SPRING 2007 TRIPS
March 9-11 (Fri-Sun)
Old Woman Mountains Backpack (S)
BLM Wilderness Southern California
Experience the early spring glories of the Old Woman Mountains. This
impressive desert range lies far from civilization, offering expansive
views and untrammeled paths. We will approach the mountains from Ward
Valley to the east, and our goal will be to reach the range high point
(which is not the Old Woman Statue). We may even see some of the bighorn
that still hang out here. Carry all water. Limit 12.
Contract Trip Leader: Dave Halligan (510) 528-3360
March 12-16 (Mon-Fri) 5 days
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Carcamp (M-S)
Western Arizona
This a remote, rugged reserve, just east of the California border south
of Blythe. We will explore Arizona’s only canyon of native palms,
attempt a peak or two, explore canyons, enjoy the wildflowers, which
should be at their height, and maybe even glimpse a bighorn. This is an
ideal place to enjoy spring in the Colorado desert. The hikes will be
exploratory. Although they will be of moderate length and elevation
gain, they will be quite demanding because the terrain, all off-trail,
is very rugged. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Lucy DuPertuis (505) 275-3514
duperhiker@yahoo.com
March 16-18 (Fri-Sun)
Carrizo Plain Carcamp (M)
Central California
The Carrizo Plain in spring is a wonderland of wildlife and wildflowers.
The trick is to find it dry enough to avoid deep mud, wet enough for the
sand hill cranes at Soda Lake, and warm enough for a great wildflower
display. Pronghorn antelope, tule elk, kit fox, and giant condors
beckon. Other attractions Painted Rock and the zigzag San Andreas Fault
at Wallace Creek. Mike Yantos and Carolyn Dosrsch will be our botanical
guides. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon@sbcglobal.net
Mar 16 -18 (Fri - Sun)
Backpack and Service Trip I (M)
Indian Pass Wilderness Area
Immediately west of the Colorado River our goal is to locate and
inventory nine small-game guzzlers as a service to the El Centro office
of the BLM. This will be a navigational challenge through a maze of
washes and sculpted cliffs. The rugged, red spires and low desert
vegetation make this wilderness quite unlike the northern deserts of
eastern California. Ironically we must carry all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche@earthlink.net
March 19-21 (Mon - Wed)
Backpack and Service Trip II (M)
Little Picacho Wilderness Area
Another trip in the southern desert - again to find and monitor
small-game guzzlers. These artificial water sources are often
problematical. Their state of repair and the frequency of visitation by
animals and humans are data needed by the El Centro BLM office. We will
navigate though washes and hills by map, compass, and GPS - an
exploratory trip in a rugged, eroded landscape. Carry all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche@earthlink.net
March 24 (Sun)
Trip Leaders Forum (E)
Location to be confirmed, but tentatively at 569 Victoria Street, San
Francisco.
Contact Activities Director: Bob Lyon (415)674-6885
robtlyon@sbcglobal.net
April 6-8 (Fri-Sun)
Castle Peaks Carcamp (M)
Mojave National Preserve Wilderness, California
Spend Easter Weekend exploring Castle Peaks on the MNP's east side,
Wilderness historically overgrazed and trespassed by off-road vehicles.
Do three dayhikes on ridges and in canyons, checking springs, looking
for evidence of abuse. Expect yuccas, joshua trees, other exotic plants,
perhaps petroglyphs, wildflowers if it's rained. The Peaks are volcanic
necks, impressively photogenic. Visit the MNP in its best 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
April 21 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Earth Day Party (E)
San Francisco Bay Area
Our Earth Day Party celebrates the Spring season and our activist
program. Early in the day, we'll attend Berkeley Earth Day, staffing our
outreach table and meeting the public. In the evening, we'll gather at a
member's house for a potluck meal and party, to meet, greet, and show
slides after sundown. A great opportunity to meet new friends and get
involved in Desert Survivors activities. A separate flyer will give
details about location. Join us!
For more information, call Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
April 21-23 (Sat-Mon)
Cottonwood Mountain Backpack (S)
Death Valley National Park
This trip will explore two canyons on the west side of Death Valley.
Last spring a Survivor trip ascended from the central salt pan to within
three miles of Whitetop Mountain. This year's trip will descend the
unknown upper part of this canyon, continue down the known lower
portion, and then return to the start along a parallel canyon and ridge.
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
April 21-29 (Sat-Sun) 9 days.
Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area Backpack (S)
A week in the Inyos. We will hike and explore several of the remotest
canyons in the Inyos. All of the canyons have historic mining trails,
mills, mines and sites. We will also explore for a missing trail link
from McElvoy Canyon to the Inyo crest and the Union Wash trail. This
will be a strenuous trip with a total elevation gain of over 14,000
feet. There will be water but you must be able to carry a two-day
supply. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Gerry Goss (408) 248-8206
May 7-14 (Sat-Sun) 7 days
Sid’s Mountain Backpack (M-S)
Utah San Rafael Swell
Sid’s Mountain and the San Rafael River are the dominant features in
this land of deep colorful canyons. We’ll wade in the river, hike remote
canyons, climb slickrock domes and look for Barrier Canyon Art. We’ll
start along the San Rafael River and loop through Cane Wash and Moore’s
Canyon. We’ll find pioneer cabins on Sids Mesa and climb Swazy Dome. The
last 3 days will be a loop through Virgin Spring Canyon, Saddle Horse
Canyon, and Salt Wash. No sign-ups before 8 am March 7. Limit 12
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon@sbcglobal.net
May 10-14 (Thur-Mon) 5 days
Black Rock High Points Backpack (M/S)
Black Rock Desert, Nevada
We'll day hike Donnelly Peak, the high point of the Calico Range on the
west side of the Black Rock Desert on Friday. Saturday we'll backpack
into the Black Rock Range on the east side of the desert, and will day
hike Pahute Peak (also known as Big Mountain), the high point of the
range, on Sunday. Monday we'll pack out and return. The ascent of
Donnelly Peak is the strenuous part of this trip. The backpack and climb
of Pahute Peak is moderate. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: John Wilkinson (408) 947-0858
johnfw1@mac.com
May 26-28 (Sat-Mon)
Seven Troughs Range Carcamp (M)
Western Nevada
Three hikes in primitive BLM desert/mountain country northwest of
Lovelock. We'll visit old mines, desert springs, and mountaintops. Wide
views, warm weather and possible flower blooms if rains have been good.
We'll hike in the nearby Trinity Range as well. 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