Date: November 14, 2011
Time: 6 Hours
Length: 12.7 Miles
Location: La Quinta, CA
Elevation: 1,940
Weather: 65-80° Rain
Difficulty: Hard
Description: This hike is a continuation of the Boo Hoff Point that I have already posted. You will hike to the Boo Hoff Point then continue down the Boo Hoff Trail to the Lake Cahuilla Trail.
I started this hike at 6:30am with 100 ounces of water and 8 energy bars. I ended with 25 ounces of water and 3 energy bars. The weather report said there was a mild chance of rain, so we brought rain coats and gloves just in case, but rain is very rare in the desert.
When you reach the Boo Hoff Point you will see the “PLEASE STAY ON TRAIL” sign as shown above.
Continue down the trail, heading east towards Avenue 60.
The trail from here down the mountain is very easy to see and navigate. The only thing to look for is the wash you will cross.
You will continue down the wash for about 15 feet, it is a very short crossing. If it has rained heavily recently, the rocks might be covered or washed away, so be sure look to your left for the trail.
You will see another “PLEASE STAY ON TRAIL” sign.
Right after passing the sign we noticed a few Big Horn Sheep on the trail up ahead.
We originally noticed 4, but as we got closer we started to see about 8.
The closer we walked towards the Big Horn Sheep, the more we started to see.
Because they were eating on the trail we were forced to walk closer towards them in order to pass. Eventually, as we closed in, they ran across to the other hillside. That is when we noticed there was a total of 21 Big Horn Sheep.
It was one of the most amazing things I’ve seen while hiking in this area. We are assuming that they would not have been so far down the mountain if it wasn’t raining.
There was just a drizzle for most of the morning.
When you make your way down the mountain, you will come across another steel “Boo Hoff Trail” sign as you enter a wash.
You should be able to see the “Santa Rosa Wilderness” sign up ahead in the wash. 
There are a few “Wilderness Access”, and “Wilderness Boundary” signs posted here. The wash turns into a road at this point, follow the road heading north east towards Lake Cahuilla.
As you continue heading north you will come to a long mound of dirt where the road splits.
Continue north over the mound on the dirt road towards Lake Cahuilla.
You will see several “Boo Hoff”, and “Trail” signs, as well as an American flag on top of the mountain to your right. You will also pass a development “The Quarry” to your left as you come up on the road.
Stay on the dirt road until it curves left by a sewer drain, it will lead you directly to Lake Cahuilla.
I crossed over the road into the empty lot and continued west. However, you can take the asphalt road to the entrance.
The trail continues just passed the entrance, you will see a wooden sign “Warning Danger Hike At Your Own Risk”.
On the back of the sign it reads “Lake Cahuilla Fees Apply”.
You will see a “Morrow Trail” sign, this is a portion of the Lake Cahuilla trail, continue west passed it.
The wash you’re in will take you back up to the cove, but the trail takes you up the mountain a little, so you don’t bother the golfers.
When you see the horse you want to stay to the right, the trail goes around it.
Eventually, you will come back into the wash which leads you to a steep uphill climb at the end. It isn’t too hard, but could be difficult after the long hike.
Looking back from above the wash, once you get to the top start to head north. There is a service road along with the trail, but they will both take you back to the trail head.
If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file, please contact me for more information.
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