs, where we've reserved our own hot tubs. Friday night will
feature potluck dinner, campfire, music, and stories. Sketching, watercolor, and
photo workshops, plus hikes in Red Rock Canyon on Saturday. Sunday we'll do a
show and tell at the Old House Gallery. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
5. October 23 (Sunday)
Annual Meeting/Desert Conference (E)
Location: Same as last year
The Desert Survivors Annual Membership Meeting is where we elect directors and make bylaws changes; but at this year's meeting, we'll do more. As last year, presentations on environmental topics and issues will accompany the usual speeches and the election. The traditional potluck meal will follow, plus some entertainment appropriate for a Saturday night. Good turnouts the last three years have been a great morale boost for the group's directors and volunteers. Details will be sent in a separate mailing in early September. For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
6. October 29-31 (Sat-Mon)
Cottonwood Mountain Loop (M/S)
Death Valley National Park
This will be another trip exploring canyons on the west side of Death
Valley. This spring a Survivor trip ascended from the central salt pan to within
three miles of Whitetop Mountain. This trip will descend another canyon from
above, join the previously explored canyon, and return to the top. The return is
narrow and winding with a number of spectacular but passable dry falls. The
initial descent is unknown. Regardless of the outcome, adventure is guaranteed.
Total distance is 16 steep canyon miles. Carry all water. Limit 12. Contact
Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche@earthlink.net
7. November 4-6 (Fri-Sun)
Monument Peak Backpack (M)
Joshua Tree National Park
A three-day circumnavigation of Monument Peak in Joshua Tree NP. Westward
from Cottonwood, we hike over Monument Peak ridge and go out via Porcupine Wash.
We backpack all the way in some of Joshua Tree's least traveled wilderness--wash
walking with high ridges in the middle--24 miles at a moderate pace. Carry all
water; cool weather at mid-elevation at the end of the dry season. Note: This is
a wildlife viewing trip. Participants 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. November 11-13 (Fri-Sun)
Lee Flat Backpack (E/M)
Death Valley National Park
Lee Flat is one of those "must see" corners of DVNP. On the first day
we'll backpack cross-country about five miles through a forest of Joshua trees,
set up camp, then enjoy an easy day-hike to the summit of Nelson Peak. The next
day we'll backpack about five miles across the flat and day-hike through
pinyon-juniper to the summit of Cerro Gordo. The last day is a relatively short
backpack to the cars. This will be a great trip for beginners or those new to
backpacking in the desert. Carry all water. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Dave Halligan (510) 528-3360
9. November 11-13 (Fri-Sun)
Hole in the Wall to Echo Canyon Backpack (S)
Death Valley National Park
We'll begin near Hole in the Wall in Eastern Death Valley, hiking steadily
upward following the old jeep road to Red Amphitheater. Then it's cross-country
over the Funeral Mountains to the Inyo Mine ghost town. The last leg will be
down through picturesque Echo Canyon, past Needles Eye to Travertine Springs.
Distance is 23 miles or less, depending on road access, with 5300' of elevation
gain. Carry all water. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
10. November 18-20 (Fri-Sun)
Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness Area (M/S)
San Diego County
The mountains are low, but the weathered granite hills, woody brush, and
absence of water will make this trip south of Anza-Borrego state park a
challenge. We cross a low pass and follow a wash to camp below the mountain
called Red Top. After a climb on the second day, we have several options for
completing the loop to return to the cars. While the edges are known, few
hikers travel to the interior of this wilderness. A hardscrabble backpack; carry
all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche@earthlink.net
11. November 24-27 (Thu-Sun)
Palo Verde Mtns/Vinagre Wash Carcamp (M)
Southeastern California
Spend Thanksgiving weekend south of Blythe. On the first day we'll search
the Palo Verde Mtns for saguaro cactus. For the next two days we'll hike to
springs in Vinagre Wash. Transferred from private ownership to BLM, it's a
candidate for roadless status to protect burro deer and desert tortoise. Finally
we'll visit the Cibola Wildlife Refuge on the Colorado River. Short days mean
quick dayhikes and long nights around the campfire. Note: This is a wildlife
viewing trip. Participants 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
12. December 3-5 (Sat-Mon)
Horse Thief Roundup Service Trip (M)
Northeastern San Bernardino County
Horse Thief Spring is north of I15 and east of Tecopa. Here an abandoned
cabin is collapsing on open BLM land amid scatterings of trash. Saturday will be
spent collecting the litter and restoring the site. Sunday will feature a hike
to the high point of the nearby Mesquite Mountains for views of several dry
lakes and surrounding mountains. Monday will include a brief inspection of a
proposed wind energy site before an early start for home. Bring work gloves and
carcamping amenities.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche@earthlink.net