December 21, 2009
With Christmas break, I had my hands full with bored college students. I decided to try to keep them busy with some outdoor activities. In order to humor old dad, we decided to take a hike. Because I was on stand-by duty at work, we couldn't go very far, so we chose the trails at the south end of Palm Springs for our hike. Since we wanted to get a good little workout, we chose the Henderson, Shannon, Garstin loop.
My hiking partners waiting at the trailhead
We parked off Bogert Trail and headed up the Henderson Trail. The temperatures were mild, but the humidity was up, so it seemed like a much warmer day than it really was.
Sign at the start of the Henderson Trail
The first part of the trail is fairly level, in fact the entire trail has very little overall elevation gain. It makes a short elevation gain and then contours along the base of the hills.
One of the prominent points along the trail
With the easy going we were able to have a good time visiting and enjoying the views while we were getting warmed up for the steeper sections to come.
We weren't the only ones out enjoying the day, horses in the wash
As always, we were impressed by the history of the trails in this area. Most of the hiking trails in the Palm Springs area were established by the Los Compadres horse riding group and we owe a debt of gratitude for all the hard work they have done over the years to create and maintain these trails.
An old sign along the trail
Before too long we were approaching the end of the Henderson Trail and we could see a sign in the distance. I've seen the sign many times before, but what I didn't recognize, was the two objects on the top of the posts.
Approaching the sign, note the objects on the posts
When we arrived at the sign we saw that someone had balanced some rocks on the posts. I've noticed that building rock towers is becoming more and more popular in recent years, I guess it's some sort of artistic/creative thing.
Rocks on the sign posts
Unfortunately the sign was too weathered to read. We stopped for a quick water break and and noticed that the sign for the Shannon Trail was missing and the only signs we did see were telling us that in order to help protect the bighorn sheep, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Dogs prohibited signs
We then started up the Shannon Trail. One of the great things about this trail is how quickly it climbs in a very short distance. Of course if your not in good shape, you may think it's not so great. I'm of the mind that if I'm gasping for breath while hiking, everything is normal and I don't worry about it, I know it must be good for me.
View of Palm Springs from the Shannon Trail
Another thing that I like about this trail, besides the elevation gain is the fact that you go up a narrow ridge, which makes me think I'm climbing a big mountain in some exotic corner of the world. Come to think of it, some people think Palm Springs is an exotic corner of the world... .
The mountain drops off on both sides of the trail
As the trail started to ease off in steepness, we came across a large pile of rocks at the edge of the trail. I'm so busy getting my workout, complete with heavy perspiration and gasping that I don't know how they find the energy to build these things.
Rocks on the side of the trail
Soon after the rock pile we came to the Shannon Trail plaque, it seems like it's about mid point on the trail. This location has great views and we thought it a good place for a water break. I've been told that the Shannon Trail is dedicated to a teenage horse enthusiast who was killed by an automobile while crossing Palm Canyon while riding her horse.
The Shannon Plaque
We finished our quick break and continued along the trail. While the trail isn't as steep as lower, it still has some great exposure as it winds along the steep hillsides.
The trail along the steep hillside
As we looked down into the canyon below, we could see a faint trail below. We wondered if it was an old Indian trail or a game trail.
Trail visible in the bottom of the canyon
Soon we reached the final stretch of the trail and we could see the high point of the trails in the immediate area.
Looking at the high point on the Berns Trail off to the left
Even the last sections had some great views looking down face of the hill into the Palm Canyon wash below. I would not like to have to try and take a direct route on these steep and loose sections. It would be a recipe for disaster.
Looking down to the wash below
One thing about the steep trails, they tend to spread out the group. I'd like to go slower of course, but then who would take the pictures?
On the final section of the Shannon Trail
I have peak bagging in my blood, so we took a short detour onto the Berns Trail to go to the high point of the area. Dorothy was motivated to be the first on top, she took the lead on this one.
We took a few "summit" photos and then headed down the Garstin Trail. This trail is steep, but not as steep as the Shannon. Of course they all have great views.
Looking down the Garstin Trail
Looking down at our car
With downhill hiking, you make good time and it wasn't long before we were back at the trail junction where we started our loop.
The Garstin Trail sign
From this point it's less than 100 yards back to the trail head and our car.
The final section of trail
We had a great workout with fantastic views and all just minutes from home!
great post excellent and fun like a story!
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