Many ways to get into the action
The golfing here is phenomenal, but there are lots more amazing things to see and do
Golf, golf and more golf. For the majority of visitors that head to Palm Springs in the wintertime, one thing and one thing only is on their minds—golf. And with four courses right within the city and more than 100 throughout the Coachella Valley, who can blame them? But as Hillary Angel, public relations manager for the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, points out, there’s more to Palm Springs than just golfing.
“The weather and the amazing desert landscape really intrigues you to want to explore,” said Angel. “You could be in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive and have margaritas and go shopping all day, but with so many places to explore and so many ways to go off the beaten path, a trip to Palm Springs isn’t complete without taking in some of our other outdoor activities as well.”
A little piece of paradise
Hiking, biking and riding are among these activities—and the Indian Canyons, said Angel, is one of the best places to start.
“The Indian Canyons are home to the Agua Caliente Cahuilla (pronounced kaw-we-ah) Band of Mission Indians,” said Angel. “It’s also home to over 100 miles of walking trails—from easy to advanced.”
An oasis in the desert—encompassing Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon—the Indian Canyons feature a landscape that consists of tall California palm trees, sparkling streams and breathtaking waterfalls. Here, visitors can have a picnic near a stream or head out on a photographer’s safari to explore the area either on foot or on horseback, and step back in time to get a glimpse of how life once was.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Angel.
Let your wheels take you exploring
Those looking for something with a little more of an adrenalin kick can take a number of thrilling off-road eco-tours. Tour participants can be treated to the stunning vistas of the San Andreas Fault or be awed by the remote cragginess of the Joshua Tree National Park. All tours are available in either open or closed four-wheel vehicles that let you take in the geology, wildlife and agriculture of the area while someone else does all the driving. Check out Desert Adventures, Elite Landtours and Big Wheel Tours.
For those who prefer to be in the driver’s seat, there are even opportunities to see the sights from the seat of a mountain bike, allowing you to experience the sights and sounds of the desert while getting in some exercise at the same time.
There are five in-town bike routes to explore on your own, and maps depicting them are available for free from the Department of Community Services.
Experience a natural high
But perhaps one of the most interesting ways to get out and experience the great outdoors in Palm Springs is to see it from a height of more than 8,000 feet—when you ascend the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Over 54 miles of hiking trails await once you've taken the 10-minute ride from the Valley Station to the Mountain Station on the world’s largest rotating tramcar; this is a place that’s so high up that during the winter months it often gets snow. Those missing their winter and some snow have the chance here to head out for some snowshoeing, sledding or cross-country skiing.
“It’s quite the experience to go up the tramway and go skiing in the morning,” said Angel, “and then come back down to the desert floor and the 80-degree weather in the afternoon for a round of golf.”
With so much to see and do, your golf game may suffer, but you simply can’t visit Palm Springs and not venture beyond the golf course to take in the myriad outdoor adventures that await.
