Footloose in the Foothills

AUTUMN DESERT in the

Palm Springs Golfing, Joshua Tree Stargazing, Exploring Sedona

Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs

by JOLAINE COLLINS photography by ROB COLLINS and courtesy of VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS, SEDONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM BOARD, and NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

One positive outcome of the pandemic is gaining a new appreciation for the pleasures of exploring easy-to-reach destinations. Looking ahead to fall’s cooler weather and languid pace, now’s a good time to plan a getaway to the picturesque California and Arizona desert regions—each with its distinct personality, experiences and natural beauty.

An autumn escape to the desert offers what the mind and body have craved these past two years: adventure, relaxation, recreation, and a renewed sense of wonder at wideopen spaces.

That craving can be satiated by spending an extended weekend in Palm Springs, where many Serrano residents enjoy owning a second home. Both regions share the attraction of championship golf courses, easy access to outdoor recreation in beautiful surroundings, and active social lifestyles.

PALM SPRINGS

There are many reasons why Palm Springs has earned its reputation as one of Southern California’s most versatile destinations. The only challenge to the relaxed pace at this desert oasis is choosing how to split your time between the arts and culture scene, recreation, and the many spas and dining options—so plan your stay in advance.

Play a round of golf in the morning, and then enjoy the city’s impressive art museum or Annenberg Theater later that day. Take a hike. Immerse yourself in a wellness spa or desert mineral springs. Treat the family to the 8,000-foot view from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or visit the animals at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

If you are a mid-century modern fan, you will want to check out the year-round architectural tours of Palm Desert’s most striking homes and book event tickets in advance for the fall preview of Modernism Week Oct. 13–16.

When it comes to dining, you don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate the sweeping views of fairways and mountains at restaurants, including the Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort, the balcony of Big Rock Pub at Indian Springs Golf Resort and Vue at Indian Wells Golf Resort.

This page: Palm Springs’ mountain views Opposite page: The Saguaro Palm Springs; Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; Joshua Tree National Park; Dinner at Vue at Indian Wells Golf Resort

JOSHUA TREE

Joshua Tree is more than its 790,000 square-acre national park, renowned for its namesake trees, hiking trails and stacked boulders in two desert ecosystems.

The area is also home to artists, musicians and eccentrics. In town, you will find galleries, kitschy shops and even a tiny museum of crochet creations. Want to go deeper than that? Take a sound bath in nearby Landers at the Integratron, a dome structure designed in the 1950s by a UFO-ologist reportedly following instruction from the planet Venus.

Just outside the town of Joshua Tree, Pappy + Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace serves barbecue and beers in the saloon of an old Western-style movie set, built in the 1940s by a group of Hollywood investors, including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. These days, the legendary roadhouse hosts performances by famous musicians as well as up-and-coming LA bands.

The gates to Joshua Tree National Park are always open and the line of cars waiting to enter can grow long during peak times, so get there before dawn to capture the most spectacular views of the park’s 20-foot trees and rugged landscape. Plan enough time to drive to Keys View well before sunset to beat the crowds and watch the day end in a blaze of colors. Camp out and do some stargazing. The park is a photographer’s 24-hour paradise.

There are trails for every level of hiker. The Hidden Valley trail is an easy, 1-mile hike through smooth, picturesque boulders. If you’re feeling energetic, spend three hours hiking Ryan Mountain. The views from its 5,400-foot peak are worth every step along the mountain’s narrow trail.

In the fall, the region takes advantage of some of its best weather, with festivals and events geared to those who love the arts, music and star-filled night skies.

SEDONA

Sedona is both rugged and sophisticated, with its outdoor adventures and art. For many, it is also a spiritual mecca known for its vortexes—areas of concentrated energy rising from the Earth. e area’s picturesque red rock outcroppings may look familiar because they’ve been backdrops in many old Western movies. e best way to kick up some of the red dirt is by going off -road with an excursion company like Pink Jeep Uptown Sedona is easy to explore Tours or lacing up your boots and hitting any of the region’s on foot or in an open-air trolley. many hiking trails through vast forest lands and mesas. Art galleries, shops and restaurants Spend a morning exploring the dramatic Boynton Canyon and make for pleasant strolling in the its Sinagua ruins or hit the Airport Mesa trail, both of which are reported to have powerful vortexes. e nearby Mesa Café ofshadow of magnifi cent rock ridges fers a great post-hike or sunset meal where you can watch small and along the banks of Oak Creek. planes and helicopters take off and land at the tiny airport. Uptown Sedona is easy to explore on foot, or in an open-air trolley. Art galleries, shops and restaurants make for pleasant strolling in the shadow of magnifi cent rock ridges and along the banks of Oak Creek. Enjoy authentic Southwestern fare and good tequilas at uptown’s Elote Café. Cucina Rustica, located in Village of Oak Creek, off ers new interpretations of Mediterranean tapas and an extensive wine list in a cozy, Italian setting. Its sister restaurant, Mariposa, provides a stunning setting for fi ne dining at sunset. Sedona’s best restaurants book up weeks or months in advance, so make reservations early.

This page: Joshua Tree National Park; trails around Sedona lead to impressive views of rock formations, including Chicken Rock along the Little Horse Trail; the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona. Opposite page: Mather Point in Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Sedona is about 100 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the scenic route via tree-lined Oak Creek Canyon but arrive at the national park early to avoid the crowds and capture its spectacular views in the morning light.

If you only have a day to spend there, come prepared to hike into the steep canyon, or enjoy the accessible, paved Rim Trail and its many viewpoints of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. e simplest way to see the park is by hopping on and off shuttle buses, which stop at multiple viewpoints. Learn more about the canyon’s ancient formation at the geology museum and don’t miss the beautiful El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge. Restaurants in the park tend to be busy at mealtimes, so consider packing a picnic and snacks.

GETTING THERE

Southwest Airlines o ers daily non-stop fl ights from Sacramento to Palm Springs, making the trip to California’s coolest desert city a snap. Several airlines fl y nonstop from Sacramento to Phoenix and Flagsta for ease in exploring the Arizona desert. For those who prefer a leisurely car trip, consider breaking up the eighthour drive from El Dorado Hills to Palm Springs with an overnight in Los Angeles. Or fl y to Los Angeles, rent a car and head southeast from there. Joshua Tree is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles—and less than an hour from Palm Springs—via Interstate 10. Plan on at least fi ve hours to drive from Joshua Tree to Sedona via Interstates 10 and 17. Both Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon are national parks and require a park pass for entrance. These can be purchased in advance online.

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