theyre red diamond rattlers. they come out in april and may for mating season.
and why are you done desert hiking for the summer?? Its just getting to actually feel desert-y!
I live here though, so I hike and trail-run out here every day, wether its 80 or 105. makes no difference, except in summer you want to stay completely covered so your skin isnt ruined...hat, nike dry fit pants and columbia long sleeve shirts with sunblock in em. and take frozen water bottles. its fine if youre used to the heat. ive done 15 to 20 mile hikes from palm desert to palm springs in july n august, not those start at 3am BS either,i dont get up that early! I usually start at 7 or 8 am n finishing by 3pm. I actually love hiking when its 100+ its pretty intense
Oh..And the rattlers go back to being nocturnal when it gets too hot for em (over 90 consistanly) I never see em after the end of june