Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sarah Burgess Trail
Palm Springs, California

Story by Palm Springs Guides Trail Guide Jace Edwards
Photographs by Darren Cole

For more Darren Cole photos of the trail hike, click here.

With many trails in and around the Coachella Valley it is hard to pick which one to take next. My photographer and I decided that we would attempt to climb one of the most challenging hikes the Indian Canyons has to offer — Murray Hill. This hill is noted as being an extremely strenuous hike that tests endurance levels. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) describes these trail as, “remote and challenging” and advises hikers to pack as if they may have to stay overnight. The hill (which feels more like a peak upon completion) overlooks both the Indian Canyons to the east and the various Desert Cities to the north, west and south.

1. Hike with a friend, or tell a friend where you will be hiking and when you expect to return.
2. Carry as much water as you can. As a rule of thumb, you need at least one liter of water per hour of hiking. When half the water is gone, turn around and head back.
3. Protect yourself from the sun. Dress in layers. Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and sturdy footwear. Use sun screen. Bring warm layers and a waterproof shell on longer hikes — the weather can change quickly.
4. Know your trail. Carry a map and pay attention to the terrain so you can find your way back.
5. Beware of rattlesnakes. Watch where you put your hands and feet, especially in warm weather when snakes are active.
6. Keep children near you.
7. Stay on the trail. Cross-country travel and camping in Peninsular bighorn sheep habitat is prohibited from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30.

Our adventure begins on the Bogert Trail, which can be found by going South Palm Canyon Drive, east on Bogart Trail, crossing a bridge over the Palm Canyon Wash and begins at the end of a cul-de-sac found on the left-hand side. The initial incline contains a series of sharp steep switchbacks that lead to the first ridge. Here are many choices as to what trails to travel. To go to Murray Hill, follow the Garstin Trail.

The first third of the trail is, in my opinion, the hardest section of the entire climb. From a series of switchbacks and ridge climbs, I found myself (according to our equipment) at approximately 1,200 feet. By now, many have been pushed both physically and mentally. Here is where many hikers give up the pursuit because of the distance still to cover.

A sign marked “Clara Burgess” tells you that you are still on the correct path. Murray Hill sits off on the southern horizon, almost daring a hiker to attempt its pyramid-shaped peak. At this point the trail actually becomes a bit easier as it leads along the rolling hills.

After another heart-pounding incline I found myself on a ridge that encompasses an incredible vista to both the left and right. This trail traverses a ridge that divides Palm Springs and the Indian Canyons. To the left is Palm Springs, the starting point. To the right, the Indian Canyons unfold like wrinkles in the earth, each one a deep crevasse. Each one is also a different hike.

By now we have been across two incredibly steep inclines that challenge even the most experienced hiker. The burning in the legs is a reminder of mortality.

As we continued towards the saddle that divided us from the base of the peak, we realized that Murray Hill is not even visible. Here our equipment read 2,000 feet elevation. The temperature lowered due to the continual wind that caressed our hot, sweaty exterior. But the sun is still a factor and cannot be dismissed. Watch for signs of heat stroke.

At the crux of the saddle, the peak seemed only football fields away, but in actuality is much further. At 2,220 feet, we traverse the ridge of the saddle back and are led to the base of the final series of switchbacks. As we already faced worse switchbacks three times before, the burning in our calves and pain in the quads are no stranger. Each switchback seems like the last. They tease and daunt, telling us to run back, to quit. But we couldn't. We kept putting one foot in front of the other. we were almost there, almost to the end of the climb. Then, without warning, the path opened up to a clearing atop the peak.

There were two picnic tables there provided by the Coachella Valley Hiking Club providing a much needed rest and views that are exhilarating. To the left was the absolute highest point of Murray Hill. Climbing the few steps up onto the rocks that point to the heavens, our equipment registers 2,420 feet. Of course, individual equipment may vary, as the BLM registers this hill at around 2,100 feet. The 360-degree view was incredible. Blue skies reached as far as the eye can see. The valley stretched out before us with a clear view of Mount San Jacinto to the left, Joshua Tree off in the distance and the Desert Cities in front and towards the right.

The breeze was much stronger up here, providing a cool down that is much appreciated. An eagle circled us as we ate our lunch and basked in the glory of the climb.

Coming down the trail was just as important as the original climb. Here was where we appreciated the steepness of the inclines. Being steady and slow is the only way to avoid injury. Watch for loose gravel and rocks as they play tricks on your descent. By now, the sun is at a much higher point in the sky and is still a factor. Every step down in elevation seems to be an increase in temperature. Before we realized how much distance we covered, we found ourselves at our starting point. From then on out,  we saw the peak in a much different light. Its presence in the distance reminded us of our accomplishment.

Yet it still taunts to try again. The question is, will you? 

Thanks to Coachella Valley Hiking Club for providing picnic tables atop Murray Hill, Darren Cole for pictures and guidance up the trail, and H2O, for without it the whole trip wouldn’t have been possible!

For more Darren Cole photos of the trail hike, click here.

For more information about the Coachella Valley Hiking Club, click here.

For the BLM Trail Web site, click here.

For information about heat stroke signs, click here.

For more about Jace Edwards, click here.