Wildflower 5K Kicks Off Friends of the Desert Mountains Wildflower Festival

Friends of the Desert Mountains hosted the annual Wildflower 5K at the Randal Henderson Trailhead, a unique event that offers participants the opportunity to run or walk on natural desert terrain. This one-of-a-kind event is the only running or walking experience on desert trails in the Coachella Valley. Though most participants were walkers, organizers noted that trail running is growing in popularity, with a 25% increase in participants in recent years, according to a study by a fitness industry association. It’s not just younger people embracing the sport; trail running is attracting individuals of all ages.

The Wildflower 5K also served as the official kickoff for the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ Wildflower Festival. The festival, set for next Saturday at Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park, will feature a variety of activities for all ages, celebrating the beauty of the desert landscape in full bloom. The event helps raise awareness for conservation efforts and supports the organization’s mission to protect the desert’s natural resources.