Joshua Tree National Park is an easy day trip from La Quinta/Palm Springs. I recommend arriving at first light to catch the sunrise over the rocks and to avoid the crowds. I entered through the West Entrance Station, just off Hwy 62. There are numerous lookouts, picnic areas, camping sites and interpretive trails along Park Boulevard. The Boulevard is a relatively easy, ride through paradise for road bikers. I don't remember seeing dedicated bike lanes, but the road is wide enough to accommodate cars and bikers. I took Park Boulevard to its terminus at Keys View which offered a grand view of the Coachella Valley, the Santa Rosa Mountains, San Jacinto and the Salton Sea. The San Andreas Fault is also visible from the lookout.
I signed up for a two day introductory rock climbing course through Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School. We focused on fundamentals on the first half of day one and started climbing immediately after lunch. On day two, we tackled more challenging rocks. I was in a group of five people which meant we had easy one-on-one access to the instructor. The pace was faster than I imagined, so I had little time to dwell on my fear of heights and trust issues. I recommend the two day course, as there was only a minimal sense of accomplishment after day one.
If sporting isn't your thing, just go for the views. Bring your camera - the rocks and cacti are photogenic. If you're not camping, try and catch the monthly star party hosted by the Andromeda Astronomical Society. I regret missing it. Ask the ranger at the entry for details.
Links:
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School
Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts
Friday, July 18, 2008
Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua Tree, CA
Monday, March 10, 2008
Tahquitz Canyon - Palm Springs, CA
January 6, 2008
Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center
Details:
- 2-mile round trip hike
- 350 ft. elevation gain
- $12.50 adult, $6.00 child entrance fee (includes guided tour)
Directions:- From Washington, take Hwy 111 West
- Hwy 111 will turn into East Palm Canyon Drive - continue on East Palm Canyon Drive
- Mesquite is the second stop light from the South Palm Canyon turnoff - turn left
- The road will lead to the Visitor Center
Links:San Jacinto Peak - Palm Springs, CA
September 2, 2007
Details:
- Approximately 11.6 mile hike
- About a 2,400 ft. elevation gain
- Requires a wilderness permit - free at the Long Valley Ranger Station
Directions:
- Directions to Tram from Washington and 111
- Ride the Tram to the Mountain Station
- Follow directions to the Long Valley Ranger Station
- Get a wilderness permit at the Station
- Take the Round Valley or Willow Creek trail to Round Valley
- From Round Valley, follow the signs to Wellman's Divide
- From Wellman's Divide, follow the signs to San Jacinto Peak
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Website
Weather Report
Palm Springs Art Museum - Palm Springs, CA
May 27, 2007
If you are trying to define the flavor of Palm Springs - to determine what makes this place so appealing - a quick trip to the Palm Springs Art Museum will help. This is an intimate museum - just the right size for a three-hour tour. It is conveniently located next to the Annenberg Theater and is only one block from the restaurants and shopping on Palm Canyon Drive.There are a few trophy pieces (Motherwell, Modigliani, Chihuly, Warhol) weaved in with a smartly assembled collection of Western and MesoAmerican art; Native American crafts, artwork and furnishings; and Contemporary sculpture and paintings. Each exhibit tells a cohesive story and is relevant to the art, history and culture of the area.
Art snobs may leave a bit starved for big names (LACMA and the Getty are just 2 hours away), but I believe most will enjoy a visit. This museum is whimsical, historical, hip, surprising and deserty all at once - just like the town that houses it.
First Floor
- Special Exhibits - Try to catch the Marion Pike exhibit (through Sept. 23, 2007) to see her massive and hauntingly beautiful portraits of 20th century celebrities. And... if you're not a big fan of cowboy artists, the Treasures from the West exhibit (through Sept. 23, 2007) just might change your mind. The exhibit features stunning Native American and Western works that will resonate with anyone who loves the Western US.
- Permanent Exhibits:
- Best of the West
- Contemporary Desert Photography
- Contemporary Glass
- Desert Painters
- Miniature Room
Second Floor- MesoAmerican Art - A wonderful exhibit! You will leave with a good understanding of the regional differences in MesoAmerican art.
Third Floor- 20th Century Art
- 20th Century Sculpture
Links:
Palm Springs Art Museum Website
Directions
Stagecoach Music Festival - Indio, CA
May 2007
Coffee Dan, sometime photographer and Just Java entrepreneur, visited this year's inaugural Stagecoach Country Music Festival and donated a few choice pics to this site. The two-day festival was held at the Empire Polo Fields and was tagged as the largest country music festival in California. 2007 headliners included George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson.Links:
Stagecoach Festival Site
Kenny Chesney
George Strait
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - Palm Springs, CA
May 13, 2007
Details:
- Rotating Tram transports visitors from the Palm Springs valley floor (elevation 2,600 feet) to the San Jacinto Mountain State Park (elevation 10,800 ft).
