A Trail Less Traveled: The Other Side of The Divide

A Trail Less Traveled: The Other Side of The Divide

Join us as we venture over Hidden Divide into a land some call the proverbial other side of the rainbow—a realm of discovery and mountain beauty. While the road isn’t paved with yellow bricks, it’s surprisingly accommodating, leading us into a metaphorical Land of Oz where nature reveals its quiet magic and the wilderness offers new paths of wonder.

This event is about more than just the hike—it’s about exploration, connection, and inspiration. We’ll leave the familiar trail behind and head toward the unknown, beyond the beaten path and onto the road less traveled.

Though we may not reach the Emerald City that day, we’ll get about two-thirds of the way to Humber Park (auto parking trail head in Idyllwild) from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station. Who knows? This journey might just plant the seed for your own future thru-hike to Idyllwild.

However, if on that hypothetical occasion you’re not up for hiking back, consider inviting a friend or relative to meet you, with car, at Humber Park to drive into Idyllwild for lunch (your treat, of course!) at your favorite—or better yet, their favorite—local restaurant. With luck, they’ll be happy to drive you home.

But we digress:

Your hike leaders are Spencer Ballard and Colin Barrows. Spencer was a member, hike leader, and multi-day trip planner for the Southwest Explorers League in Santa Fe, NM . Since becoming a resident of Palm Springs he assisted and led hikes for Great Outdoors and several other groups. Colin, a naturalist and avid hiker, has lectured and led hikes for the NHA GITWN programs since the inception 8 years ago. He was Environmental Programs Coordinator at the UCR Palm Desert Center, and serves on the boards of the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association and CactusToCloud Institute.

DETAILS:

Click on all blue highlighted text for important help and information.

• Event Date and Time: July 19 at 8:45 a.m. (see our website for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time)
• Meet at: The Long Valley Ranger Station. Proceed from the ground floor terrace of the Mountain Station down the ramp to Long Valley. At the bottom turn right and follow the trail to the picnic table at the Ranger Station.
• Difficulty level: Strenuous. 12-Miles out and back, 2,500 ' of total elevation gain. Base Elevation: 8,350 ft. – Peak Elevation: 9,720 ft.
• Hiking Time: up to 8 hours including breaks
• Cost: (see our website for instructions on parking and purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time) Remember, MEMBERS receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets.

REQUIREMENTS:

Each qualified individual must register. Qualified means you must be fit and ready to hike for up to six or eight hours at high elevation. The time on the trail will be largely determined by the slowest member in the group.

Important: You may read the Release of Liability, online at your leasure before the hike. The hike leader will have a copy which you must sign before departing on the hike. This liability waiver is required for all NHA hiking events.

Take the 8 a.m. tram car to arrive at the meeting location on time. Please click here for important information you need to know in order to arrive on time.

Bring water: We recommend a minimum 3 liters of water per person, trail snacks, lunch and a daypack carrying what is normal on a day hike including the 10 essentials, Energy snacks can make a huge difference to maintain your energy level throughout the hike. Be well supplied.

Age: Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian

Proper hiking attire i.e. hiking clothes with extra layer, hiking boots with good soles, rain protection, hat, sunglasses NO TENNIS SHOES PLEASE!

Hiking poles are strongly advised

We depart from the Long Valley Ranger Station at 8:45 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m.

RETURN TO EVENTS SCHEDULE

If you have any questions please contact leaders Spencer Ballard [email protected] or Colin Barrows @ [email protected] or [email protected]