Current and Past 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.

Click here for your Overnight Backpacking Checklist.

For reference, we have many listings for trips in the past.

If you are new to Desert Survivors or contemplating joining one of our interesting desert trips as a new member please click on the above "General Trip Information" button to acquaint yourself with additional information concerning the scheduled trips below.

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.

It may help you to jot down your questions before phoning.

SPRING 2008 TRIPS

March 1 (Sat)
Briones Dayhike (M)
North of Lafayette, CA

What new vegetation has the rain brought the East Bay? Hike about 8 mi. in the wonderfully green spaces of Briones Regional Park. Rain may cancel. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
March 7-9 (Fri-Sun)
Land o' Lava Mojave Preserve Carcamp (M)
San Bernardino County

Explore the lava tube and arch, fossil lava falls, Shaman's Eye in the Sky, multiple petroglyphs, Kelso Dunes, and the newly renovated Kelso station, wild places where lava, sand, and remnants of old cultures await discovery. Wildflowers should be starting. Carcamping will be wild-style with campfires and music. Dog friendly. High-clearance 2WD. Carpooling highly recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
March 21-23 (Fri-Sun)
Chuckwalla Mtns. Wilderness Backpack (M)
Riverside County

Previous trips have explored old miners' trails here. Now we'll enjoy the benefits by hiking a through route connecting trails on the east and west. Sixteen miles with a shuttle. Moderate elevation gains on good tread. Carry all water. Expect wildflowers if it's rained. Full-moon weekend. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip you must stay behind the leader while hiking; if you cannot, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
March 21-24 (Fri-Mon)
Sylvania Mountains Wilderness Backpack (M/S)
California/Nevada State Line

Connect deeper to the desert and ourselves on this part nature quest/vision quest backpack north of the Last Chance Range in Death Valley. Celebrate the spring solstice, experience the spirituality of nature; listen deeply on a silent day, move slowly on a still day, and have two days to share experiences with my facilitation. High-clearance 2WD. Carpooling strongly encouraged. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
March 28-30 (Fri-Sun)
Carrizo Plain Wildflower Carcamp (E/M)
Eastern San Luis Obispo County

For our fourth annual spring trip to the Carrizo Plain, coleader Carolyn Dorsch will serve as botanist as we join with the California Native Plant Society to check out the spring bloom. Optional 17-mi. hike to Caliente Mountain for those less inclined toward viewing pistils and stamens. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
March 29 (Sat)
Morgan Territory Dayhike (M)
North of Livermore, CA

We will hike about 7 mi. in an area I like to call Island in the Sky. In this delightful area southeast of Mt. Diablo, we'll explore the isolated and spacious terrain, enjoying abundant spring wildflowers. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
April 11-13 (Fri-Sun)
Weird n' Wild Western Mojave Carcamp (M)

After hiking the wild and remote Grand Canyon of the Rodmans, a lava box canyon with plenty of petroglyphs, we beam up to one the western Mojave's weirdest offerings, the Integratron, a man-made dome that attracts the odd and otherworldly. Finally we visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve and the desert woodland Arthur B. Ripley State Park, anticipating a resplendent display of spring flowers amongst some of the westernmost Joshua trees. Wild-style carcamping with campfires and music. High-clearance 2WD. Carpooling highly recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
April 19 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Earth Day Party (E)

To celebrate the spring season and our activist program, we'll attend Berkeley Earth Day, staffing our outreach table and meeting the public. That evening we'll gather at a member's house for a potluck meal and party, to meet, greet, and show slides. Details about Bay Area location in a separate flyer.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
April 19-27 (Sat-next Sun)
Inyo Wilderness/Saline Valley Backpack (S)
Northwest of Death Valley

A week in the Inyos continuing last spring's hike on the Lonesome Miner trail. We will explore several of the more remote Inyo canyons that we didn't reach last year. All of the canyons have historic mining trails, mills, mines, and sites. This will be a strenuous trip; however, the last two days we will soak at the Saline Hot Springs. There will be water, but you must be able to carry a two-day supply. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Gerry Goss (408) 248-8206
April 19-21 (Sat-Mon)
Sheephole Valley Service Backpack (M/S)
Exploration in Southern San Bernardino County

The California Department of Fish and Game expects soon to construct six large animal guzzlers inside this wilderness whose mountain ranges are home to bighorn sheep, with desert tortoise habitat in the central valley. We will examine existing and proposed guzzler sites. This is an opportunity to advocate for responsible use of wilderness while enjoying a remote and rugged area. Cross-country, 23 mi. Carry all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
April 25-27 (Fri-Sun)
Mesquite Wilderness Carcamp (M)
Northeast San Bernardino County

