I love this particular location for easy to moderate day hiking. It's *way* out in Thousand Palms…read more(literally at the end of Ramon road when it changes names). There is a small but informative visitor center (that is almost always looking for volunteers, so if you live out here full time consider volunteering!) and rest rooms at the parking area, and then a number of hikes out from there. The preserve sits directly on the San Andreas fault, so some of the hikes follow it for a bit. My favorite hike so far has been out to McCallum Oasis, where a permanent "pond" sits under a grove of huge palm trees. The trails are usually well marked, though sometimes you might have to go scrambling. The terrain is mostly flat, though, with the exception of a few major hills. Do note that this is 'middle of the desert' hiking - there is not much to see if you are not looking to walk/admire the natural beauty of a desert landscape. Also it *is* out in the desert - with the exception of some of the oases (oasi?) there is not a lot of shade either. Bring lots of water, and avoid the high heat of the mid-day. Also I noted that it 'feels' like you do more walking/hiking on softer sand here than other places that I have been (Indian Canyons, Big Morongo, municipal trails, etc.). That makes some hikes take slightly longer as I find walking on soft sand to be more strenuous. The preserve is free though $5 donation for parking is asked for (but not insistently - the first few times I went I didn't see the sign asking for the parking fee, didn't pay, and wasn't harassed about it). Also one other tip - the Circle K gas station just up the road (at the corner of Ramon and I think Monterey) always has the absolute cheapest gas, and does not charge you extra for using a credit card. I always make it a point to get gas when I'm leaving after my hike.

This is a pleasant walk. My husband and I spent about an hour walking two miles through an oasis,…read morethen desert, then more oasis. We were amazed by the temperature difference under the palm trees. I almost gave this four stars because it was fairly crowded. We went on a Tuesday, and it was still busy. The parking lot was filled so we had to park on the road. Which may have been a positive because the parking lot was dirt. Definitely not a good choice for a weekend afternoon. On the positive side they do have two porta potties available.

"The District" definitely does not have the polish of some of the area gyms, but it does have…read morepretty much everything you could want to enhance your level of fitness: resistance machines, running track, basketball, racquetball, fitness classes, etc. They even have a competitive gymnastics team for kids. If you live in Indio, Palm Desert (where they have another location), or Rancho Mirage, the rates are ridiculously cheap. If you're tired of the scene at 24-Hour Fitness and/or Gold's, check this place out -- not only will you get a lot more, you'll get a lot more for your money.

The staff are warm and welcoming. Aracely helped me connect to the internet for a very important…read morework meeting. Life saver! The lobby is clean and welcoming. The staff enjoy their jobs as well which makes a big impact on any organization.

Along the "one eleven", Highway 111, is a place called Shiprock Monument. A fellow yelper had "beat…read moreme to the punch line" and planted the "Yelpers Flag" at this location... so I had to see this place for myself. Shiprock, a formidable rock formation rises from the desert floor. Kinda resembles a majestic ship sailing through sandy seas. The Navajo people held it sacred, honoring its significance for generations. Shiprock is a towering, weathered rock commanding respect, shaped by nature's enduring forces. Its origins intrigued me, and I immersed myself in its history. Legend spoke of a great flood, and the Shiprock served as a vessel of salvation for the Navajo people. Transformed into stone, it symbolized protection and resilience. Very very interesting.. Stepping out of my car, I neared the monument, captivated by its grandeur. The colors and patterns etched into the rock unveiled the passage of time. Yet, the desert had other plans. Suddenly, winds roared, untamed and furious. Sand swirled, obscuring the monument. The tempest, relentless, threatened my presence. Struggling to stay upright, I sought shelter in my car. The wind rattled, buffeting the vehicle, while dust particles assaulted the air. It felt as if I'd stumbled into a wild haboob, nature's chaotic storm. With great effort, I retreated to safety, my heart pounding. Inside the car, I realized nature's power had exceeded my expectations. The monument, once serene, transformed into a battleground. Summoning courage, I started the engine and escaped the storm's clutches. Gratitude washed over me as the wind subsided, leaving a calm desert in its wake. With memories of Shiprock imprinted on my mind, it makes me wonder if there is something almost supernatural about this location...

