Getting In Touch With Nature
The FREE Class & Field education series is offered by Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association, in partnership with Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness & the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
ALL CLASS AND FIELD EVENTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION . Please read all the following important information about hiking safety, registration, preparation, liability, membership discounts, and the essentials of Tram ticketing and departure schedules you need to know in order to arrive on time to your events.
THE EVENT SCHEDULE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Getting In Touch With Nature Class & Field programs offer participants the opportunity to cultivate a more intimate connection with nature through education and immersion in the magnificence of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Taught by highly qualified and dedicated educators in their respective fields, the class sizes are limited to optimize the experience for each participant with personal care and attention. These free offerings are a rare opportunity to enrich, through knowledge and experience, appreciation of this special high mountain wilderness each and every time one visits this, or indeed any wilderness environment. This is knowledge that keeps on giving.
Instruction and hikes will be led by Wilderness Patrollers and other highly qualified members with in the state park community as well as outdoor instructors from local educational institutions and like minded organizations. While hiking to seldom seen backcountry splendors of the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness, the experts will share with you their knowledge and skills gained from years of experience in the great outdoors. The Class & Field programs are a great opportunity for hikers and backpackers of all levels to hone their skills and, incidentally, meet others with shared interests!
Hiking Safely
We encourage everyone who goes into the wilderness anywhere to be well prepared. Two classes are offered every season to help you accomplish this. If you are a novice or have never taken these classes, now is the time. For those more experienced, perhaps a review is in order. The Ten Essentials of Wilderness Travel are always a must. Map and Compass skills are especially vital when traveling unfamiliar undeveloped routes. You can register for these classes right here when programs are resumed.
Information and Registration
Registration: Reservations are required for all Class & Field programs at least three (3) days prior to the event. Each individual wishing to attend one or more classes must make a separate reservation. Reservations may be made online at msjnha.org/events. Click on the highlighted title of each program(s) you wish to attend and simply fill in the booking form with your full name, cell phone number, and email address. Class size is limited. Register early to reserve your place. Questions? Email us at sjprograms@msjnha.org.
Confirmation: You will receive an email confirming receipt of your booking. Subject to approval, your reservation will be confirmed by email including any additional pertinent information related to the conduct of the class. For some more demanding hikes, it is required that enrollees be pre-qualified for physical fitness before approval to participate. This procedure may be simply an interview by phone or require attending, in advance, a less demanding hike program to determine qualification.
Release of Liability: (To see the document click on the highlighted text)
When signing up for any program which includes any physical activity, it is implicit with your enrollment that to the best of your knowledge you are physically fit, able to undertake the physical demands prescribed for the program, notwithstanding changing weather conditions or route difficulties that may arise. A Release of Liability form provided on line with the class confirmation must be read. The event leader will have a copy for you to sign when the event convenes.
If you have any concerns about the demands of any of the hike programs please don’t be shy to let us know by email, sjprograms@msjnha.org and provide a cell phone number. We will be in touch to address your concerns.
Class Cancellation Policy: Minimum enrollment policy varies with different classes. Any class with less enrollment than the minimum required may be canceled. Those enrolled will be notified by email or phone at least five (5) days in advance of the class date. While we expect such a cancellation will be rare, to minimize premature cancellation, we do advise early enrollment for any class.
Preparation: Proper clothing and sufficient water are paramount. Be prepared for the unexpected. There is no place like the mountains for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry snacks, lunch, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water for energy and personal comfort. See requirements for each program to make sure you are properly prepared, especially for the more demanding hike programs!
Tram Departures: Arriving on time for classes – See schedules for each class.
Weekend tram service begins at 8 a.m. with departures thereafter usually every 12 minutes or so.We recommend arriving at the Valley Station at least 1½ hour before class time to allow for ticket purchase and possible wait line for boarding the tram. Online tickets for weekend departure reservations are not available until 9 a.m. Weekend departure times between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. are only available to buy in person at the Tram Valley Station. Depart from the valley station at least one-half hour before class time. By doing so is assurance for arriving on time for the class. Mid-week tram operation and online reservations begin at 10a.m. Online tickets are limited so order early! Go to pstramway.com/tickets If online tickets are not available for your desired departure time many tickets are still available for walk-ins on a first come basis. Tickets purchased from 3rd parties are only valid on the reserved date.
NHA Membership and Discounts: If you wish to join and support the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association visit our website at www.msjnha.org . Click on Membership Application, then choose By Mail or Pay Now by Credit Card or PayPal. Annual membership is $25 per adult (18 yrs +), $20 senior (55 and over), $20 student, $35 live-in family. Again, current members of the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association (NHA) are eligible for a 20% discount for themselves and up to 6 family/friends for each tram fare. Additionally, there is a 10% discount offered for the Peaks Restaurant, Pines and Cascade Cafes and the Valley and Mountain Tram gift shops. These additional discounts are limited to NHA members only. Some restrictions apply. A 30% merchandise discount is offered at the NHA Visitor Center on the first floor fo the Mountain Station, Long Valley Ranger Station and the Idyllwild State Park office/campground.
Getting In Touch With Nature
To view the full description of each event and register, click on the underlined title.
The Art of Sleeping on Dirt, Fall: Long Valley Ranger Station, Saturday October 28, 10 a.m. Backcountry camping (backpacking) class. FREE! Please see the TRAM DEPARTURES paragraph above for advised tram departures to arrive on time at the Long Valley Ranger Station
The Art of Sleeping on Dirt, Fall: Idyllwild Park Headquarters , Saturday October 28, 3 p.m. Backcountry camping (backpacking) class. FREE!
