Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bump-n-Grind Trail
Rancho Mirage, California

Story and Photos by Jace Edwards

To see more Jace Edwards photos of the Bump-n-Grind Trail, click here.

Thanksgiving 2009, a day set aside to gorge and overeat; a day meant for reflection and personal growth through being thankful and sharing of feast; a day that is often masked through commercial advertising and football. This is the day I chose to conquer the famed Bump-n-Grind Trail in Rancho Mirage.

The trailhead had been moved since my last adventure up the rocky and sandy path. The reason the trailhead was moved was because of the residents closest to the gates themselves. The offended homeowners were upset with the parking situation and the traffic through their neighborhood. Their resolve consisted of the closing of the main trailhead with a fence being constructed blocking access behind a storage facility and a forcing of a new trailhead for hiking enthusiasts.

This new trailhead starts at the border of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage and is marked by a sign that points toward the Visitors Center, Civic Center, McCallum Theatre and The Living Desert. In fact, Legacy Furniture has the perfect parking available for a would-be hiker. Their lot sets perfectly next to the new trailhead on Highway 111.

The trail opens with a long gradual climb. An immediate cardio workout is attained as you climb the access trail that joins the original trail part way up its first major incline. At this juncture, make a note of its location. Missing this turn on the way down will ensure a much longer trek to where you began.

Turning left and continuing upward, you will find that this is a heavily traveled trail. Not even a minute went by, as I would encounter more and more hikers and trail bikers. Pets and their owners also traveled these beaten paths. The traffic made for more of a workout hike than a hike of silent introspective thought. The wide lanes kept traffic moving and allowed for faster hikers to overtake and pass those that traveled more leisurely. The several side paths (generally to the left) added other options to take you to the same result.

This trail has a constant incline making it a challenge to every level hiker. Each time the trail turns, it opens up allowing your eyes to scout what is ahead. The picturesque views of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert give a bird's eye perspective. The lush greens of the landscaping set in a bowl of earth tones and rocky shadows. The breeze also picks up the fresh smells of our outlying desert. No exhaust, no Salton Sea; just a fresh east wind blowing that carries the refreshing breath of rock and sand. The freshest and cleanest smells come out just after or during a rain.

Midway through, your lungs don't feel like cooperating. As many come down the path smiling and say, "Hello." you'll find a replying wheeze and cough is all you can muster. This is normal. They are not out of breath, you are, and deservedly so. Two more turns away is the top of a hike that has already given your heart, lungs and legs a full workout. At every fitness level, the Bump-n-Grind will push you.

At the top of this 45-minute juggernaut is a clearing large enough for several picnics. It also provides a great view of the climb you had just completed. This is the perfect hike for a beginning climber looking for a beginning and an end. With many people traveling it so often, it is hard to conceive of getting lost. The Bump-n-Grind is a great weekly workout with full completion, including rest periods, in less than two hours.

When coming down, take care of your footing. The rocky path is often lubricated with sand that can be treacherous in parts. Watching your downhill speed and where you are stepping will make all the difference. As you come down passing those yet to reach the top, you realize you are now one of those smiling that you passed earlier.

To see more Jace Edwards photos of the Bump-n-Grind Trail, click here.

Palm Springs Guides Hiking Guide Jace Edwards focuses on hiking and the numerous trails the Coachella Valley has to offer. Aside from his contributions, Jace is also a broadcaster who has been heard on KCLB (Palm Springs), KCXX (Riverside), KCAL (San Bernardino), KKND (New Orleans), KEDG (Las Vegas) and KNRQ/KZEL (Eugene). An avid adventurer, Jace is always looking for that next challenge, so that he may write about it here, on Palm Springs Guides. For more information about Jace Edwards or to contact him, click here.