It is my pleasure to introduce an adventurous hiker who has began a quest to hike the 140 hikes listed in a hiking book by Phillip Ferranti titled “140 Great Hikes in and near Palm Springs”. Negin Shams hope is to share the beautiful hiking trails in one of the premier winter hiking destinations, in the United States,with anyone out there who likes to hike!

When Negin is not hiking Dream Hikes of the desert she and her sister, Niloo are winning awards as they close sales on Dream Homes in the Palm Springs area. They specialize in the La Quinta, Palm Springs, Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage areas. Founded in 1988, The Shams Group Real Estate Brokerage is one of the premier boutique real estate firms in the greater Palm Springs area. Niloo and Negin Shams, fraternal twins, had a vision to set new standards in marketing, technology and service when they started their real estate business. Enjoy the interview…

How and where were you introduced to the outdoors?
I was born in Iran and grew up in Mallorca Spain so my outdoor experiences were skiing, sailing and windsurfing until I moved to the Desert 20 years ago. That is when I started hiking trails.

What has been your favourite outdoor recreations area?
I recently went to Jacksonhole Wyoming and did some trails there. It was absolutely beautiful…one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen! We were able to visit the Rockefeller Jr visitor center that paid homage to nature and conservation. The building was spectacular. I also really enjoyed hiking in Moab in Utah. The red rock was amazing. The trail we hiked was not too strenous so we got to really see the surrounding rock formations.

Have you ever been lost in the wilderness? If so please describe this adventure and any lessons learned.
Never been lost.

Can you share any unique encounters with wild animals?
On one of our very early morning hikes in Rancho Mirage, my sister and I came face to face with a Big Horn sheep. Wow, I had no idea their heads were so large and the horns so intimidating. The sheep was perched on a cliff, looking down at the city lights. I imagined this magnificent animal wondering what happened to his natural world as he knew it. We stood there staring at eachother, and my sister and I decided to just turn around and go back down the trail!!

If not previously mentioned, have you ever completed a thru-hike or multi-day backpacking trip and what nuggets of wisdom did you glean from it?
Never done either but looking forward to my first experience. I will keep you posted.

What is your favourite outdoor hiking gear store?
REI

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