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Palm Springs Travel Articles
- Desert Wildlife
- Sports & Outdoors
The Palm Springs area has more than 100 golf courses, many of which are familiar to fans of the sport as the sites of championship and celebrity tournaments seen on television. You can tee off where the pros play at PGA West, Mission Hills North, and La Quinta, all of which have instructors ready to help you finesse your swing. Even Borrego Springs and El Centro have golf courses.
The desert holds a world of athletic opportunities for nongolfers, too. With almost 30,000 public and private pools in the region, swimming and sunning are a daily ritual. More than 35 miles of bike trails crisscross the mostly flat Palm Springs area alone. Indian Canyons, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego State Park, and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve have scenic hiking trails. The Salton Sea attracts many migratory birds, especially in winter. Some of the best rock-climbing highways in the world are in Joshua Tree National Park.
Whatever your sport, avoid outdoor activities midday during the hot season (roughly May through October). Any time of the year, take precautions against the sun, such as wearing a hat and using sunscreen. Always drink plenty of water — at least a gallon of water per day (more if you are exercising) — to prevent dehydration.
In the desert you should play it safe by being prepared and taking a few simple safety precautions. Always travel with a companion, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Let someone know about your trip, destination, and estimated time and date of return.
Carry a cell phone as a precaution, but know that reception in the desert can be spotty at best. Before setting out, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. Carry a jack, tools, and tow rope or chain. Fill up your tank whenever you see a gas pump — it can be miles between service stations. Stay on main roads: if you drive even a few feet off the pavement, you could get stuck in sand. Plus, venturing off-road is illegal in many areas. When driving, watch out for wild burros, horses, and range cattle. They roam free throughout much of the desert and have the right-of-way.
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