The Mesquite and North Mesquite Wilderness Areas are remote ranges in the Mojave near the Nevada border that exhibit unusual sedimentary rock layers. Joshua trees, blackbrush, and desert grasses grow in the hills, creosote bush in the valleys. We'll watch for desert tortoise and hope for a wildflower show if there's been rain. Join us for a visit to two unique places that are seldom explored. Note: On this wildlife- viewing trip you must stay behind the leader while hiking; if you cannot, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
April 26 (Sat)
Sunol Wilderness Dayhike (M/S)
South of Pleasanton, CA

Discover the hidden wilds just outside suburbia, where country roads lead to a huge wilderness area with fantastic geology and views. We'll hike about 8 mi. throughout the area, including Little Yosemite and Cave Rocks. Spring wildflowers should be in full bloom. Parking fee $5 per car, so carpooling is recommended. Dog friendly ($2 fee). Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
May 3-5 (Sat-Mon)
Carrizo Plain Tamarisk Service Trip (M)
Eastern San Luis Obispo County

Wildlife in Carrizo Plain National Monument is handicapped when invasive tamarisk dry up backcountry springs. On this "Tamarisk Bash" we will hike into the backcountry to remove limited stands in two remote canyons. Camping in a juniper forest on the Caliente Ridge, we will hike several miles with hand saws and loppers to our work site each day. The area is rugged, seldom visited, and biologically significant. Monday is reserved for sightseeing in the central plain of the monument. High-clearance vehicles recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
May 3-5 (Sat-Mon)
Furnace Creek Backpack (M)
White Mountains, Western Nevada

On the east side of the White Mountains near Dyer, Nevada, Furnace Creek is a beautiful stream, threatened by plans to rebuild a road that washed out sometime in the '80s. We'll backpack up the creek the first day, do a dayhike beyond the head of the canyon to Tres Plumas Flats next day, and backpack out the last day. There should be time for most people to drive home that afternoon. Water is available near our campsite. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: John Wilkinson (408) 947-0858
johnfw1 (at sign here) mac.com
May 4-10 (Sun-Sat)
Waterpocket Fold Triad Backpack (M/S)
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Two overnighters and one three-day backpack through the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mi., 65-million-year-old warp in the earth's crust, and the Hall's Creek drainage in eastern Capitol Reef National Park. Our first overnighter will take Upper Muley Twist Canyon and return along the top of the Fold with spectacular views. Our next overnighter will descend into Lower Muley Twist canyon behind the Fold, followed by a three-day hike into the Hall's Creek drainage with a layover dayhike (and wade) through the stunning beauty of the Hall's Creek Narrows. Coleader Steve Perry. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
May 17 (Sat)
Tilden Park Dayhike (M)
Berkeley, CA

Enjoy this hidden-in-plain-sight park in the Berkeley Hills, where getting away from it all is so easy. I'm always amazed at how vast and little-used the trails are (being so close to so many people) and how fun they can be. We'll hike about 8 mi. from eucalyptus groves to 360 views of the Bay Area. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
May 24-26 (Sat-Mon)
Virgin Valley/Sheldon Refuge Carcamp (M)
Northwest Nevada

Three hikes in the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge. Hike from the BLM's Virgin Valley Campground to Gooch Table and Big Spring Table, plus one day down Thousand Creek Gorge, braving its chilly waters and rip-rap boulders. In between we'll enjoy meals, campfires, and the warm springs nearby (85 F). Memorial Day is the height of spring in the Sheldon, the best time to go. Note: On this wildlife-viewing trip you must stay behind the leader while hiking; if you cannot, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
June 6-8 (Fri-Sun)
Poodle Mountain Carcamp (M)
Northwest Nevada

Our campsite is 8 mi. up a rough 4WD cherrystem deep in the Poodle Mtn. WSA northwest of Gerlach. The area is rich in wildlife, including pronghorn, sage grouse, and maybe horses. Dayhikes will include a short but steep climb of Poodle Mountain and a longer trek down Tin Canyon to Eddie's Garden, an isolated mesa which has probably never been grazed. This should be a good time for flowers in the area, none of which the BLM officially recommends for wilderness. We can carpool the 4WD road from Hwy 447. Coleader David Oline. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net

SUMMER 2008 TRIPS

May 17 (Sat)
Tilden Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Berkeley, CA

