 Saturday, June 27, 2009
Murray Hill (Peak) Trails
Palm Springs, California
Story and photos by Jace Edwards
For more photos of Jace Edwards’ Murray Hill Trails hike, click here.
Each summer in the Coachella Valley, many people find themselves locked up inside their homes, afraid of the heat. With temperatures often in the triple digits it’s easy to see why many put on a few extra pounds. Some call it summer weight or “air conditioned insulation.” Either way, it’s hard to look good and stay healthy when temperatures outside cause you to avoid activity.
Gym memberships are costly. Walking through neighborhoods only works when it’s very early in the day or later on in the evening, but you have to contest with exhaust fumes and often times sprinklers. Yet, we need movement. It helps with our circulation, digestion, cardio and I even believe, our mental health.
So why not hike? It’s free, easy and this valley has an abundance of trails that can be taken advantage of on a daily basis! The trick is knowing where to go.
 The trailhead just east of the Gene Autry Trail on Highway 111 is perfect for all levels. For experienced hikers, Murray Peak is a goal that taunts off in the distance, but for a family activity or the beginning hiker just looking to get his boots dusty, this opens to a treasure trove of adventure and discovery, all while challenging the individual with some long steep inclines, as well as secluded paths that traverse hill sides and ridges.
Before going, there are some things you must do to prepare. First, water is essential. Even if you, like me, get out on the trail before sunrise, you must have a water supply. I use a “Camel Back” backpack that allows me to drink with ease while I hike. Good shoes or boots are also necessary. Going out in flat deck shoes will leave you vulnerable to ankle sprains and other injuries. A hat with a bill of some sort is also good to have. For longer hikes I have found that dousing the hat with water before putting it back on my head is a great way to help cool off when the temperatures rise. Also, like any activity outdoors where the sun comes into play, don’t forget the sun block! It is also prudent to carry a small First Aid kit, one designed for cuts and scrapes. As my grandmother used to say, “Safe versus sorry, which one would you rather be?”
 Now that you are all geared up, it‘s time to get on the trail. The trailhead east of Gene Autry on the 111 is a perfect beginning. It’s steady incline gives you a great warm up for more strenuous climbs you may find. As you head up the fire road, it takes a left hand turn along the face of the hill. You will pass by the two large water tanks that can be seen from the street level before the trail levels off and opens up into semisolitude. The street will be barely visible to the left while to the right a rocky hill awaits ascent.
The fire road continues to another incline, this one is a little more challenging than the first and is longer as well, but it’s rewarding! Once completed, it’s series of right-hand upward turns, there is an area suited for exploration. From here, it depends on your goal. Are you looking to challenge yourself further by continuing on towards Murray Peak? Or are you looking for some flat trails that will allow you to wander safely above the city but close enough to stay within eye contact of civilization?
 For beginning hikers or families on outings, there are many great viewpoints that overlook both Palm Springs and Cathedral City. For one such view, follow the fire road, stay to the right of the first fork at the top of your initial incline. As the fire road begins to curve left and head somewhat downhill you sill see trails branch off. One will lead directly ahead and up a hill, it is distinct in its path and much narrower than the fire road. Another branch goes off to the right; this junction is marked with a small pile of rocks and is easy to distinguish. Take this right turn and follow it as it leads you to three different viewpoints overlooking 111. The middle viewpoint has what used to be a picnic bench set on the rocks.
 From this vantage point, you can see off into the desert beyond the windmills and out across the landscape that we have carved from it’s sandy plain. Golf courses open up below like bright green emeralds set in an array of palm trees and rooftops.
Each hike can become a new adventure if you approach it with preparation and safety. Remember, what you pack in, pack out. Keep our desert clean!
For a complete guide to the many trails and more advanced hikes in the valley pick up a copy of “100 Great Hikes in and around Palm Springs” by Philip Ferranti.
See you on the trail!
For more photos of Jace Edwards’ Murray Hill Trails hike, click here.
For “100 Great Hikes in and around Palm Springs,” click here.
For more about Jace Edwards, click here.
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