Night hike to highlight nature in Palm Desert

  • 2025-06-25
Palm Desert adventurers who want a change of scenery are invited to a nighttime hike at on the Art Smith trail this July.

Expected to last about two hours, the hike begins at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot. The excursion is part of Friends of the Desert Mountains’ Monument Night Adventures.

The hike is aimed at showing people a different side of the desert after dark, exploring how local animals adapt after the sun sets and using blacklights to show which ones change color.

Compared to the total length of the trail, the hike is expected to be on the shorter side but covers uneven terrain covered in rocks. Volunteer guides will help hikers locate scorpions and other creatures who thrive during the nighttime in their natural desert ecosystem.

While the hike is a family-friendly event, children must attend with a parent or guardian. People are advised to being supplies, such as a black light and closed-toed shoes. No dogs are allowed on the trail.

The event is free. However, participants are required to register online.

Hiking excursions like this may choose to use printing services to create maps or supply lists for participants.

The Monument Night Adventures hike is happening on July 12 from 8:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., beginning at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot in Palm Desert.