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Table of Contents

• Approximate Time: 2-4 days for Palm Springs

• Aerial Tram & San Jacinto Mountain

• Thousand Palms (desert) Oasis

• Tahquitz Canyon

• More Fun Things to Do

• Travel Tips - Palm Springs

• Great add-on trip: Death Valley, CA

Location = Palm Springs Visitor's Center. 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA.

Palm Springs encompasses 94 square miles, and 10% of it is owned by the Cohuilla Indian Tribe - perhaps the wealthiest tribe in California. As of 2020 the population was less than 45,000 however, the population triples during the spring & winter seasons due to the retirees & snowbirds. Snowbirds are people who move from their primary home before the cold, snowy climate starts to their second home located in a warm climate. Around late spring, they move back home.

Palm Springs became USA territory in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. In 1876, the USA established the Agua Caliente Reservation - meaning "hot water" for the Cohuilla who originally named it Se-Khi, meaning "boiling water". Yes it's true - the water gets pretty hot, so don't expect to get a refreshing dip on a scorching day! And who wants to swim in a hot pool on a hot day? Read about Thousand Palms desert oasis below.

Today, Palm Springs is known for it's modern mid-century (1950-60's) style architecture, luxury resorts, golf, casinos, and the Aerial Tram up to Mount San Jacinto (pronounced San Ha-SIN-toe). I lived in California for 20 years and many cities & streets have Spanish names - as Mexico originally owned all of California and several other states.

San Jacinto Mountain

San Jacinto's peak is 10,8374 feet, and the shortest trail is 11 miles roundtrip from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram.

From the Tram - follow the sign to Round Valley then up to Wellman's Divide. At the junction, head up to the peak. In winter months you can also cross-country ski or snowshoe.

The challenging route is 17.1 miles roundtrip on Deer Springs Trail in Idyllwild, CA. On my last trip, a 2-seater plane flew by at eye level. We waved to each other - how SUPER cool is that?

Location = Palm Spring Aerial Tram. 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs CA. FYI: the Mountain Station at the top of the Aerial Tram has dining, gift shop, lockers & restrooms. The hike is awesome to the top of San Jacinto Mountain.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is the largest rotating aerial tram in the world. Ticket lines may get long, so maybe purchase tickets online. Hiking up San Jacinto Mountain is one of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs. What's yours?

The Aerial Tram takes you from the desert floor up to 8,516 feet. The ride is a little scary for me inside the glass enclosure. My fear of heights kicks in - I mean it's off the charts crazy high. You're just like dangling there, inside TONS of metal hanging on a cable wire.

FYI: The air is thinner so it's harder to get oxygen. Breathing seems to get a little harder beyond 8,500 feet elevation. The weather conditions on San Jacinto Mountain can change rapidly - so be prepared and carry warm clothes & emergency gear like whistle, flashlight, matches, thermal blanket under 1 pound, snacks, and extra water. Cell service is sometimes spotty. * Wilderness permits are required.

Location = Thousand Palms Oasis. 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms CA. It's about 10 miles east of Palm Springs. Entry is free, however donations are appreciated. FYI: Some areas & trails are closed on different days or times. NO dogs or smoking allowed.

Thousands Palms Oasis is literally a desert oasis within the Coachella Preserve. Oasis means a fertile area with greenery or water in a dry area. There's 25 miles of trails in the Thousand Palms Oasis area that take you thru different desert landscapes. You'll get to explore a forest of palm trees and desert wetlands. Wait, WHAT?

It's hard to imagine "wetlands" in a desert? That's like an oxymoron. Thousand Palms Oasis sits on top of the massive San Andreas Fault Line. The constant movement going on underground is what causes the water to seep up from the depths that surface and form pools & wetlands. Who knew.... a desert oasis.

There's actually several ponds within Thousand Palms Oasis, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how big the desert oasis pool really is. The waters are so calm you can see the green palm trees mirrored in the water - blurring reality with reflection. Also, don't miss the wooden bridge thru a tunnel of palm fronds.

Location = Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center. 500 W. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs CA. FYI: Buy your $15 day hike tickets at the Visitor Center. They require you to have at least 32 ounces of water. If not, you can buy water there. NO dogs/animals allowed. There are some steep steps up to 15 inches high to climb.

The scenery is really beautiful on the Agua Caliente (meaning hot water) Cohuilla Indian Reservation. To get a glimpse into Native American history, visit Tahquitz Canyon - it's so amazing to learn how they could thrive in environments like Palm Springs.

A perfect place to see their beginning language - read my blogs about: Montezuma's Castle & Palatki Heritage Site in Sedona, AZ. Also, Walnut Canyon Monument in Flagstaff, AZ.

More Fun Things to Do

• Golfing - Palm Springs is loaded with golf courses, luxury resorts, and spas.

• Museums - the Palm Springs Art Museum & Air Museum.

• Living Desert Zoo & Gardens - it's a laugh and a 1/2 to feed the giraffe's. And ewww.... dark purple tongues!

• Moorten Botanical Gardens - cactus/native plants & a Villa called Cactus Castle.

• Casino's - there's several casino's if you're into gambling.

• Outdoor fun - hot air balloons, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

• Walk of Stars - Palm Springs became really popular with celebrities from the 1930's thru 1960's. Over 400 are represented at the Walk of Stars, and big names include Elvis Presley & Frank Sinatra.

• Statue of Marilyn Monroe - find her and snap a photo.

The Tahquitz Canyon trail is 2 miles roundtrip, with a very pleasant surprise - a pretty awesome 60 foot waterfall considering it's in a desert. I'm sure it's prettier in early spring if there's been some rains over the winter and there's a little more green. There are some steep sections with lots of rocks, and the stone steps up to 15 inches in height.

You'll also find some Indian rock art and various plant & animal life. The Visitor's Center carries artifacts & souvenirs. I chose this trail because of the waterfall - I call myself a waterfall chaser. And yes - you can swim in the pool at the base of Tahquitz Falls.... YIPPEE.

The trails at Indian Canyon are also popular having flatter terrain than the Tahquitz Canyon which many prefer instead.

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