Off Of Hwy 111.... Thats where the "Shiprock Monument" of…read moreThe Cahuilla Band of Indians is located. Its a great stop on your way to Palm Springs on route 111. Located on the south side of the highway theres marble etched sign that shares some info about it.A really great experience! . . . . #palmsprings #hwy111 #cahuillabandofindians #nativeamericans #shiprock #desertfun #socal #californiadreamin #californiadreaming #seetheusa #waynesalvatti #hiddenpalmsprings #landmarks #sidetrips #cahuilla #blackandwhite #b&w #film #streetphotography #konica3a #konicacameras #vintagecameras #ultrafineextreme #monuments #thedarkroomlab #konicallla

The 1930 Whitewater Repeater Building is a historic pueblo style landmark that for 50 years was a…read morevital link in the American Telephone and Telegraph Companies (AT&T) long distance service to Nevada,Imperial Valley and Arizona. A large underground telephone cable out of Los Angeles was routed to this building to have its signal amplified and sent forward. You can see this building,which sits across from Whitewater Rock and Supply Company,and then visit the Whitewater Conservancy Reserve a few miles away for an interesting adventure!. . . . #historiclandmarks #californiahistoriclandmarks #losangeles #americantelephoneandtelegraph #whitewatercalifornia #whitewaterconservancy #telephonehistory #whitewaterrockandsupply #longdistance #californiahistory #historicallandmarks #whitewaterrepeaterstation #telephone #telecom

This was a quick hike with some steep parts to get the heart pumping. Pretty panoramic views and…read morefree shaded parking at the civic center at the bottom of the hill.

I loved this trail. It was a fun and easy and scenic hike. It is pretty easily marked but got a…read morelittle confusing when it connected up with other trails. There are a few over looks that you can walk out and see the view. It kind of just ends at the top at the Ritz hotel and then you aren't really sure where to go. If the Ritz were open it would have been a nice place to stop and geta little bite to eat or a drink, but it was still closed due to COVID 19. We were thankfully that it was a nice walk down the road back to the parking lot at city hall. Not for little kids as there is quite the dropoff and is no guard rails.

A city government building which includes city hall, events and event space, cultural hub,…read morecommunity amphitheater and social space in downtown Cathedral City. It's located just behind the Town Square Park and Fountain of Life, with free parking garage and spaces throughout including at the Mary Pickford is D'Place movie theater, the best movie theater in town/Coachella Valley. They offer public services, courses, business licenses, host council meetings, code compliance - home to housing including affordable acts programs, the local Cathedral City Police Department and much more. The Cat City Civic Center is very much an essential part of the city and local ongoings. And while not a permanent resident of the CV area, I've seen it grow and develop a lot of the past few years from visiting. It continues to thrive like the local residents and visitors who support it. Lots of statues dedicated to law enforcement and officer Jermaine A. Gibson, Sr. as well as so great pieces, landscaping and areas to take out the CC aesthetic.

I love this park! Park is lovely.. Everything you can ask…read morefor Kids park/ Tennis/ Volleyball/ Basketball Dog park/ Fields soccer/baseball Very calm, great for family gatherings

Whether you've just moved to the Palm Desert area or you're just visiting, if you're looking for a…read morecool urban park with lots of amenities, check this place out. What we loved: Great sidewalk or grass walking areas. FREE brand new pickleball courts -- 8 total with really friendly players who welcome new players with open arms. Great central location in Palm Desert - easy commute from La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells or Palm Springs.

Great Birthday Bash for the beautiful city of La Quinta!…read moreGood parking Great vendors, safe , clean and organized. Celebratory family vibe, all inclusive. I just moved back from Hawaii and it felt like quite a welcome to my community