OK Palm Springs, you surprised me! Last year, Yosiell gave me a fantastic book of National Parks, in which you check off the ones you have visited. I've decided to make it a life's goal to check off all 63 parks. (So far, I've visited ten National Parks out of 63) In order to check off one of the parks, Rusty and I decided to go to Palm Springs during the winter break and explore Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive outside of Palm Springs proper.
Palm Springs and the surrounding area was particularly surprising to me. I expected a gay mecca with lots of drugs, alcohol, sex, and parties, and although that is certainly a part of this fairly small town, I was throughly impressed with the many opportunities to hike and be at one in the natural surroundings.
To be honest, I was also thoroughly impressed with the friendliness of the people. Two people in particular I was set to write off as vapid and shallow, and had to readjust my narrow minded preconceptions. To be fair one was not from Palm Springs, rather one of the many foreigners residing at the gay resort, but still always nice to challenge my world views. Yes, I too ,am constantly evolving.
So, here's to the Natural areas of Palm Springs with the caveat that this was with the mild temperatures of January (as we all know the desert is inhospitable and unlivable for many months of the year).
Joshua Tree
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| First hike in Joshua Tree, beautiful landscape and awesome rock formations. |
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Awesome hiking buddy, both of us sore but happy. |
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| Climbing boulders to enjoy the view from the top of Mastadon Peak. |
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| The Cholla Cactus Garden...so cool. |
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| (Insert Double entendre) It's always fun until someone gets a prick in their ass (I mean cactus you dirty minded bitches). |
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| Blue sky and awesome views. |
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| Also needed to include actual Joshua Trees. |
Murray Canyon Trail - Agua Caliente: Band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation
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| Surprisingly lush oasis in the canyon. |
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| Lots of palms feeding on the water coming up through rock fissures. Definitely worth the $12 entry fee. |
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| This canyon hike was exceptionally remarkable for the amount of water falls. |
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| Beautiful. |
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A few of the seven sisters at the end of the trail.
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And yet another waterfall. Different canyon a short walk from the parking lot.
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If ever visiting, be sure to take the aerial tramway to the San Jacinto State Park. The tram takes you up to the 8,000 foot level where there is a ton of snow!
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| Waiting for our tram to depart (get there early, as the wait is long - 60 minutes for us). |
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| One of five towers, the tram actual has a rotating floor so you get a 360 degree view as you ascend. |
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| The entire ride was ten to twelve minutes. |
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| Nice view! |
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| In the snow but still somewhat warm, temps. in the 50's. |
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| Not a bad way to spend a day. |
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Such beautiful alpine scenery.
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North Lykken Trail
I decided to do a short 3.7 mile hike in Palm Springs - The North Lykken Trail. Little did I know the trail was fairly steep, a great work out especially for my calves still sore after a few days.
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| A view from the top of the Lykken Trail. |
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| Pano fo Palm Springs...they sure pack alot into this small town. |
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| A herd of Big Horn Sheep grazing as I was descending off the peak. These are fairly close to the houses in the background. |
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| My reward for a strenuous hike, roasted pineapple and serranno chili margarita. |
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| Lounging by the pool was a great way to spend our days after hiking all day. |
To recap, four days of hiking and lounging by the pool after a hell of a semester at school was a perfect way to recharge for the next semester. I look forward to my next trip to Palm Springs...so many more hikes to explore.