The Art of Sleeping on Dirt, Fall: Idyllwild Park Headquarters , Saturday November 4, 3 p.m.. Backcountry camping (backpacking) class. FREE!
The Art of Sleeping on Dirt, Fall: Long Valley Ranger Station, Saturday November 4, 10 a.m. Backcountry camping (backpacking) class. FREE! Please see the TRAM DEPARTURES paragraph above for advised tram departures to arrive on time at the Long Valley Ranger Station
Class & Field Schedule, Summer 2023 has concluded. This schedule remains here for future reference for the upcoming season which may include these programs as well as some exciting, never before offered programs. Stay tuned!
Event location designations:
Mountain Station at PS Tram
Idyllwild at State Park & area
Happy Little Worlds, Mosses and Lichens Mountain Friday May 19 11:00 a.m. Long Valley Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
Bird Brained: Birding in Long Valley Mountain Saturday May 20 9:00 a.m. Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
Happy Little Worlds, Mosses and Lichens: Idyllwild Saturday May 27, 9:00 a.m. Idyllwild Campground Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
Deer Springs Discovery Hike: Idyllwild Thursday June 1, 8:00 a.m. Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
Desert View Discovery Hike Mountain Thursday June 1, 10:45 a.m. Leader: Hazel Whittaker, State Park Interpreter Specialist
A Guided Wilderness Nature Hike For You Mountain June 3, 8:45 a.m. Leaders: Vince Llacer and Suzanne Tracy, Senior Park volunteers
Sky Islands and Climate Refugia in The Deserts of Southern California, Mountain Sunday June 4, 9 a.m. Leader: Colin Barrows, MA Biology, Northern Arizona University, Naturalist
High Country Birds of Mt. San Jacinto Mountain Saturday June 10, 8:45 a.m. Leader: Robin Roberts, Robin Roberts, MA in Biology from Miami University/San Diego Zoo Global Bird leader/presenter/photographer/nature blog - birding.mountainquailpress.com
Grow by the Inch, Die by the Foot Mountain Friday June 16, 11:00 a.m. Hidden Divide Hike for State Parks week Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
WWW@MSJSP The Hidden Network Mountain Saturday June 17, 8:45 a.m. Leader: Hazel Whittaker, State Park Interpretive Specialist
The Art of sleeping on Dirt Mountain Saturday June 17, 11:00 a.m (Class requirement for August 5 Round Valley overnight), Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
The Art of Sleeping On Dirt Idyllwild Saturday June 24, 3:00pm (Class requirement for August 5 Round Valley overnight), Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
10 Essentials of Wilderness Travel Mountain June 24, 8:45 a.m. Leaders: Wilderness Patrollers members of the Hasty Search and Rescue Team at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness
Desert View Discovery Hike Mountain Saturday July 1, 8:45 a.m., Leader: Hazel Whittaker, State Park Interpretive Specialist
Stone Creek Nature Trail Discovery Hike Idyllwild Saturday July 1, 9:00 a.m. Stone Creek campground Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
The Art of Sleeping On Dirt: Idyllwild Saturday July 1, 3:00pm (Class requirement for August 5 Round Valley overnight), Idyllwild Campground Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter I
Mountain Wildflower Walkabout Mountain Friday July 7, 10:45 a.m. Leader: Colin Barrows, MA Biology, Northern Arizona University, Naturalist This event is postponed until Friday July 28 waiting for the wildflowers to bloom. Please register for the new date below. Don’t miss it! It will be an exceptional event lead by an exceptional naturalist.
Cool Birding High in The Clouds Mountain Sunday July 9, 8:45 a.m. Leader: Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Resources, College of The Desert
Map and Compass Training (strenuous) Mountain Saturday July 15, 8:45 a.m. Leaders: Wilderness Patroller members of the Hasty Search and Rescue Team at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness
A Guided Wilderness Nature Hike For You Mountain Saturday July 15, 8:45 a.m. Leaders: Vince Llacer, senior park volunteer
Mountain Wildflower Walkabout Mountain Friday July 28, 10:45 a.m. Leader: Colin Barrows, MA Biology, Northern Arizona University, Naturalist. This event, originally schedule for July 7 has been changed to accommodate waiting for the wildflowers to bloom. If you have an unused tram ticket for any date it will still be honored at the ticket counter for another day.
The Art of Sleeping on Dirt, Round Valley Backpacking Overnight Mountain ***This event requires the attendance of the seminar portion of The Art of Sleeping on Dirt and approval of the event’s leader. August 5, 10:00 a.m. Leader: Nick Garduno, State Park Interpreter !
Wellman Cienega, Wilderness Discovery Hike Mountain Saturday August 5, 8:45 a.m. Leader: Colin Barrows, MA Biology, Northern Arizona University, Naturalist
What Does a Fault Have To Do With It?! Mountain Saturday September 9, 9 a.m. Leader: Joe Migliore, BA, Zoology, UCLA, Certified NAI Interpretive Guide Naturalist. President, Mountain San Jacinto Natural History Association and Director, Anza-Borrego Natural History Association. Lecturer
Get Lost With A Naturalist Mountain Sunday October 8, 8:45 a.m. Leaders: Colin Barrows, MA Biology, Northern Arizona University, Naturalist
