Wildflowers in Full Bloom

Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, Joshua Tree and Palm Springs

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Depart Sacramento early Saturday (15th and will return Sunday, the 23rd of March) Drive to Indio 

• Borrego Springs – Anza Borrego is a designated destination to enjoy wildflowers in the springtime. Recognized as a designated International Dark Sky Community because they have no stoplights, and nighttime lighting is kept to a minimum to protect the view. Wander through the vibrant meadows, where you immerse yourself around the delicate carpet of wildflowers in full bloom.
• Hike Ladder Canyon – this short but popular 4.8 miles loop trail near Mecca California is considered moderately challenging route. It is a very trendy trail for birding and hiking.
• Salton Sea –is a shallow, landlocked, highly saline endorheic lake now on the map for some speculation that the place contains all the lithium minerals USA to supply the need for future electric vehicles’ batteries. Once confirmed, USA will not need to go elsewhere. The Sea formed a century ago which resulted from one year of rain and flow from the Colorado River. Salinity is 43,000 per million gallons.
• Continue to Bombay Beach – a unique wasteland borne from the notorious ecological failure in Salton Sea, this sad, depressing disaster ghost town zone is a home to about 242 Americans who live in a squalid and dilapidated region. Unique in their own ways as they have landmarks with peaceful attractions for the passersby. Yeah, check out how they live compared to yours.
• Joshua Tree hikes for ~ four days. A “must” visit to JT Visitor Center; hours of operation 7:30 to 5 pm, our first stop before embarking on any hikes. Trails are tbd with suggested trails listed below in no specific order, for discussion and agreements.
• Drive and transfer to Palm Springs. Begin the day with a visit to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (PSAT). PSAT is the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels over 2.5 miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Hills (half day activity).
• Afternoon is a visit to Moorten Botanical Garden, a living museum of desert lore and has something of interest for everyone. They have hundreds and hundreds of succulent varieties and be careful not to miss the miniature birds and other living creatures inside the garden living in between tiny leaves.

Top Ten Trails to Explore in Joshua Tree

• Ryan Mountain – 2.9 miles Moderate (2 hours) * 8008 ft 
• Hidden Valley – 1.0 miles Easy (30 minutes) * 6319 ft
• Barker Dam – 1.3 miles Easy (30 minutes) *6376 ft 
• Arch Rock Trail – 1.2 miles Easy (30 minutes) * 4455 ft 
• Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail – 3.1 miles Moderate (1.5 hours) * 5062 ft
• Heart Rock & Arch Rock 1.6 miles Easy (40 minutes) * 3534 ft
• Panorama Loop – 6.3 miles Moderate (3 hours) * 3110 ft
• Split Rock Easy – 2.4 miles Easy (3 hours) * 3411 ft
• Skull Rock – 1.7 miles Easy (40 minutes) * 3273 ft
• Lost Palms Oasis – 7.4 miles Moderate * 2728 ft

Location:
California, USA

Date:
March 15, 2025 – March 23, 2025