🌀 Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the weather like?
Expect sunny days in the low 80s and chilly nights in the low 50s. Rain is rare, but the mountain weather can change quickly — pack layers and be prepared for cold nights.
What’s the elevation, and how does it affect me?
Playa Ponderosa sits at 7,200 ft. At high altitudes, your body works harder — here’s how to thrive:
Hydrate constantly (start before travel)
Eat carbs + electrolytes
Use sunscreen — the sun is stronger up here
Ease into your fun! - our bodies are more sensitive in higher elevations
💖 ABOUT DESERT HEARTS
What is the purpose of Desert Hearts?
Our mission: Create as much love and positive energy as possible. We’re here to do the right thing, lift each other up, and pass down a culture of love, respect, and radical expression. It’s what makes the Desert Hearts Family so powerful.
🔊 MUSIC & VIBES
Is the music 24 hours?
Yes! One stage, nonstop music all festival long. Morning, noon, or deep in the night — the beat goes on.
What’s the dance floor like?
Shaded for comfort
Surrounded by theme camps and art cars
Powered by Funktion-One sound from Chino Sound
Easily our best dance floor ever
Can I go backstage?
Yes, everyone is welcome backstage — just be respectful and give the DJs space to do their thing.
🛡 SAFETY & MEDICAL
What’s your safety policy?
Your safety is our priority. We work with professional security, law enforcement, and have an on-site medical facility available 24/7.
Will my car be searched?
Yes. Vehicles will be checked at the gate for:
Weapons
Unauthorized persons
Any safety risks
Are there security checkpoints inside the fest?
Once you’re in, you’re in. There are no internal searches, just wristband checks. You’re free to roam and explore.
No Ins & Outs
How do I find medical or security?
Look for staff in uniforms
Medical + HQ tents are clearly marked on the map
Harm Reduction Team will also be roaming and assisting
If you need medical help:
Find someone with a radio
Stay with the person in need
Use a light or marker to help medics locate you quickly
🏕️ CAMPING & FEST RULES
What size are the campsites?
Each car camping spot includes space for your vehicle and a 10x10 area for a tent or similar setup. Please plan accordingly to make the most of your campsite.
How large can my vehicle be for car camping?
For regular car camping, your vehicle must be 18 feet or shorter.
Can I have a campfire?
No fires allowed. This includes:
Campfires
Fire pits
Fireworks
🚬 Required by the Forest Service, there will be a designated Smoking Area, you can find this on the north edge of the dance floor. Smoking with new friends is way more fun, right?!
✅ Propane grills are OK
🚫 No glass — leave glass bottles at home
🚬 Please pack a cigarette butt container
Can I bring speakers to my camp?
No amplified sound in camping areas. Join us on the dance floor — that’s where the real magic happens.
Can I bring animals?
Only registered service animals are allowed (no ESAs or pets). You must:
Email documentation to info@deserthearts.us
Show paperwork + proof of shots at the gate
🌱 SUSTAINABILITY
What do I do with my trash & recycling?
We’re a Leave No Trace festival. That means:
Pack out everything you bring in
Bring trash & recycling bags
We offer a trash drop-off service, for a small fee. This will be located at the gate, as you exit the festival. You are welcome to drop all trash and recycling, as long as it is bagged.
💧 FOOD, WATER & FACILITIES
Will there be drinking water?
Please bring enough water for yourself and your group for the entire weekend.
Filtered refill stations will be available at the festival to fill your personal waterbottle.
*Please do not fill 5gallon jugs*
Will you be selling ice?
Absolutely. Gotta keep those coolers icy.
Will there be showers?
No showers this year. We recommend:
Wet wipes
Portable showers
Baby wipes (pack it out!)
Will there be food vendors?
Yes! Expect a variety of delicious food options available for purchase.
Is there a bar?
No bar this year — BYOB!
(Some theme camps may offer beverages.)
🎟 TICKETS & ENTRY
Who do I contact for ticket issues?
Reach out to SeeTickets Support on their website.
ADA Camping
We offer ADA-compliant camping for patrons with limited mobility.
To coordinate ADA camping. Please email: redarteryleads@gmail.com
* Please have a valid, state-issued disabled parking placard, permit, or license plate, along with documentation from the DMV readily available to share when emailing our Red Artery Team
Can I leave and come back?
No in & outs — once you’re in, you’re in.
🧳 WHAT TO BRING
✔️ Must-Haves
Festival ticket (printed or digital)
Vehicle + camping/RV passes
ID or passport
🏕 Camp Essentials
Tent, sleeping pad, air mattress
Warm blankets & pillows
Shade structure
Chairs
Trash & recycling bags
💧 Hydration & Health
Water (lots of it) + electrolytes
Sunscreen, lip balm
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, baby wipes
Medications
Earplugs, sunglasses, eye drops
🍴 Kitchen Gear
Cooler
Reusable cup, utensils, plate
Propane stove & cookware
Biodegradable soap
Food/snacks
👕 Clothing
Daytime clothes (cool & breathable)
Nighttime layers (it gets cold!)
Hats, scarves, bandanas
Comfortable shoes & fun costumes
🔦 Misc
Headlamp/flashlight
Zip ties, rope, duct tape
Extra batteries
Cash + cards
Cigarette butt container
🚫 WHAT NOT TO BRING
No fires
No glass
No pets
No weapons or replicas
No drones
No amplified sound at camp
No in & outs
No illegal substances
No driving during the fest