Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Lifts passengers dramatically to the San Jacinto Mountains. Outstanding views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding craggy canyons. Closed first two weeks of August.

Joshua Tree National Park. Groves of Joshua trees, giant yucca and native fan palms spread out over vast desert canyons and peaks.
(760) 367-7511.

Oasis of Mara, Joshua Tree National Park. Lush desert oasis with interpretive trail and bookstore.
(760) 367-7511.

Coachella Valley Preserve. Largest preserve of California's native palm groves and natural oases.
(760) 343-1234, (760) 343-2733 Visitor's Center.

San Jacinto Wilderness, west of Palm Springs. Crossed by the Pacific Crest Trail and operated by US Forest Service and the State. Access available via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
(714) 659-2117 San Jacinto Ranger District, (714) 659-2607 Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Shields Date Garden. Tours of this date palm farm and garden available. Date milkshakes available.
(760) 347-0996.

Santa Rosa Wilderness, off Hwy 74, south of Palm Springs. The wildlife includes bighorn sheep in a mountainous desert landscape.
(209) 659-2117 San Jacinto Ranger District.

Box Canyon. Dramatic geology is revealed by dry wash through the Mecca Hills and Orocopia Mountains.

Living Desert Reserve. Features plants and animals from deserts of the world. Picnic area, museum, and education program.
(760) 346-5694.

General George Patton Museum, Chiriaco Summit. Patton's troops trained for World War II tank warfare in this area.

Bighorn Mountain Wilderness, 70 miles north of Palm Springs. 39,185 acres with yucca and Joshua trees at lower elevations and Jeffery pine in the mountains. Access southwest of Highway 247.
(760) 255-8700 BLM Barstow Resource Area.