Enjoy this hidden-in-plain-sight park in the Berkeley hills, where getting away from it all is so easy. I'm always amazed at how vast and little-used the trails are (close to so many people) and how fun they can be. We'll hike about 8 mi., from deep eucalyptus groves to 360-degree views. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
May 18 (Sat)
Desert Survivor Trip Leaders Seminar
San Francisco, CA

These twice-yearly seminars are open to any person who has submitted a written request to become a trip leader, covering issues faced by leaders, trip planning, first-aid requirements, service trips, and reimbursement for first-aid training.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
May 24-26 (Sat-Mon)
Black Rock Rendezvous Carcamp (E)
Gerlach, NV

Diverse organizations that use and enjoy the Black Rock Desert come together once a year to educate, share, and entertain. In addition to our booth, Desert Survivors will offer a workshop and hike on the Desert Trail, which goes right across the Black Rock playa. Come for one or all of the days, to partake in the desert education and activities (plus campfires, music, and potlucks), and, if you can, to help out Desert Survivors by staffing the booth or bringing up materials.
Contact Organizer: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
June 6-8 (Fri-Sun)
Poodle Mountains Carcamp (M)
Northwest Nevada

Camp 8 mi. up a rough cherrystem deep in the Poodle Mtn. Wilderness Study Area northwest of Gerlach. The area is rich in wildlife including pronghorn, sage grouse, and wild horses. Dayhikes will include a short but steep climb of Poodle Mtn. and a longer trek down Tin Mtn. to Eddie's Garden, an isolated mesa which has probably never been grazed and is not recommended by BLM for wilderness status. This should be a good time for flowers. Co-leader David Oline. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
June 14 (Sat)
Wildcat Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Richmond, CA

Our last spring dayhike ranges from the shade of live oaks and bay laurels to breezy panoramic views of San Pablo Ridge. The scale of this park never fails to impress, as our route should illustrate the wild in Wildcat. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
June 14-15 (Sat-Sun)
Leave No Trace Trainer Training Carcamp (M)
Sierra Foothills, North Fork American River

Our topic is the Seven Priciples of Leave-No-Trace camping, but we will also explore historic gold-mining trails and sites and ponder the area's geology. After an initial 1800' descent into Green Valley, our route will be relatively level. Each participant will teach an LNT principle to the rest of the group, so please do not sign up unless you are dedicated to learning. Upon completion, you will receive a LNT Trainer certificate. The trip leader is a LNT Master Educator.
Contact Leader: Catherine O'Riley (530) 346-9323
nfpathfinder (at sign here) yahoo.com
June 21 (Sat)
Summer Solstice Party (E)
Oakland, CA

Beginning a new annual tradition, we'll share a BBQ and potluck meal, drinks, stories, slides and videos, as well as music--bring your instruments. Also, on this longest day of the year and first full day of summer, we will celebrate the sun with an offering: Bring a simple sun-inspired gift to exchange -- costumes and hats are encouraged! Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer.
For information, call: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org

Oregon Desert Trail Relay

Since 2001 Desert Survivors has conducted a series of relay backpacks on the Desert Trail from Mexico northward. That year we did the entire California Desert Trail in two stages. In 2004 and 2005 we did the south and then the north halves of the Nevada Desert Trail. This summer we will complete the mapped portion of the Desert Trail in Oregon, from the Nevada border to its current terminus at Highway 78 east of Burns. Join us for five trips that are sure to be an exciting adventure. Limit 15 on these trips.

June 27-29 (Fri-Sun)
Pueblo Mountains Segment (M/S)

Meet in Denio to begin this 24-mi. segment, up Denio Canyon and along the crest to Fields. Water in several places. Views from the top are outstanding. Aspen groves and bighorn sheep are major features. Parts are strenuous uphill. Footing is good in the canyons but can be rough on the crest.
Contact Leader: Skip Smith (541) 598-7404
bs_as3457 (at sign here) yahoo.com
July 5-6 (Sat-Sun)
Alvord Desert Segment (M)

Meet in Fields to begin the 23 mi. hike to Frog Spring across the Alvord Desert. Features are greasewood flats, dry lakes, Borax Spring, great views of surrounding mountains, and the biggest payoff of all, wide-open spaces. Hiking is entirely flat ground. Expect some heat, but we will carry umbrellas to protect ourselves from the sun. Carry all water for two days. This is real desert hiking, with the mountains only a memory.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 7-12 (Mon-Sat)
Steens Mountain/John Scharff Segments (S)

