Join us for this STRENUOUS hike to Red Hill Vista in the Chuckwalla National Monument.
The hike is a 4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 550 feet. Please read the full description below since once we reach the strenuous section of the hike it will be difficult to turn around.
Hiking boots or shoes are mandatory since sneakers or similar footwear will not provide sufficient traction on the trail. The hike begins with a 1-mile walk through a sand wash before climbing up a moderately steep canyon hillside that involves scrambling over moderate size rocks. Comfort hiking on uneven surface is essential.
After the scramble we’ll reach a plateau 100 feet above the canyon floor with incredible views of the surrounding Mecca Hills and the Salton Sea. We’ll hike 1/2 mile on the plateau where several sections of the trail narrow to less than 2-3 feet wide with steep drop off to the canyon floor on both sides of the trail.
Leaving the plateau, we’ll hike down through another rocky section before returning to a sandy wash that leads back to the trailhead. For those people who have joined us for the previous Chuckwalla Monument hikes this is the perfect way to end the hiking season in this incredible landscape.
Bring 3 liters of water (102 ounces), snack and a sun hat and sunscreen since there is no shade along the entire hiking route.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. A suggested non-refundable donation of $10.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.587222, -115.955000
