SPRING 2006 TRIPS

  1. March 10-12 (Fri-Sun)
    Turtle Mountains Wilderness Backpack (M)
    Southeastern San Bernardino County

    The south end of this wilderness features craggy peaks rising above broad, gently sloping bajadas. Long canyons carved into hard Precambrian gneiss lead into and out of the range. Old mine works may yet exist in the canyons, and Horn Spring (probably dry) is hidden on the east side. Horn Peak (3866') rises above it. I've been trying to get in here since 1991, but the long distances across the valley intimidated me. Now I know we'll just have to walk. Distances are long, but gradients are easy. Carry all water. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706


  2. March 10-12 (Fri-Sun)
    Carrizo Plain Wildflowers Carcamp (E/M)
    Eastern San Luis Obispo County

    Spring brings incredible color to the dry Carrizo Plain. Our base will be Selby Camp in Carrizo National Monument. We'll spend one day in the Caliente Range and another at Shell Creek, known for its abundance and variety of wildflowers. Carolyn Dorsch and Mike Yantos will be our botanical guides. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885


  3. March 17-19 (Fri-Sun)
    Sheephole Mountains Backpack (E/M)
    Southern San Bernardino County

    My first Desert Survivors trip with Steve Tabor, in January 1991, went through these mountains. After 15 years, it's time to go back! We'll backpack a short distance from our cars to a pass, and set up camp for a day of easy exploring. On the second day, we'll climb the peak, which will be a little more strenuous. On the third day, a short backpack out. Early spring wildflowers are possible. Carry all water. Limit 12.
    Contact Leader: Dave Halligan (510) 528-3360


  4. March 24-26 (Fri-Sun)
    Argus Range Service Trip Backpack (M)
    Southern Inyo County

    We'll work with Ridgecrest BLM and Sierra Club volunteers to remove tamarisk in Spring Canyon and Water Canyon on the west side of the Argus Range. The hike to the stream in Spring Canyon is five miles, with 2000' elevation gain. Minimal water carry. On Sunday, we'll look for petroglyphs hidden in deep canyons. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885


  5. March 31 - April 2 (Fri-Sun)
    Artists' Carcamp (E/M)
    Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    Artists and photographers, join us at Bow Willow Campground for a weekend of art, music, stories, and good company. We'll have workshops on pastels, watercolors, and photography. Wildflowers will add plenty of color to this rugged desert setting. Moderate day hikes to Sin Nombre Canyon and Carrizo Gorge. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885


  6. April 1-3 (Sat-Mon)
    Bright Star Service Trip Carcamp (M)

    It's no joke, this wilderness area north of Ridgecrest is impacted by illegal trespass of various kinds. On Saturday, we'll help restore the vegetation and clean out a spring near an old structure site. Sunday is reserved for exploring, and if snow conditions permit, we will walk the length of Bright Star Creek from 7000' to 4000'. Failing this, there are a number of other possible hikes at lower elevation. Monday, we'll finish  work (or play) as needed. Limit 12.
    Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670


  7. April 14-16 (Fri-Sun)
    Mojave National Preserve Carcamp (M)

    Easter weekend is a good time to visit the Hackberry Mountain and Woods Mountain Wilderness on the Preserve's east side. Hikes will range into the hills, looking for yuccas, Joshua trees, hackberry trees, nolinas, and other exotic plants. There are rumors of petroglyphs. We'll watch for evidence of off-road vehicles and shooting. Possible wildflowers if it's rained. Violations to Wilderness will be reported to the BLM.
    Note: This is a wildlife viewing and monitoring 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. April 22 (Sat)
    Desert Survivors Earth Day Party (E)

    We'll gather at a member's house after the Berkeley Earth Day celebration. A separate flyer will give details. For more information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706


  9. April 28-30 (Fri-Sun)
    Mecca Hills Service Trip Carcamp (M)
    Southern Riverside County

    The Needles BLM Office has asked us to do a reconnaissance in the northern section of the Mecca Hills. The wilderness boundary road was reported to have been destroyed by last year's storms and may need to be re-marked. We'll also try to locate springs in the area around Thermal Canyon. Primitive carcamp with moderate hiking. High-clearance 4WD vehicles required. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885


  10. May 27-29 (Sat-Mon)
    Sheldon Wildlife Refuge Carcamp (M)
    Northwestern Nevada

    The Sheldon is a high sagebrush desert near the Oregon border, marked by low hills, high plateaus, and canyons. We'll set up at West Rock Spring Campground, then do three day-long hikes to Catnip Mountain with its outstanding views, to Catnip Canyon with its flowing stream, and to nearby Catnip Reservoir for some bird watching. Expect cool temperatures, galloping antelope, soaring hawks and eagles, perhaps a sage grouse or two, and wildflowers. This high plateau country is at its best in May. Note: Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. Limit 15.
    Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706