- The ride lasts about 10 minutes and passes through five distinct ecological zones.
- Temperature at the top is about 40 degrees cooler than at the desert floor - please dress accordingly.
- Jaw-dropping views of the Coachella Valley in addition to waterfalls (in season) and wildlife (if you are lucky).
- Activities at the top include hiking, nature walks, camping, cross country ski and snowshoeing.
A unique experience, the tram offers a little bit of something for everyone. There is the obvious draw for nature lovers and outdoorsy types. And there is the not-so obvious draw for engineering buffs (this is a celebrated civil engineering marvel), history addicts (its story spans a century), romantics (mountaintop twilight dinner packages available), and desert dwellers seeking shelter from the 100+ degree heat. A one-time visit is essential if only for the ride. A dizzying 8,000 ft elevation gain in 10 minutes coupled with views from a rotating carriage and cool, crisp mountain air at the top is well worth the fee... and the drive.
Directions:
- From 111 and Washington
- Take I-10 West
- Exit Date Palm
- Turn Right on Vista Chino
- Turn Right on N. Palm Canyon Drive
- Turn Left on Tramway Road
- The road ends at the entrance to the Tram's Valley Station
***Instant gratification - The tram eliminates 8,000 feet of heavy hiking, making the hikes through the wilderness or to the Peak accessible to all willing adventurers. Don't rob yourself of a unique opportunity to truly experience all that the tram has to offer. Even if you don't plan to hike, come prepared for a nice walk in the woods - water, snacks, proper clothing, good shoes. At the top, you may just be hit with the urge to explore.
Trail phogs:
- Desert View Trail
- Round Valley Trail
- Wellmans Divide
- San Jacinto Peak
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Website
Weather Report
Palm Springs Yacht Club at the Parker - Palm Springs, CA
May 13, 2007
Entrance to the Spa
Details:- Full service spa at the iconic Parker Palm Springs
- Amenities available to spa clientele who are not hotel guests are:
- Locker Rooms
- Separate men's and women's steam room, sauna and whirlpool spa
- Separate men's and women's body temperature indoor pool
- Complimentary yoga and pilates classes on the weekends
- Access to the fitness center
Ladies Locker Room
Observations:
- Beautiful people play at the Parker - Guests are noticeably young, hip and financially comfortable.
- The Parker applies the "fun" philosophy to the typical matchy matchy theme theme hotel approach. The result is an atmosphere and a collection of facilities and services that can be described with words like peppy, perky, preppy and psychedelic.
- Not much imagination was applied to the basic spa menu, and the sunbathing area is the size of a postage stamp, but the nautical decor, a spa Manifesto, and a nice indoor pool make up for it. There is also a week-long Camp PSYC offering that is decidedly anti-Canyon Ranch or pro-self-indulgent 21st century fun.
Croquet Lawn
Directions:
- From Washington and 111
- Take 111 East
- 111 turns into E. Palm Canyon Drive
- The Parker Palm Springs is on the NE corner of E. Palm Canyon Drive and S. Cherokee Way (one block past S. Gene Autry Trail)
Spa at The Parker Palm Springs Website
Shield's Date Garden - Indio, CA
April 28, 2007
Summary:
- Free video - "Romance and Sex Life of the Date"
- Garden with views of 20 acre date farm
- Food counter serving famous date shakes
- Items offered include 100+ varieties of date, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, condiments and sundries
- From 111 and Washington
- Take 111 East
- Pass Jefferson
- Shields Date Farm is on your right side immediately past Jefferson
Shield's Date Garden houses an unusual mix of farmer's market, classroom and ice cream shop. Date farming, you'll learn, is a precise art requiring both patience and hard labor. The same care and passion applied to growing and harvesting a date is also applied to the crafting of your Date Garden experience. Yes - the garish signs, the date shakes and the sex video are all contrived marketing tools to get you to spend. Surprisingly, by the time you leave, you won't mind the trap. The dates, after all, are clearly of excellent quality. And, like the date, the knowledge you will gain on dates and date farming is earthy, super-sweet and strangely satisfying.
Date palm - the brown bags protect the dates
Food counter - Serves drinks, ice cream and the famous date shakes at $3.50/serving. Ask for the shake recipe at the merchandise register.
Merchandise - Fully equipped with a down-to-earth staff, samples of dates and other edibles, and free brochures and recipes.
Gridley Road - Ojai, CA
July 22, 2007
Citrus groves and gorgeous views of the Los Padres National Forest - Ojai is authentic, old California replete with small galleries, great restaurants, wine bars, spas and charming inns.
Wellman's Divide - Palm Springs, CA
June 23, 2007
Uphill Climb to the Divide
Details:- Approximately 7 mile round-trip hike
- Requires a Wilderness Permit - free at the Ranger Station
This is basically the Round Valley Loop hike with an extension to Wellman's Divide. It is a 7-mile RT hike that takes about 4 hours. The 1-mile stretch to the Divide is more challenging than the Willow Creek and Round Valley trails. Stunning views at the Divide coupled with changes in vegetation and cooler weather (a treat in the summer) make the uphill trek worthwhile.
