Sometimes, you just need to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature, history, and fun. Here’s a recap of our recent vacation filled with hikes, adventures, and relaxation.
November 16, 2024: Minerva Hoyt Trail and Yurt Life
After arriving early in the morning, the vacation began with a peaceful 3-mile hike on the Minerva Hoyt trail. Named after the conservationist who played a pivotal role in establishing Joshua Tree National Park, this trail offered stunning desert views and a chance to appreciate the beauty Hoyt fought to protect. That night, we stayed in a cozy yurt, embracing the charm of the freezing desert under a canopy of stars with steak and brussels sprouts around the firepit.
November 17, 2024: Exploring Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a marvel, and we made the most of the day by exploring some of its iconic trails:
- Oasis of Mara (0.5 miles): A quick but fascinating stroll through an area rich in history, used for centuries by the Serrano people and early settlers.
- 49 Palms Oasis (3 miles): A moderate hike leading to a beautiful oasis filled with vibrant palms, a hidden gem in the desert.
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail (1-mile loop): A picturesque loop showcasing unique rock formations and desert flora.
- Arch Rock Nature Trail (2 miles): A short trek to see incredible formations like Heart Rock, Whale Rock, and of course Arch Rock (the latter a bit anti-climatic).
Joshua Tree National Park, designated in 1936, is named for the iconic Joshua trees that dominate its landscape. These spiky, twisted trees were named by Mormon settlers who thought the branches resembled the outstretched arms of the biblical figure Joshua. The park spans two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, each with its own unique geography and biodiversity. From the North you can access the park close(r) to 29 Palms; from the South you can access the park not-so-close to Indo where we stayed at the WorldMark by Wyndham. There’s many more stops from the North than the South.
November 18, 2024: Biking and More in Palm Springs
The day kicked off with a 6-mile bike ride to Indian Canyons, followed by a refreshing 1-mile hike. After another 6-mile bike ride back, We enjoyed a lunch at El Mirasol, a fantastic spot for Mexican cuisine. We ended up here because the recommended place was closed this particular day. This ‘bike and hike’ was through a tour company, Big Wheel Tours, and we happened to be the only two folks so it was private with the tour guide–much nicer than normal tours we’ve done.
The afternoon brought a visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum, a treasure trove of aviation history. The museum houses one of the largest collections of flyable World War II planes in the world. Its exhibits pay homage to the bravery and innovation of the past, allowing visitors to step into history through interactive displays and historical aircraft.
The day ended with classic fun at Boomer’s Place, featuring mini golf and go-karts. Dinner at The Yard Sports Bar capped the evening with a unique twist—the bar’s name refers to the “yard glass” once given to stagecoach drivers. I sipped on a fruit beer and Jen had a refreshing grapefruit soda mocktail. We of course had to stop at REI which thankfully yielded no purchases but plenty of gear envy.
November 19, 2024: More Joshua Tree Adventures and Stargazing
After grabbing to-go lunch at Walmart and drinks at Starbucks, we returned to Joshua Tree for more exploration:
- Bajada Nature Trail (0.25-mile loop): A short and accessible trail perfect for learning about desert ecosystems.
- Mastodon Loop Trail (3.25 miles): This scenic hike rewarded me with gorgeous views and historic mining ruins.
- Cholla Cactus Gardens: A surreal, golden sea of cholla cacti.
- Ryan’s Ranch (1.3 miles): A peaceful hike to the remnants of an old ranch.
- Barker Dam Nature Trail (1.3 miles): This loop offered a glimpse of the historic Barker Dam and ancient petroglyphs.
The evening ended with a mesmerizing stargazing tour, where the vast desert sky came alive with constellations, shooting stars, and celestial wonders. Dinner at Snakebite Roadhouse was the perfect way to wrap up a stellar day.
November 20, 2024: High Altitudes and Relaxation
The day started with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which took us from 2000ft up to8,516 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. The world’s largest rotating tram car provided incredible views of the Chino Canyon during the ascent. At the top, we hiked 2.2 miles in the pristine wilderness of San Jacinto State Park, surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air.
The afternoon was spent relaxing at the resort, followed by a soak in the hot tub—a perfect way to unwind after an active morning.
November 21, 2024: Spa, Bowling, and Casinos
A luxurious 4-hour session at the Spa at Sec-he set the tone for a relaxing day. Feeling rejuvenated, we enjoyed some light-hearted fun at Fantasy Lanes Bowling before trying our luck at the casino at Fantasy Springs slot machines.
November 22, 2024: Wildlife, Misadventures, and a Roach Motel
The final day began at the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Garden, where we spent almost six hours exploring exhibits and hiking a 1.5-mile trail. This unique facility showcases the flora and fauna of desert environments worldwide.
The day took a turn when we checked into a Travelodge that, unfortunately, lived up to its “roach motel” reputation. Undeterred, we quickly dropped our things from the car and ended the day on a high note with a visit to the Agua Caliente Casino.
Final Thoughts
This vacation was the perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. From the iconic trails of Joshua Tree to the heights of Palm Springs and the spa relaxation, every moment was a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty of Southern California.