2012 UPDATE: Lack of rain and snow this winter means a lack of wildflowers, so this is NOT the best season for wild flora in California. Deserts are dry, but some flowers are out there if you wanna look. Sierra mountains will bloom in summer, but it will not last long. Our minimal snow skiing season is still happening in Tahoe and Mammoth. Late season snow is still quite possible. Waterfalls are listed individually under each town. Camping in the deserts, coastal hills or mountain foothills is a fine way to spend a cheap weekend outdoors, enjoying the fresh Spring air that is upon us. Get out & do a little exploring (on foot) this season.
California's Blooming Deserts
Not up for those snowy mountain roads? Enjoy the California
deserts! From luxurious resorts to secluded rustic hide-aways.
Salt flats in baren lands to fields of joshua tress & wildflowers.
Ghost towns & old mines, there is plenty to explore throughout
the desert regions.
Death Valley National Park
The best time to enjoy Death Valley is in the cooler months (NOV-MAY), since the
summer temperatures can reach beyond 100 degrees! Many spots for car camping on the deserted back roads. Wildrose Campground is an ideal location. Minimal rainfall in the desert makes this an ideal destination to escape from the winter & spring storms. Vast space
with spectacular scenery! Wildflowers, ghost towns, beautiful
canyons, sand dunes, scenic drives, old abandon mines, hiking,
backroad exploration.
Mojave Desert
The rural & secluded area known as the Mojave, is just
the perfect spot to get away from it all. Plenty of clean air,
space & open road with wonderful scenery.
Palm & Desert Hot Springs
Take a weekend to relax in the hot mineral baths of the local
deserts. While Palm Springs offers all the upscale spas &
glitz you could dream about, Desert Hot Springs is a much better
deal. Ride the tram up to Mt. San Jacinto & enjoy the breathtaking
views atop the 8000 foot station. Eat lunch in the restaurant
& take a nature walk. Winter season may also see some snow
& horse rides are available in warmer months. Visit the famous
high desert area & enjoy some bizarre, but cool scenery at
Joshua Tree National Monument.
Desert Hot Springs, next door to Palm Springs, has the quaint resort of Lido Palms. This small
hotel offers only a few rooms that share a spacious courtyard with
various pool sizes & a BBQ area.
Lodging in Desert Hot Springs
Downtown Palm
Springs has the areas main shops, galleries & restaurants.
Ingelside Inn is a nice place to stay while being within walking
distance from the downtown area. Situated next to a residential
area, it tends to be quite & very relaxing. It has nice landscaped
courtyards, a restaurant on premises & pool/jacuzzi.
Lodging in Palm Springs
Area activities include:
