A Viator Badge of Excellence Experience.

A high-end service-oriented Palm Springs experience you won’t soon forget.

Where We’ll Be.

Hiking up the South Lykken Trail to the Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint in the dawn twilight, you'll watch from above as the sun peeks over the Santa Rosa Mountains, filling Oswitz Canyon, Indian Canyons, the City of Palm Springs, and the Coachella Valley below. At this hour, before the bustle of the day, you'll hear nature come to life in the light. We'll find a quiet rock to sit for a guided morning meditation.

What We’ll Do.

A morning twilight hike to see the sunrise and a guided meditation — Hike the San Jacinto Mountains only steps from Palm Springs to a resting spot with dramatic views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. You’ll pause as needed to take in the scenery. You'll watch the sun rise over Indian Canyons and then come together in guided meditation, clearing old energy and setting a grounded intention for the day.

Where We’ll Meet.

We’ll meet at The Sukha Life Studio before traveling together to the trailhead for the South Lykken Trail; once booked, I will text a Google Maps link. There is a 600-foot elevation gain over one mile, with a trail grade of 25% to 35% in some locations. Our meditation spot is one mile and the total hike will be no more than 2.5 miles. While the trail is considered “moderate” in difficulty and distance, someone relatively physically fit might find the trail “moderately challenging” at some points.

The Meditation.

Guests do not need to be experienced in meditation, which is a 10-minute guided visualization. I’ll invite you to turn the focus of your attention inward, observing your energy. You will invite your body to let go of any energy that is not yours or no longer serves you. In the process, you’ll call your energy back from wherever it might be, and set a grounding intention for the day. Often guests walk away with new meditation tips to help their future practice.

The Wildlife.

You’ll be up close and personal to all the flora and fauna of the desert. On occasion, you’ll see big horn sheep, which often travel in groups of three or more. In the twilight hour, you may see the the silhouette of the great horned owl. You will certainly see desert song birds and hummingbirds, and sometimes an occasional hawk. There is no wildlife we need to fear, just fellow creatures that need our appreciation — you’ll be in their home.

When they appear, it is magical. Read more about their spirit meaning.

What Is Provided.

I work to provide a highly customized experience for my guests, with attention to detail from booking, to confirmations the day before, to the actual hike and meditation itself. You can expect:

  • Clear compassionate communication

  • Bottled water

  • A grounding meditation, even for those who have struggled with mediation before.

  • Information on the geography, wildlife, native plants, history, and culture of Palm Springs.

  • Stories or solitude — your choice.

Read more in my FAQs.

What To Bring.

  • Camera

  • Open Spirit

  • Hiking boots are not necessary, just comfortable shoes with a good tread.

  • For the guided meditation, we’ll be sitting on rock. If hard surfaces bother you, you might want to bring a blanket or towel to sit on.

  • Wear layers; it may be cool to begin and warms quickly after sunrise.

Hike and Meditation Options

Timothy State, Sunrise Grounding Guide

Timothy State


I've been studying various forms of meditation for over 10 years with the Aesclepion Center in San Rafael, California, and the Clairvoyant Center of Chicago. For 15 years, I’ve been meditating daily. In that time, I’ve learned there is no wrong way or right way to meditate; just set the intention and your body will follow.

I walk daily, paying close attention to the daily rhythms of nature. I've found it particularly relaxing, rejuvenating, and awe-inspiring to be fully present in that moment when the sun comes around the corner, waking up the planet. I would love to share my observations with you, guiding you every step of the way.

I have the following certifications:

  • Qualified Day Hike Leader, Outdoors Experience Leadership Training program, California Great Outdoors, Inc.

  • First Aid / CPR