Palm Springs/Palm Desert, CA suggestions appreciated

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Hey all, I'm in Palm Desert for the next 3 weeks with my 100 series.

Would like to do a few day trips and maybe an overnighter or two. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've done most of the roads in J-tree on previous trips. Berdoo Canyon, Old Dale etc.

100 is fully armoured, fully locked and I've got years of offroad experience. That said I'm not interested in anything too gnarly, I'll be solo (unless anyone wants to meet me?) and I brought limited recovery gear, i.e. no Hi-lift, no shovel. Pretty much everything else though. If you want a better idea of what I drive there are pictures in the garage. <---

Plus I have to drive this thing back to Canada. I was thinking maybe I would drive down to Anza Borrego??

Any tips for interesting places to explore would be much appreciated. Thanks
Axel
 
For wheeling, Anza Borrego is probably your best bet.

If you like hikes, the really cool Painted Canyon/Ladder Canyon is close to Palm Springs (just outside the town of Mecca).
 
General Patton Museum (in reverence to the parts Shaman ;)) - the Palm Springs modern art museum is also quite nice

fun drives: Box Canyon Road - the drive up 74 and over 243 is fun, nice views

the Tram will also get you to very nice views

as far as wheeling: X2 on the Anza Borrego - there are also quite a few trails in the Chocolate Mountain area (they used to be mild years ago, I haven't been back) - Bradshaw Trail
 
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If you want to wheel - Drive up the 74 out of palm desert to the pinyon pines area. Take the marked turn for sawmill trail and follow it up to the top of Santa Rosa Peak. You won't be disappointed. Search the SD cruisers page for threads on past trips. Elevations are high enough to get snow. It's one of the best kept secrets in the area. You can also drive down the other side which is the easier route up the hill. Views from the top are awesome.
 
I'm sorry, but slab city and salvation mountain are real lame places to send someone. :)

Maybe so. I've never been, but I always wanted to go as a small part of a photo safari around the Salton Sea.
 
Last time I was at the Salton sea there were dead fish about two feet wide around the water. Is that normal?
 
Last time I was at the Salton sea there were dead fish about two feet wide around the water. Is that normal?

Perfectly normal.
 
Just a heads up it's unlawful to wheel in Riverside County. Off of Dillon Rd in Indio Hills there are posted signs stating "no off-road vehicles in the area" and such. Back in the day riding dirt bikes out there if we were far enough off of any main road the cops wouldn't bother us. We were told that by one officer and followed suit ever since... But again this was years ago.
 
Just a heads up it's unlawful to wheel in Riverside County. Off of Dillon Rd in Indio Hills there are posted signs stating "no off-road vehicles in the area" and such. Back in the day riding dirt bikes out there if we were far enough off of any main road the cops wouldn't bother us. We were told that by one officer and followed suit ever since... But again this was years ago.

Just a heads up-

Riverside County extends all the way to the Colorado River and includes thousands of acres of BLM land and several areas in the Cleveland National Forest that are designated for OHV use.
 
Thanks again. Drove the Bradshaw trail today with a side trip down Augustine Pass and back around. Nice day trip. Love those little canyons like Augustine. Feels like there was a lot more exploring to do out there.

Went up Santa Rosa yesterday with my wife and 2yo on a whim before dinner but just took the main road. Great views. Might go look for the "sawmill trail" this week.
 
Just a heads up- Riverside County extends all the way to the Colorado River and includes thousands of acres of BLM land and several areas in the Cleveland National Forest that are designated for OHV use.

Just wanted to keep the OP out of potential trouble should he get a wild hair in the city, jump into a sand wash, and end up on the back nine of a prestigious golf course... :cheers:
 
Thanks again. Drove the Bradshaw trail today with a side trip down Augustine Pass and back around. Nice day trip. Love those little canyons like Augustine. Feels like there was a lot more exploring to do out there.

Went up Santa Rosa yesterday with my wife and 2yo on a whim before dinner but just took the main road. Great views. Might go look for the "sawmill trail" this week.

Pics or it didn't happen!
 
Lol. I didn't take a single picture. My father in law was with me taking plenty though. I doubt he's gonna post any though since I'm sure he has never heard of IH8MUD.
 
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