Day Trips from Palm Springs

1. Amboy Crater

• What is Amboy Crater?
  • Amboy Crater is an extinct North American cinder cone volcano crater that has been preserved as a National Natural Landmark.
  • It is located within the beautiful Eastern Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.
• What are the key features of Amboy Crater?
  • The crater rises 944 feet above sea level over a 70-square-kilometer lava field.
  • It stands approximately 250 feet above the nearby basalt lava plains.
• How did Amboy Crater become a tourist attraction?
  • It became a popular attraction after the opening of U.S. Route 66 in California.
  • Many 1960s travelers boasted about climbing inside a real volcano.
• Why has Amboy Crater regained popularity?
  • With the opening of Mitchell Caverns and the Mojave National Preserve, Amboy Crater has once again become a major tourist destination.
  • The crater is renowned for its symmetrical shape, making it a must-see natural landmark.
• How can visitors explore Amboy Crater?
  • Visitors can hike the Western Cone Trail, which leads to the volcano's peak rim.
  • A day-use parking area at the site offers picnic tables and restrooms for convenience.

2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from Palm Springs

• What is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California.
  • It spans more than 600,000 acres throughout the gorgeous Borrego Springs area.
• What natural features frame the park?
  • The park is framed by the Jacumba, Vallecito, Santa Rosa, Pinyon, Bucksnort, and Borrego Mountain ranges.
  • It is set against stunning natural backdrops like the Carrizo Badlands and the Salton Trough.
• What can visitors explore at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center?
  • The visitor center is open year-round and offers exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history.
  • A highlight is a full-size model of Aiolornis incredibilis, a massive prehistoric bird.
• What recreational activities are available in the park?
  • The park has more than 500 miles of accessible visitor roads that traverse the landscape.
  • Visitors can explore the park through 4x4 vehicle routes and several hundred miles of hiking trails.

200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, Phone: 760-767-4205, Video

3. Julian from Palm Springs

• Where is Julian, California, located?
  • Julian is one of Southern California's top getaway destinations.
  • It is nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, about an hour east of San Diego.
• What is the historical significance of Julian?
  • The city was originally developed as a gold mining boomtown in the mid-19th century.
  • Today, Julian is home to many preserved historic buildings within its Designated Historic District.
  • Visitors can explore renovated businesses and living history facilities that offer tours throughout the year.
• Why is Julian famous for apples?
  • Apple orchards thrive in Julian’s uniquely cold-weather climate.
  • The town hosts the annual October Apple Festival, where more than 10,000 prepared apple pies are sold each week.
• What festivals and events take place in Julian?
  • Julian hosts a variety of family-friendly festivals throughout the year, including:
    • Julian Community Fourth of July Parade
    • Music at the Marketplace (autumn concert series)
    • Vintage Cookbook Fair
    • Fat Tire Bike Festival

4. The Coachella Valley from Palm Springs

• What is the Coachella Valley?
  • The Coachella Valley is a 45-mile desert valley in Southern California.
  • It stretches between the San Bernardino Mountains in Riverside County and the northern banks of the Salton Sea.
• What natural features are found in the Coachella Valley?
  • The valley is traversed by the famed San Andreas Faultline.
  • It is also home to the Chocolate Mountains, which are used as a United States Navy live gunnery range.
• What cultural attractions can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can explore the unique Coachella Walls, a collection of stunning murals painted by local artists.
  • These murals can be viewed on self-guided tours throughout the year.
• What recreational activities are available in the Coachella Valley?
  • Visitors can enjoy recreational hiking and horseback riding.
  • The valley also offers opportunities for a variety of winter sports.
  • It is a premier golfing destination, with more than 125 golf courses throughout the area.
• Are there casinos and resorts in the Coachella Valley?
  • The valley is home to two casinos for visitors seeking entertainment and gaming options.
  • The sprawling 35-acre Hotel Indigo offers luxury accommodations.
• What is the Coachella Valley best known for?
  • The valley is perhaps best known for the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
  • This festival spans two weekends in April and showcases top international independent rock, hip-hop, and EDM acts.

5. Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve

• What is Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve?
  • Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 1,831-acre public park in Santa Clara County.
  • It stretches along the Diablo Range foothills near Highway 101.
• What ecosystems and wildlife does the preserve protect?
  • The property protects rare serpentine grassland ecosystems.
  • These ecosystems serve as vital habitats for threatened species such as:
    • Bay checkerspot butterfly
    • California red-legged frog
    • Tiger salamander
    • Golden eagle
• Where can visitors access the preserve?
  • Visitors can enter the preserve from two main sites.
  • The lower area is more accessible and ideal for visitors with young children.
• What can visitors see in the lower area?
  • The lower area features stunning wildflowers and meandering creeks.
  • These creeks are heavily populated by butterflies and dragonflies.
• What are the hiking options in the park?
  • The park’s upper ridge area contains more difficult hikes.
  • Some hikes gain over 900 feet in elevation over the course of two miles.
• Are there guided tours available?
  • Each spring, the park offers docent-led hikes to explore its beautiful wildflower hillside fields.