These two segments will be hiked as one 50-mi. six-day journey from Frog Spring to Page Springs, right over the top of the Steens, Southeast Oregon's premier mountain massif. Strong uphill on the first two days past Little Wildhorse Lake to the crest. Aspen groves, junipers, and mountain streams. Outstanding views at the summit and possible snow, then into the Steens' glacial gorges and across the desert country to the east. Downhill the last three days. An experience not to be missed.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
July 14-15 (Mon-Tues)
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Segment (M)

This 24-mi. route from Page Springs to Diamond Craters crosses grasslands, rimrocks, and sage hills. Good bird watching at Page Springs and the Blitzen Valley marshes, also volcanic calderas and lava flows. The ground is gently rolling with junipers for shade. Malheur has outstanding wildlife values.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
July 16-19 (Wed-Sat)
Riddle Mountain Segment (S)

Four days of strenuous hiking to complete this 36-mi. segment. The route has many ups and downs, crossing 13 ridges of various heights and many gulches. Net gain from west to east is 2000'. Your reward is hillsides of juniper trees and an experience of remote and sometimes difficult country. Springs are few; water will have to be purified. A fitting end to the Desert Trail's version of the Western wilderness experience.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885
robtlyon (at sign here) sbcglobal.net
July 19-20 (Sat-Sun)
End-of-Relay Celebration (E)

We will celebrate the end of the relay late Saturday as we greet the hikers coming out of the Riddle Mountain Segment. We'll treat the hikers to a meal Saturday night and have a campfire, then eat breakfast together and hike on Sunday morning before heading home in the afternoon. A fitting end to our Desert Trail explorations.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 26 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Summer Picnic (E)
Tilden Park, Berkeley, CA

We gather at 11 a.m. for our traditional summer potluck meal and desert stories. Badminton in the afternoon and a hike to the ridge later in the day. Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer. Note: Come early for Bob Lyon's "Beginning Backpack" seminar at the same location.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
July 26-28 (Sat-Mon)
White Mountains Carcamp (M/S)
Eastern Mono County

Escape the heat and crowds in a bristlecone forest. We explore the upper Cottonwood Spring area Saturday, then try in a long hike to reach White Mountain Peak Sunday. If we turn back before the peak, the views east and west are still extraordinary. Monday will be gentle as we visit the Shulman Bristlecone Grove then head home. Cameras a necessity. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
August 2 (Sat)
Redwood Regional Park Dayhike (M)
Oakland, CA

A mid-summer dayhike in a shaded redwood paradise of California sequoia redwoods in a park known for its cool ecosystem. We hike about 6 mi. Dog friendly. Limit 10.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
August 9-10 (Sat-Sun)
Bodie Days Carcamp (E)
Bodie State Historic Park, CA

Bodie annually celebrates its wild past as the most lawless and toughest mining camp in the West. Share what it was like to live during the early 20th century in the high desert of California. Saturday we will hike near Buckeye Ridge then camp near Buckeye Hot Springs, a wild and heavenly soak right on the river. Sunday will be full with Bodie Days. Costumes and carpooling highly encouraged. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Kenneth Logan (510) 420-1442
kenneth.logan (at sign here) sf.frb.org
August 16 (Sat)
Desert Survivors Technical Seminar (E)
Mt. Diablo State Park, CA

An all-day seminar on trip planning, route-finding with map/compass, and introduction to wilderness first aid, ending with a short hike to test our map and compass skills. Both hikers and potential trip leaders will benefit. Optional longer hike afterward. Details will be sent to members in a separate flyer. You must register beforehand. Space is limited. A $5 donation is requested.
For information, call: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706
August 23-25 (Sat-Mon)
Surprise Canyon Service Trip (M)
Panamint Mountains, Death Valley NP

The Weed Wars continue as we remove invasive tamarisk from the lower part of Surprise Canyon with Marty Dickes, Wilderness Coordinator for the Ridgecrest BLM office. It's a pleasant setting for our work Saturday: a flowing stream and shade. Sunday we hike a little-known trail from Surprise Canyon to Hall Canyon. For those who can stay on Monday, work will continue. Carcamp, 2WD vehicles okay. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670
deutsche (at sign here) earthlink.net
August 30 - September 1 (Sat-Mon)
Skedaddle Mountains Carcamp (M)
Northeastern California

Three days of hiking in obscure mountains near the Nevada border. Hikes to springs in canyons and up on the range itself in this BLM Wilderness Study Area at 4000-7000'. Hills are grown to sagebrush, bitterbrush, and mountain mahogany. The air should be cool and refreshing up on top, with outstanding views. Possible antelope, deer, and wild horses. A new moon promises excellent stars. Note: On this wildlife-viewing and monitoring trip you must stay behind the leader while hiking; if you cannot, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

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.