As I sit here outside my tent at a campground located in the Palm Springs area writing this article, the sun is shining and the temperature is a comfortable 80 degrees. The rest of the country is suffering below freezing weather and winter storms. Palm Springs is located on the western edge of the greater Coachella Valley and is known as a play ground for the rich and famous. Part of the Colorado Desert, during the summer the Coachella Valley area temperatures can reach a blistering 120 degrees. But If you are looking for a place to go camping during the fall, winter or early spring you couldn't find a better place in the country. During the fall and spring average high and low temperatures range from 50 to 85 degrees. The winter days average 60 degrees but on some days it can drop below freezing at night.
What is little known though is the Coachella Valley is a premier outdoor destination. This area is alive with outdoor activities and unexpected adventures. From desert terrain to pine forest covered mountains to shimmering lakes, the Coachella Valley area is a haven for outdoor lovers. No matter what your outdoor interests are there is something here in the Palm Springs area for you during the winter.
There are two public campgrounds on the valley floor and many private RV parks that accept tent campers.
One of the public campgrounds is the Lake Cahuilla County Park. Located in the city of La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla County Park is a county maintained park and is ideal for families. It has 85 tent campsites and 56 RV campsites, 46 with electric and water and 10 with water only. La Quinta's motto is Gem of the Desert and the name couldn't fit the 165 acre lake more perfectly. Enjoy fishing along the bank of the lake which is re-stocked regularly with fish and is a popular fishing spot for the locals. Don't expect to get in the water though the lake is off-limits to swimmers. There is a picnic area and playground for the kiddies. Hidden away next to the park are several hiking trails that steadily switchback up the Santa Rosa Mountains. While hiking through this spectacular desert mountain hideaway enjoy sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea.
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is located 27 miles south east of La Quinta and nestles up against the shoreline of the Salton Sea. You can enjoy many water sports including boating, water skiing, fishing and kayaking. The Salton Sea attracts hundreds of species of birds and is an excellent place to go birding. There are over 1400 campsites divided amongst several different campgrounds. Most campsites are primitive but there are some RV campsites available.
The majestic Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument overlooks the Coachella Valley and is located along its southern border. Although most of the National Monument is cold and snowy there is one thing you must do while you are here. The Palm Springs Ariel tramway whisks you up to 8500 feet above sea level in rotating tram cars to the Mountain Station. You get to see the vegetation change from desert plants to pines in 10 minutes. Enjoy a meal at the top or explore the winter wonderland of San Jacinto Mountains. You can rent snow shoes and cross country ski equipment and play in the snow. When you are done you can go back down to the valley floor and enjoy more comfortable temperatures at your campsite.
The Coachella Valley is bordered on the north by Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park has over 550,000 acres of wilderness. Spread throughout the park are 9 different campgrounds with 490 individual campsites and 22 group campsites. Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class rock climbing destination and is a great place to go hiking and camping. The park offers guided ranger tours and other ranger programs. Brought your SUV or mountain bike? There are many miles of rugged unimproved dirt road you can explore. Or you can take a jeep tour of the back country with a private vendor.
For many people in upper and middle America it is too cold to go camping during the winter and early spring but here it is perfect. I have really enjoyed my outdoors excursions here in the the Palm Springs area. There are many other things you can do if you visit this perfect outdoor playground this article just scratches the surface. Just because the weather is cold where you live doesn't mean you can't go camping. You just have to have know where to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment