Hike the Boundary Lands Fall 2021

Approximately 8 mile loop hike exploring the washes and canyons surrounding Nolina Peak along with the flora, fauna, and land management curiosities that exist within. Set largely on lands managed by the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), this route will expose participants to Joshua Tree woodland habitat, upper elevation oak and pinyon environments, and the rocky channels that connect the two. Within the elevation lows (3711’) and highs (4796’) a huge range of fauna can be encountered, including jackrabbit and coyote, golden eagles, great horned owl, mountain quail, mule deer and bighorn sheep. The flora will change rather dramatically as the elevation rises and descends. Several species of cacti, impressive Parry's nolina, notable scrub oak, and pinyon pine displays will be encountered.

While much of the hike will feel remote, there will be regular reminders of how public lands and private lands interface over time, as illustrated by the residential starting point, the MDLT managed trail head, mid-zone that contains private inholdings within Joshua Tree National Park, and the hikes conclusion which moves through land currently managed by the MDLT.

This hike will be a mostly cross-country hike on durable surfaces, except for portions where roads, both active and discontinued, will be utilized. This hike will be labeled as moderately strenuous and does include maneuvering around and over rocks. Participants will encounter opportunities for shaded rest throughout much of the hike.

Please download the course outline: Hike the Boundary Lands Fall 2021

Hike Level: Strenuous (Fitness Levels)

If you are a member of JTNPA you will get a $10 discount off every Desert Institute class. If you are not a member you can become one here.

Please print and fill out the PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT. You can bring the completed form to the class.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, notify us at least seven days prior to the start of the course and we will process your request minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds, transfers, or credits will be granted if cancellation occurs within the seven day period. Please note that we cannot make any exceptions to this refund policy for any reason, including but not limited to medical reasons, illness, travel delays, personal situations, emergencies, or weather. This program depends on registration for its funding. While inconvenient, please understand that this policy enables us to sustain our programs even with last minute cancellations.

This season of Desert Institute classes is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Visit 29 Palms. Check out Visit29.org to learn about all the great shops, restaurants, lodging and attractions in Twentynine Palms and start planning your visit.

Photo by Hilary Sloane

Travis Puglisi is a 20 year resident of the Morongo Basin and the owner/operator of Wandering Mojave Hiking Services. Travis has a cultivated appreciation of desert environments, having lived and worked in Antarctica for 27 months, at UC Riverside's Granite Mountain Desert Research Station as a steward and trail builder, and the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Travis is a self-taught naturalist with an emphasis on Mojave Desert flora and fauna. His hikes feature a conversational style that makes the landscape accessible and an interpretive manner of route planning that typically combines established trails and cross-country travel.

Host or Publisher Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park