6. Idyllwild from Palm Springs

• Where is Idyllwild located?
  • Idyllwild is a charming community in Riverside County, located within the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains.
  • It is home to several unincorporated communities, including Pine Cove, Fern Valley, Mountain Center, and Garner Valley.
• What is Idyllwild best known for?
  • Idyllwild is famous for the Mile-High Idyllwild mountain resort, which sits at a mile altitude above sea level.
  • The resort offers year-round outdoor experiences, including:
    • Hiking
    • Rock climbing
    • Mountain biking
    • Horseback riding
• What is Idyllwild’s connection to the arts?
  • The community has been named one of America's top artist colonies.
  • It is home to the renowned Idyllwild Arts Academy, which showcases works by nationally renowned artists and crafters.
• What annual festivals take place in Idyllwild?
  • The city hosts the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines Festival each year.
  • This event features musical performances across three outdoor stages.

7. Indian Canyons from Palm Springs

• What are the Indian Canyons?
  • Indian Canyons preserves four beautiful historic canyons in Palm Springs.
  • It is known as one of the region's top natural attractions throughout the year.
• Where are the Indian Canyons located?
  • The site is located on Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribal lands on the western end of Palm Springs.
• What makes Tahquitz Canyon special?
  • Tahquitz Canyon was used as the filming location for the entrance to Shangri-La in the classic film Lost Horizon.
  • Visitors can explore the canyon on guided hikes or trek on their own to see its stunning 60-foot waterfall.
• What is unique about Palm Canyon?
  • 15-mile Palm Canyon showcases breathtaking flora and fauna.
  • It is home to California fan palm trees, making it one of the most picturesque areas of the canyons.
• What can visitors see in Andreas Canyon?
  • Andreas Canyon is home to over 150 species of plants.
  • It can be explored via a popular scenic foot trail.
• What wildlife is found in Murray Canyon?
  • Murray Canyon is home to endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep.
  • Visitors may also see mule deer and Least Bells Vireo birds.
• Are there visitor amenities at Indian Canyons?
  • Yes! The area features the Palm Springs Spa Hotel and Mineral Springs.
  • These hot springs are believed to have healing properties.

38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, Phone: 760-323-6018

8. The Integratron

• What is The Integratron?
  • The Integratron is one of Southern California's most unique attractions.
  • It was originally designed by ufologist George Van Tassel in 1959.
• What was The Integratron originally designed for?
  • Van Tassel claimed the structure was capable of time travel, anti-gravity, and rejuvenation abilities.
  • The project was partially funded by pilot and business magnate Howard Hughes.
• Where is The Integratron located?
  • It is located near Joshua Tree National Park in Landers, California.
  • The structure stands at 38 feet high and has a diameter of 55 feet.
• Who owns The Integratron today?
  • After Van Tassel's death in 1978, the structure was purchased in the early 2000s by sisters Patty, Nancy, and Joanne Karl.
  • They opened it as a tourist attraction.
• What experiences can visitors enjoy at The Integratron?
  • Visitors can explore the National Register of Historic Places-listed structure.
  • The site offers unique sound baths, which expose visitors to harmonic sound frequencies produced by quartz bowls to induce deep calming experiences.
• What can visitors learn at the on-site exhibits?
  • The structure’s visitor center features exhibits detailing the history of The Integratron.
  • Exhibits also explore the purported scientific and metaphysical purposes of the structure, as envisioned by Van Tassel.

2477 Belfield Blvd, Landers, CA 92285, Phone: 760-364-3126

9. Joshua Tree National Park

• What is Joshua Tree National Park?
  • Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California's best-known national parks.
  • It is named in honor of its unique, twisted Joshua trees.
• Where is Joshua Tree National Park located?
  • The park is situated within the stunning, cactus-lined Colorado and Mojave Deserts.
• What recreational activities are available in the park?
  • Visitors can enjoy year-round hiking throughout Hidden Valley.
  • Overlook points offer stunning views of the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea.
  • The park is a popular spot for rock climbing, with routes for all difficulty levels along quartz monzonite granite terrain.
  • A main paved road allows for scenic driving.
  • The Geology Tour Road offers four-wheel drive experiences.
• What wildlife can be found in Joshua Tree National Park?
  • The park is home to over 250 bird species, including golden eagles.
  • Other native wildlife includes:
    • California tree frogs
    • Black-tailed jackrabbits
    • Coyotes
    • Lynx
• Are there camping opportunities in the park?
  • The park has nine campground areas available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Is Joshua Tree National Park good for stargazing?
  • Yes! The park is known as a popular dark sky viewing region.
  • It offers amazing opportunities to spot sections of the Milky Way with the naked eye.

74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597, Phone: 760-367-5500

10. The BMW Performance Center West

• What is the BMW Performance Center West?
  • The BMW Performance Center West is a premiere driving instruction school located in Thermal, California.
  • It is owned and operated by the renowned automobile company BMW.
• What track features does the facility offer?
  • The state-of-the-art facility includes extensive track areas with specialized features, such as:
    • A black lake wet track for skid control training.
    • A 300-foot polished concrete skidpad for advanced handling exercises.
    • A multi-configuration course with hairpin turns and high-speed straights.
• What types of driving instruction are available?
  • The center offers one- and two-day driving instruction experiences, including:
    • Car Control Courses – Teaching vehicle handling techniques.
    • M School – Training participants in high-performance driving.
    • Teen Driving Courses – Focused on safety and skill-building for young drivers.
• What is the M School experience?
  • M School allows participants to get behind the wheel of high-performance BMW cars.
  • It focuses on managing sophisticated vehicle dynamics in a controlled track environment.
• What does Advanced M School offer?
  • Advanced M School provides professional-level training for drivers looking to push their skills further.
  • Participants gain experience on a road course designed for high-speed precision driving.

86-050 Jasper Lane, Thermal, CA 92274, Phone: 888-345-4269