McCallum Trekking Pathway Guide: Exploring the Landscapes and Trails
Venture Through the Stunning McCallum Trail in Coachella Valley Preserve
Experience the beauty of the McCallum Trail, nestled within Coachella Valley Preserve near Palm Springs. This trail starts at the heart of the Thousand Palms Oasis, making its way through native fan palms via a boardwalk, followed by a sandy stretch before reaching McCallum Pond - a desert oasis teeming with life, particularly the endangered Desert Pupfish. Take a short hike extension to a vista point overlooking the San Andreas Fault. With its diverse landscape and family-friendly trail, the McCallum Trail is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
Navigating the McCallum Trail
To reach the McCallum Trail, use the following address: Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276. Keep in mind that the Preserve only operates on specific days, so make sure to check their official website for updated hours before visiting.
Preparing for the Hike
Despite its short length, this exposed desert trail requires you to bring essentials like at least 1L of water, sun protection, and appropriatewear. Avoid hiking midday in the scorching summer heat, which could reach deadly temperatures. The ideal attire for this hike is fitness gear or light hiking gear.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Top Gear Picks- Osprey Hikelite 26 - light, durable daypack with trampoline mesh to keep your back dry.- Norda 001 - comfy, lightweight hiking boots that feel like a monster truck and a feather pillow.- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.- AllTrails Plus - for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync (use code THISIS30 for a 30% discount).
More information on these favorites and additional gear can be found on the Top Gear Picks page.
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
McCallum Trail Maps and Features
The trail is generally well-marked and easy to follow, although the majority consists of soft sand, making for a more challenging walking surface. Navigate the trail using the resources below.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
- View Hike on CalTopo
- Download the GPX File
- 3D Map
The Hike Experience
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
- McCallum Pond and the Desert Pupfish - Historically home to the hardy Desert Pupfish, this oasis became a refuge for the endangered species. Sadly, invasive species like crayfish and tilapia have decimated their numbers, with only two remaining in 2009. Efforts are underway to reintroduce the pupfish once invasive species are eradicated. Keep in mind that the pond may be closed for restoration efforts; feel free to call the Preserve for an update on the pond's current status.
- Birdwatching - The towering palm trees are a haven for various birds and owls, with a chorus of avian melodies to serenade you throughout your hike.
- Wildlife Encounters - This desert environment is home to snakes, including rattlesnakes. Keep a safe distance from these creatures and leave fallen palm fronds alone, as snakes often shelter under them.
- Historical Context - Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the son of the creator of Central Park, played a role in protecting this area due to its natural beauty. McCallum Trail was named after John Guthrie McCallum, a Scot credited with shaping Palm Springs into a settlement before it became a city.
McCallum Trail Directions
An optional 0.5-mile extension will take you to a vista point overlooking the San Andreas Fault. Return the way you came if you choose not to complete this extension. For the best McCallum Trail experience, consider visiting during the cooler months and early in the day. Safety and a remarkable hiking experience await!
References:[1] Coachella Valley Preserve. (n.d.). [Preserve Homepage]. Retrieved from https://www.coachellavalleyconservancy.org/our-work/coachella-valley-preserve
- To reach the McCallum Trail, use the address provided on the Coachella Valley Preserve website, and remember that the Preserve operates only on specific days, so check their website for updates before your visit.
- Despite its short length, the McCallum Trail requires essential gear like water, sun protection, and appropriate fitness or light hiking gear to handle the exposed desert terrain.
- The Osprey Hikelite 26 is a light, tough daypack with a trampoline mesh to keep your back dry, making it an ideal choice for carrying essentials on the McCallum Trail.
- The trail is generally well-marked but can be challenging due to the soft sand surface, so resources like CalTopo's 3D map and AllTrails Plus (with a 30% discount using the code THISIS30) can provide valuable assistance for navigating the trail.
