Palm Springs and Joshua Tree (January 2024)

 About this Trip

We took this trip to see our California cousins over the winter break. We flew out early on New Year's Day and caught a direct flight on Southwest Airlines. Palm Springs has a TON of AirBnb and Boutique hotel options. Ours was really cute and included a pool + hot tub, a popcorn machine, a cotton candy maker, and a pool table. The kids loved it. We didn't plan very much in advance, but we should have bought our tickets to the Palm Springs tram in advance. During peak times, they sell only a limited number of tickets in advance and it was fully sold out when we went.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

We were excited to ride the Palm Spring Aerial Tram. We drove up to the parking area and then took a shuttle bus up to the ticketing office. The line was out the door and, after asking a few questions, we determined that it would probably take about three hours of waiting to (maybe) get on a tram and probably another two hour wait to get back down. We didn't have that kind of time, so we just toured around the area and climbed up some of the rocks. Next time! 

Living Desert

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, located in Palm Desert, is a unique zoo and botanical garden focuses on desert environments and their inhabitants.

One of the highlights of the Living Desert were the kangaroos in and the giraffe feeding. The Living Desert also features extensive gardens showcasing desert plants, nature trails, and interactive exhibits. Our kids loved the opportunity to explore and learn more about the diverse ecosystems of desert habitats.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree did not disappoint. It was a little colder than we were expecting, so we had to buy a sweatshirt and some hats in the Visitor's Center (and we had to collect our Junior Ranger stuff too of course). It was not crowded at all and parking was easy.

Key attractions at Joshua include:

1. Joshua Trees: The park's namesake trees, which are actually a type of yucca, are scattered throughout the landscape, creating an otherworldly appearance.
2. Rock Formations: Iconic rock formations, such as Skull Rock and Arch Rock, are popular for both their natural beauty and as climbing spots.
3. Hidden Valley: A scenic area with a well-maintained trail that offers a glimpse into the park's unique geology and vegetation.
4. Keys View: A high vantage point providing panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea.
5. Barker Dam: A historic dam built by early cattlemen, accessible via a short, easy hike that often features desert wildlife sightings.
6. Cholla Cactus Garden: A dense concentration of cholla cacti, offering a striking and photogenic desert landscape. 

We had a great time in the park and would go back again if we are ever in the area!

Cabazon Dinosaurs

The Cabazon Dinosaurs, a fun roadside attraction in Cabazon, California, feature two enormous steel-and-concrete dinosaurs named Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex. Just west of Palm Springs, these impressive structures—a 150-foot-long Brontosaurus and a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex—are easily visible from Interstate 10. While primarily a photo op, our kids did enjoy exploring the area, and it's a quirky stop if you're nearby. When we visited, the dinosaurs were still dressed up for Christmas, adding an extra festive touch. Watch Pee-Wee's Big Adventure before you go; these dinosaurs are featured in the classic silly film.