For reference, we have many listings for Past Trips.
Current Trip Information
Remember: You must be a member of Desert Survivors with a release on file to join in with one of these trips. Join Desert Survivors if you are not yet a member.
If you are new to Desert Survivors or contemplating joining one of our interesting desert trips as a new member please read General Trip Information at the bottom of this page.
Many of our popular trips, particularly car camps on 3 day holiday weekends, tend to fill early and quickly, so plan accordingly. We ask that if you do secure a reservation with a trip leader, please be sure to use it, but if you cannot keep the reservation then advise the trip leader immediately to allow someone on standby to take the open slot.
Other backpacking trips tend not to fill to maximum at all times and may have an open space or two. If you find yourself with an open weekend and want to join in, try phoning the trip leader, space may still be available.
Most of our trip leaders ask that you contact them directly by telephone. This enables the leaders to assess your skills and abilities and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Your safety and enjoyment while on the trip is just one of their many concerns. They want you have fun and the trip to be a rewarding experience. This also enables the trip leaders to build a "balanced group" that will enhance everyone's enjoyment of the trip.
Upon securing a slot for the trip you will be mailed additional information concerning the meeting area, car pooling, last minute changes, etc.
Click here for your Overnight Backpacking Checklist.
Also available in PDF format (344 KB)
DESERT SURVIVORS TRIP SCHEDULE
WINTER 2010/2011
I have come here not only to evade the clamor and filth of civilization, but to learn to see all the elements of nature, undefiled by the human beings.
— Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
Trip leaders may add trips during the schedule period. Refer to our Web site for updates, http://www.desert-survivors.org/ experience share protect
(E) EASY (M) MODERATE (S) STRENUOUS
1. Dec 5 (Sun)
TRIP LEADERS SEMINAR (E)
SAN FRANCISCO
Training and discussion for present and future trip leaders will include first-aid standards and training, planning for backpacks and carcamps, recruitment techniques, and case histories. We need new trip leaders—so please call if you are interested. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
2. December 11 (Sat)
DESERT SURVIVORS CHRISTMAS PARTY (E)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Join us for our annual holiday fest at Lynne Buckner’s house at 67 Wool Street. Activities include potluck dinner, gear auction, white-elephant gift exchange, and to meet friends old and new
Contact: Lynne Buckner (415) 824-5454
3. January 7–9 (Fri-Sun)
DIABLO RANGE BACKPACK (M)
SOUTHERN FRESNO COUNTY, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Over 10,000 acres of public land encompass Juniper Ridge, Diaz Canyon, and Joaquin Ridge near Coalinga. Deer, quail and wild pig share the land with domestic horses. Our route will include Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail to Kreyenhegen Peak and outlaw Joaquin Murietta’s hideout in Joaquin Rocks. We’ll start from the usually deserted Coalinga Mineral Springs Campground where the hotel, spa, and even restrooms are gone. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
4. January 14–17 (Fri-Mon)
EL PASO MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS CARCAMP/BACKPACK
(M)
EASTERN KERN COUNTY (SOUTHERN SIERRA–NORTHERN
MOJAVE)
Located near the beautiful (yet popular) Red Rock Canyon State Park, this wilderness area serves as a free, more remote, and less traveled alternative. The badlands topography is composed of colored buttes, volcanic mesas, and snaking canyons, all of which surround the areas central feature: the 5244' Black Mountain. A main focus of the trip will be to examine the many edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses of the plants found on our daily treks. Botanical ID tips will be given in the field, and hands-on teaching activities will take place back at camp. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Tellur Fenner (510) 290-6841
5. January 28–30 (Fri-Sun)
AMARGOSA RIVER SERVICE TRIP (M)
EAST OF DEATH VALLEY
The popular river trail runs south from Tecopa to China Ranch along the old Tonapah and Tidewater rail bed. With Barstow BLM we’ll remove trash, repair washouts, and clean up riparian damage. On Sunday we’ll stop for date treats at China Ranch and hike to the falls of the Amargosa River or the 200' mudstone columns in a dramatic canyon Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
6. February 5 (Sat)
GROUNDHOG DAY PARTY (E)
LIVERMORE, CA
We might have six more weeks of winter, but we expect this day will be sunny enough for barbeque and outdoor fun at Steve Perry’s house, 1323 Lexington Way
Contact: Steve Perry (925) 443-8894
7. February 11–13 (Fri-Sun)
PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT CAR CAMP (M)
SOUTHWESTERN SAN BENITO COUNTY
Deep canyons, with boulder filled Talus caves, dramatic rock formations and possible condor sightings. Join us for hiking, campfire stories and music. Sorry, no pets on trails.
Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
8. February 18–21 (Fri-Mon)
SALINE VALLEY HOT SPRINGS CARCAMP/BACKPACK (M)
NORTHERN MOJAVE-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
A true desert oasis, eerily picturesque, and tucked away in one of the most remote parts of the state. We’ll enjoy the springs while also trekking out into the tranquil solitude that surrounds this semi-popular destination. A main focus of the trip will be to examine the many edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses of the plants found on our daily explorations. Botanical ID tips will be given in the field, and hands-on teaching activities will take place back at camp. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Tellur Fenner (510) 290-6841
9. March 4–6 (Fri-Sun)
DARWIN WILDERNESS MONITORING SERVICE TRIP (M)
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Wilderness monitoring training requires no prior experience. This area east of Death Valley includes the popular destinations of China Garden Spring and Darwin Falls. Easy access for toy-haulers means the area is frequently used by off-road vehicles disturbing wildlife habitat and causing long-term disfigurement. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 586-6855
General Trip Information
** Annual membership ($30) required for trips. A $20 donation may also be requested by the leader at the trailhead.
** Each participant must sign a general liability waiver before departing on the trip.
** Trips are cooperative in nature.
** Some trips may be exploratory (not previewed by trip leader). Conditions may be difficult and the unexpected may occur. Consult with leader for details before deciding to go on trip.
TRIP SIGN-UP PROCEDURE:
1. You must call or write leader in advance to reserve space and receive a map and detailed trip description. Leader will confirm your sign-up.
2. As noted in trip write-ups above, some leaders have set limits to the number of participants.
3. Sign-ups are first come, first served. A waiting list will be maintained to fill any spaces that arise due to drop-outs. Please notify the leader ahead of time if you are dropping out.
4. As noted in write-ups, some leaders have set beginning and end dates for signing up.
5. Desert Survivors' trips begin at the designated trailhead.
6. While trip participants are expected to cooperate with the trip leader, each participant is responsible for his or her own safety. In particular, trip participants are responsible for safely transporting themselves to and from trip locales.
7. Desert Survivors encourages trip participants to carpool as a means to increase driver safety while reducing costs, energy consumption and environmental impacts. Trip participants are responsible for making their own carpool arrangements. Desert Survivors recommends that trip participants make equitable arrangements to share costs, and that all arrangements and financial compensation should be clearly negotiated in advance.
Additional questions?
Call Jerry Goss, President, (408) 248-8206; Bob Lyon, Activities Director, (415) 586-6855
E-mail to: bighorn@desert-survivors.org
Desert Survivors online: http://www.desert-survivors.org
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Desert Wildflowers: Where and When?
An often asked question of Desert Survivors is "what trip should I choose to see desert wildflowers". This can sometimes be a difficult question to answer. Phone the trip leader and ask that question if you are interested in that aspect of your trip. Click on the above link for additional information about desert wildflowers.