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Palm Springs Journals

Desert Getaway

An October 2003 trip to Palm Springs by MKnight

Cathedral Canyon GC #1 Photo - Cathedral Canyon Country Club, Palm Springs, California More Photos
Quote: A visit to the Palm Springs area--a wonderful time!
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Desert Getaway Best of IgoUgo

Overview

DG Photo - Palm Springs, California
Quote:
Some of the highlights from my trip:
Golfing, tennis, casinos, Joshua Tree National Park, Living Desert Zoo, Uprising Rock Climbing Center

Quick Tips:

Palm Springs is known for its older population, but there are certainly plenty of activities to keep you busy. Definitely get some golf and pool time - the area has an abundance of both.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car (or motorcycle!!) at the airport - we didn't even attempt public transport. I can't imagine waiting for a bus in that heat!

Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis Resort Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis"

Quote:
Best Things Nearby:Cathedral Canyon Golf Course, Uprising Rock Climbing Center, Joshua Tree National ParkBest Things About the Resort:Accommodations, staff, activitiesResort Experience:All the units at LWDO are one-bedrooms, very comfortable for four people. The grounds are well-kept and pleasant to take a walk around. I've never been to a resort with more activities - they even have an ice-cream social. Situated next to a golf course, which is a huge bonus as well! Unit Type: 1 Bedroom Activities: Excellent Amenities: Excellent ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis Resort
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive
Cathedral City, California 92234
(760) 321-9000

Las Casuelas Nuevas Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

La Casuelas Photo - Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage, California
Quote:
A beautifully decorated Mexican restaurant, with excellent food to match. Kick back and enjoy a grande margarita, some fresh guacamole and chips. I can recommend the Chicken Mole dish - it was outstanding.

The service was attentive without being overbearing, and very prompt. It was certainly a comfortable atmosphere to relax and eat well.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

Las Casuelas Nuevas
70050 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
(760) 328-8844

Cathedral Canyon Country Club Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Cathedral Canyon GC #1 Photo - Cathedral Canyon Country Club, Palm Springs, California
Quote:
There are three nine-hole courses: Mountain, Arroyo, and Lake. During my stay only Arroyo was being repaired. The courses are not extremely long or particularly difficult, lots of straight drives. Some sections tend to have multiple water hazards, which can make for some tricky approach shots. Greens were well kept, a little on the fast side. The vistas throughout the courses are magnificient.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

Cathedral Canyon Country Club
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive
Cathedral City, California 92234
+1 760 328 6571

Joshua Tree National Park Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

JTNP1 Photo - Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, California
Quote:
Bring plenty of water, remember it is the desert!! Pick up a guide book and try some of the marked trails. Most are under two or three miles and are easy to follow. Take a drive through the park interior if time allows to see the Chocolate Mtns when going south.

Hiking difficulty is moderate, with lots of sandy areas mixed with some boulders to hop around on. Definitely a national treasure not to be missed.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, California 92277
(760) 367-5500

Uprising Rock Climbing Center Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Uprising Rock Photo - Uprising Rock Climbing Center, Palm Springs, California
Quote:
$25 ($5 coupon in local ads) will get you a lesson and climbing for the day. After a solid half hour of instruction, we were climbing away with confidence. The instructors were very helpful, but I think they were a little under-staffed. It was my first time, so I can't fairly estimate the difficulty. There was plenty for beginners, and some walls looked like they could give a veteran a hard time. I recommend getting there early so your instructor can focus on teaching you.

You have to park in the Soak City parking area so they stick you with a $10 fee. Bummer!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

Uprising Rock Climbing Center
near Knotts Soak City
Palm Springs, California

The Living Desert Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens"

LD Photo - The Living Desert, Palm Springs, California
Quote:
A sprawling park that even has a mile hiking trail! A little short on the larger animals compared to most zoos, but plenty of interesting creatures the likes of which I've never seen.

The aviaries were fun - the birds can get pretty close. Check out the butterfly section if you're a photography buff; either way, bring a camera for the day!

Bring water if you can. There are vending machines around the park, but it's best to be prepared, right?

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2003

The Living Desert
47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, California 92260
(760) 346-5694

About the Writer

MKnight

MKnight
New York, New York

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