How to celebrate National Great Outdoors Month in the High Desert

McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press
·2 min read

The first day of June not only marked National Trails Day but it also signified the start of National Great Outdoors Month.

June is the perfect time, as encouraged by state and federal governments, to take the fresh hiking shoes out of the box and try out a new trail. Officially ordained by the U.S. Senate in June 2019, National Great Outdoors Month is celebrated around the United States with fun events organized by outdoor organizations.

Invite friends, bring the pup, or venture into the outdoors on a solo trek to kickstart the month-long celebration. The closest events happening on June 1 include Big Bear Trail Work Day and Mount Rubidoux Cleanup in Riverside, both of which are open and free to the public.

Wildflowers along the Quartzite Mountain Trail
Wildflowers along the Quartzite Mountain Trail

National Great Outdoors Month encourages us to explore our backyard trails, get familiar with native wildlife, and spend more time recreating in the outdoors. Simply laying in a hammock strung between two pines or dusting off the binoculars for birdwatching in the High Desert suffices just as much as a lengthy hike.

High Desert hikes

The Daily Press column Tales from the Trails gives the low-down on specific High Desert hikes, trailing me, McKenna, and my hiking partner, Lupe the chihuahua, as we explore a new desert trail each week.

So far, we've hiked the Mojave Riverwalk, Mount Baden-Powell, Quartzite Mountain, and the Honda Valley Overlook. Here are some other trail suggestions to try to celebrate National Great Outdoors Month.

  • Bell Mountain, Apple Valley, 1.4 miles

  • Peloza Peak Trail, Helendale, 2.2 miles

  • Little Bell Mountain, Apple Valley, 1.9 miles

  • Bass Hill Trail, Victorville, 1.9 miles

  • Mojave Narrows, Victorville, 3.6 miles

  • Horseshoe Lake Loop, Victorville, 1.4 miles

  • California Aqueduct Loop, Victorville, 7.6 miles

  • Saddleback Butte Trail, Lancaster, 3.8 miles

  • Little Butte Trail, Lancaster 2.1 miles

Hiking in the High Desert during the rise of summer temperatures can be dangerous, so be sure to do so with plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to carry a half liter of water per mile.

For all High Desert hiking inquiries including trail and gear recommendations, contact McKenna Mobley at mmobley@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Celebrate National Great Outdoors Month in the High Desert