Have you ever passed by a massive intimidating looking mountain and wondered “Can I climb that?!”
Well, that happens to us all the time, and one recent winter trip to Palm Springs we noticed Indio Mountain from town and couldn’t resist finding a way to get to the top.
As it turns out, Indio Mountain IS climbable, but there’s no easy hike to the peak. It’s a 100% off trail climb and scramble through boulder fields and loose rock-filled gullies to top. But the epic views into the Coachella Valley and all the way across to San Jacinto and San Gorgonio make it completely worth it. Plus, who doesn’t love a good winter hike in the desert!
DISCLAIMER: The route to Indio Mountain is not a maintained trail. Do not attempt to summit without proper climbing experience and navigation and safety gear. As always, hike at your own risk.
#hiking #adventure #winterhiking
29 Comments
Another great adventure, thanks guys! Yes, have to admit, my first thought in the beginning was: snakes! What a beautiful but a little treacherous climb. Some of those heights, especially that one shot of Elise on the side of an ascent, looked quite high and unforgiving. Anyway, stay safe and glad Elise is back on the trail. Speaking of injuries, I’ve been sidelined with metatarsalgia in the right food, sure Adam knows about that with his sports knowledge. Anyway take and be safe!
My home town Coachella CA 😁
I am a local of indio for my whole life the place is actually called Indio badlands be very careful it is super dangerous. To others please don’t do this if you are not experienced and or you don’t have someone with the phone signal is very spotty. Not trying to be a downer I just don’t want any one getting hurt
Northern CA is cold and rainy–I'm SO jealous! What's the elevation? I love that you two can smile when faced w/adversity–a good lesson for everyone. Good to see you both in your happy place!
Hey I live there!
😎😎😎👍👍👍one of my favorite areas in So Cal, next to 29
Now that it's been another day how are you feeling? Are you all going back to Death Valley this Winter? The Race Track is calling.
I remember the times I've gone of track more than the times I've stayed on the track.
The rock scrambling is special, just you and the cliff, in the great outdoors.
When I was 7 we climbed mt Lloyd in the red centre, dad as usual took us off track, and landed us with an adventure memory that stays with me a couple of decades later
Happy to see you back out there, Elise!
I'm sorry but I missed some videos and comments. Watching The Game Changers we find that plant based food helps your body heal faster and be stronger. The question is Elise, do you think you healed faster because you eat plant based and did you find out how you hurt your back and how did you heal your back? Glad you are hiking again.
Now do it again but in August or September 👍
I always love seeing you two do an off-trail route. I do them sometimes myself, and you guys always do stuff I decide I need to add to my lists. Great job!!!
Elise and Adam! Great to see you guys are back at it! Sooo glad your back issues are over! By the way… Barb. And I will be down in SoCal from 1/20 till 2/9 if you are around! We’ll be in Pasadena Sierra Madden area for most of that time. I’m still getting it together to present you that chord progression, Elise, but I’ve got to say there was some really awesome and haunting music of yours on this video! You go, girl!
Amazing as usual… Awesome views 👏🏼😊
There is a reason we use mountain metaphors to speak of tasks that are beyond the realm of the achievable, describing them as “insurmountable.”
Only a handful of climbers have safely conquered Indio Mt. And this is where we find Adam & Elise rehabbing Elise’s recent back injury. To add a little more of a challenge these two are climbing without the benefits of climbing gear! No harness, no climbing pants, no gloves, no safety helmet, no eye protection, zip-zilch, nada! Just shorts, t shirts, hiking shoes (not approach shoes) and a baseball cap worn backwards by Adam.
Aside from the challenges any mountain poses, the physical, emotional and possibly financial difficulties, there is the uncertainty of a “road less traveled”. In this case, a 100% scramble path, I’m certain, not many if any have ever used to summit Mt. Indio.
So I find myself asking the question, why put yourself thru such agonizing efforts to haul yourself up thousands of feet to face the extremes when you can rehab your injuries in the confines of a warm pool?
The answer is a bit complicated but, to keep it simple I’ll leave it as, they do it because they love it!
Love seeing a new adventure. So glad Elise is feeling healthier and able to do these crazy hikes. Keep them coming for us junkies that love to see the scenery and your great feats of adventuring.
These scramble climbs make my mouth water – seriously tho.
Loving watching this while suffering in the cold UK weather right now! ahah
Can I follow you guys on Strava?😊
Havent hiked there since I was a Girl Scout, many,MANY, moons ago! Snakes an scorpions are the major things to watch out for! I only go out there after it rains…its beautiful since it rained today gonna head out there tomorrow if it not raining!
How is your back?
Glad you two mountain goats are back scrambling together. What a beautiful day you had. Even without all the right data, you made the most of it and made it look fun! Glad Elise was able to do this! Thanks for sharing!
Got giant snowshoes and a survivil kit? Ready for Mt Whitney? Can you imagine living at Lake Tahoe or Truckee. OMG! Just hangin out in the cabin watching the snowfall. Please send some sunshine this way ASAP! Have a great day guys! Life is good!
Beautiful view
So glad to see Elise is back hiking, loved your song too❤
Great accomplishment guys! Off-trail destinations, where trails are long time gone are very fun here in SoCal, and there's tons of that!
Amaizing landscape and very cool your climbing! Congratulations! 🤗
I live here
That's awesome!!