HORSE-THIEF CANYON TRAIL

Yes! It is hiking season in the desert again.  Fall in winter lol.  

The leaves at Horsethief should be yellow. 

TIME DURATION INCLUDES:
Driving, Hiking, Lunch at Trail and Return back to Meeting Location.
I will keep on eye on the weather as we get closer.

The cottonwoods in the canyon should be turning yellow.
The stream might be running when we hike into the canyon. We will be hiking in the Santa Rosa Mountains behind Palm Desert.


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MILES:
5 miles round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 900'
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (Basically if you tire out from elevation gains then this may be difficult for you). Lots of gains and drops on the trail, but nothing that can't be tackled by most hikers who hike on a regular basis.

Moderate for hikers that enjoy hiking elevations.
Difficult for hikers that don't enjoy elevation gain.
Strenuous for those who don't hike often and can't do several miles of hiking with elevation gain.
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MEETING LOCATION:
art smith trail head parking area (right side of the road of 74 hwy)

parking lot is a  few hundred feet beyond 

Santa Rosa Visitor Center (which is on the left of 74 hwy)
51-500 (74 hwy/Monterey)
PALM DESERT
WE DEPART AT 8 am
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TIME:
8 am departure time

from art smith trail parking lot. The remain drive to horsethief trailhead is another 30 minutes 
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TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
This scenic trail winds through a mix of Pinyon Pine, Juniper, and Chaparral. The Trail include an abandoned Gypsum Mine. A wilderness canyon with a seasonal steam. Spring time adds a dark green beauty to the canyon. Welcome to the Santa Rosa Monument.
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WEATHER:
AREA IS 10 TO 15 DEGREES COOLER THAN THE DESERT FLOOR.
Keep an eye on the forecast. If there is a chance for wind, rain or snow, then a hike into dead indian canyon from the art smith trail head will happen. 
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WHAT TO BRING:
1. A Great Attitude
2. Bring 3 litters of water
3. Sunscreen
4. Snacks

5.  good shoes
6. Hat
7. Pack a Lunch
8. DRESS IN LAYERS IF COLD OUTSIDE
no dogs on trail.  
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WHEN CARPOOLING WITH OTHERS:
Drivers should not have to pay for gas. Cash if you plan to carpool. Drivers should not have to pay for gas. The driver should be consuming about $15 in gas round trip from Visitor Center to and from Hiking Location Carpooling will be determined that morning at the meeting location.
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HOW TO FIND Robert Dryden  AT THE MEETING LOCATION?
he will be at the parking lot until 9:15 am