Bump and Grind Hiker Gets Hands on Bighorn Sheep Data

Concerns over bighorn sheep environment have kept hikers from reaching the top of the Bump and Grind Trail in Palm Desert.

Blaine Carian, a hiker from Bermuda Dunes, told us Tuesday that he finally has his hands on some of the information that he believes proves there’s no reason to block-off the top of the popular trail. It’s data from the Department of Fish and Game that reveals where bighorn sheep populate near the popular trail.

Carian took the state agency to court after being denied of that data back in October — DFG was court ordered and finally settled to provide it. The department has not commented on its reasoning for withholding the documents, which Carian said shows that bighorn sheep aren’t usually found near the trail.

“This trail doesn’t come in contact with bighorn sheep. If there is contact between hikers and bighorn sheep on that trail, it’s very infrequent,” said Carian.

Along with revealing the bighorn sheep data — Carian told us the department agreed to pay him more than $20,000 in attorney’s fees.

In June, DFG blocked off the top of the trail, which created a big stir for many hikers.

“It’s a little disturbing because all of the years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never seen a bighorn sheep, so it takes away from the hike,” said John Davis, of Palm Desert.

DFG officials told us Tuesday its position on the issue is that the bighorn sheep are “more important than recreation.” Also, the state owns the land and wants to make it available to the sheep — the endangered animals avoid the area because people are there. For Carian, the issue is bigger than not being able to hike the extra 400 yards to the trail summit.

“They’re going to close this trail with no reason, but than what’s next trail?” said Carian.

The state agency said it has no plans to re-open the trail. However some hikers say they’re not giving up the fight.

“The next step is for them to open up the trail. We will not relent until they do,” said Carian.