The problem at the trailhead where the Bump and Grind meets the CV Link
Allie Anthony
The Bump and Grind Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Coachella Valley.
It’s known for its accessibility to people of all ages and skill levels, but some hikers say the biggest challenge is getting to it.
4 years ago, the City of Palm Desert and Coachella Valley Association of Governments built an amphitheater here that people now use as steps to access the trail.
“Before this access point existed, this was a dirt area with no amenities…This is stadium seating that was included as a resting place for hikers and CV Link users,” said a representative from CVAG. “If CVAG had included steps to connect the access point to the trail itself, we would have been required to also build an ADA ramp – which, in this case, would have essentially been a ramp to nowhere as the trail itself is not wheelchair friendly.”
Just this year, the original access point was closed off by fencing to help prevent erosion. A representative from The City of Palm Desert says “The amphitheater-style steps… are actually part of the trailhead design by CVAG. They’re taller than typical stairs, but they were built that way to blend into the hillside and provide a clear start to the trail. Since the Bump and Grind is considered moderately challenging with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, those steps are meant to reflect the nature of the hike.”
News Channel 3 is looking into how the city plans to improve access to the trail for local residents.