The first time we hiked this trail it was quite warm and tiring. We thought it was only 5 miles so after consulting the hike description found 6 miles was more accurate. I measured the hike again today and it is actually 6.5 miles and a gain of elevation of 580 feet from Cahuilla Lake. The lake sits about 6 feet below sea level.
All our hikers made it even though some of the trail was like walking on a beach with loose sand. They can brag to their children and grandchildren. The hike starts at the top of a subdivision; over a low pass and down a canyon. The trail through the canyon runs alongside of a golf course 'The Quarry' and on to the lake.
Cahuilla Lake is at the end of the canal system and is man made not to be confused with the ancient lake of the same name. It is stocked with trout and there is a small campground and recreation area. We enjoyed the picnic and toilet facilities although the women were stuck with a Johnnie on-the-spot as their side was under renovation.
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| Heading east into the sun and over the low pass. |
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| A look behind from the pass at a small oasis in the center of the photo. |
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| Canyon view - Lake is around the corner to the left. Salton Sea is hidden in the smog off in the distance. |
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| Only steep hill on the entire hike. |
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| Palo Verde in the background with a cluster of barrel cactus and Teddybear Cholla |
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| Stallion standing guard over the golf course |
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| A few of the hikers inspecting the course. |
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| Picnic area |
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| Easy to tell this is a man-made lake. Lots of birds enjoy the lake. There were even a large flock of pelican. |
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| Back to the trail and golf course. They have left some of the old equipment from the quarry. |
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| This is the view of the stallion from the golfer's perspective. If the game isn't going well you always have the view to enjoy. |
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| A parting shot of the canyon and valley. Pretty well all down hill to the cars from here. |
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