Colorful ground cover frame views of a nearby peak
Directions:
- Directions to Tram from Washington and 111
- Ride the Tram to the Mountain Station
- Follow directions to the Long Valley Ranger Station
- Get a wilderness permit at the Station
- Take the Round Valley or Willow Creek trail to Round Valley
- From Round Valley, follow the signs to Wellman's Divide
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Website
Weather Report
Round Valley Loop - Palm Springs, CA
May 27, 2007
Willow Creek Trail
Details:- Approximately 5 mile round-trip hike
- Requires a Wilderness Permit - free at the Ranger Station
- Choose between Round Valley and Willow Creek path to start, but be on the lookout for the turnoffs. I missed the turnoff from Round Valley to Willow Creek and luckily ran into rangers at the Round Valley Camp.
This is a nice walk in the woods. The 5-mile loop takes about 2 hours. There are a few steep ascents, but the trails are easy and gradual for the most part. I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds and the heat. This is a wilderness trail, so there are few panoramic views.
Willow Creek Trail
Detour to Round Valley campground - The shady side of the meadow (but not shady for this picture) was covered with these leafy plants - below. From the campground, you can proceed to Wellman's Divide.Round Valley Trail
Directions:- Directions to Tram from Washington and 111
- Ride the Tram to the Mountain Station
- Follow directions to the Long Valley Ranger Station
- Get a wilderness permit at the Station
- Follow signs to Round Valley Trailhead
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Website
Weather Report
Desert View Trail - Palm Springs, CA
May 13, 2007
Details:
- Easy 1.5 mile round trip hike
- Hike through pine forest to a scenic overlook offering excellent views of Palm Springs
If you forget to wear sturdy shoes to the top of the Tram, or if you are a bit out of shape, you have two short hiking options once you descend the Mountain Station's concrete ramp. The first option is a 1/2 mile wilderness-nature walk. The second option is the Desert View Trail which will take you through the woods to a lookout point where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the desert floor. Scale the rocky path to the right of the lookout area for even more panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.Directions:
- Follow directions to Palm Springs Tramway
- From the Tram's Mountain Station, follow signs to the Desert View Trail
Andreas Canyon - Palm Springs, CA
April 29, 2007
Rock formation at Andreas Canyon
Details:- Easy, 1 mile (est.) round-trip hike in Indian Canyon
- $8.00 adult entrance fee to Indian Canyons which includes access to Palm Canyon and Murray Canyon
- Please see links below for a full list of fees, times and tips.
You can play at the creek or hop boulders under the palms, but the real draw of Andreas Canyon is best appreciated on the gentle grade of its 1/2 mile trail. There, you will view the contrast between a string of lush, green fan palms clustered along the creek set against massive, dark rock formations and yellow desert mountains in the distance.
Directions:- From 111 and Washington
- Take 111 West into Palm Springs
- 111 turns into East Palm Canyon Drive
- Before reaching a turn in the road that turns East Palm Canyon Drive to Palm Canyon Drive, you will see a sign for South Palm Canyon Drive. Watch out for the sign or you may miss it. Start looking for it once you get so close to the mountain that you feel the road is about to end.
- Turn South (left) into South Palm Canyon Drive
- Take this road for 3 miles
- Signs will appear at about mile 3 leading you to the Indian Canyons toll gate.
- Location Map
Details with times, tips and fees
Site with a nice slideshow
Palm Canyon - Palm Springs, CA
April 29, 2007
Details:
- 15 miles of trails - pictures show views from first 1.5 miles
- Trading Post at trailhead with food/drink, souvenirs, restrooms (port-o-let). This is also the check-in point for guided tours ($3 adult).
- $8.00 adult entrance fee to Indian Canyons which includes access to Andreas and Murray Canyons
- Please see link below for a full list of fees, times and tips.
The hulking immediacy of nature hits you the minute you step into this palm grove. Lizards, squirrels and rattlesnakes don't bother to hide. Palms creak and rattle with the weight of dried fronds. Mossy protrusions darken bark, and the sandy ground reminds you that the searing heat of the raw desert waits just beyond the shady protection of the grove. It is a calming change of scenery for desert urbanites. Take the path to the Victor Trail trailhead for an easy 3-mile round trip hike in shade. To tackle the 15 mile stretch, you will have to catch a ride to a drop off on Hwy 74. Call rangers at 760-323-6018 for more details.
Click to see close-up of palm trunk surface
Directions:- See Andreas Canyon blog for directions to the Indian Canyons toll gate.
- The ranger will direct you to the Palm Canyons Trading Post. It's a scenic 2.5 mile drive from the toll gate to the Trading Post.
- Location Map
Indian Canyons times, tips and fees
Palm Canyon detail
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