Palms-to-Pines via Bautista Canyon

My Dad suggested that we drive through Buatista Canyon in East Hemet to Anza Valley, meet up with the Pines-to-Palms Highway, and then drive south to Palm Springs area. Two years ago we followed a similar route, but drove north from Anza Valley through Idylwild (stopping at the old fashioned candy shop for ice cream) to Banning and Interstate 10 (see Drive through the Chaparral). The Bautista Canyon road is partially paved and partially graded, and passes through the dense vegetation of the chaparral.

Dense vegetation in the chaparral

Snow on the mountains near Palms-to-Pines Highway

I always enjoy seeing snow on the surrounding mountains. We stopped at the nearly deserted Pinyon Flat campground in early afternoon, to walk around and enjoy the blue sky with white puffy clouds racing overhead. The temperature was unseasonably cool, which is perfect weather for exploring the desert.

Intrepid explorers in Pinyon Flat campground

Further down the road, we stopped at the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point for its grand, sweeping views of the chaparral, surrounding mountain ranges, and valley below. We also hiked around the trails for alternate views, and access to interesting plants.

Short hike to the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point

Split selfie at the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point (or would that be a split groupie?)

Snag down the trail at the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point

The Pines-to-Palms Highway terminates about a block from The Galen art gallery in Palm Desert, so we popped in for a late afternoon tour of the "Baroque to Bling" exhibit, and a quick stroll through the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. We visited the museum and garden last spring (see Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden).

The Galen in Palm Desert, California

Bling: a couch made of stuffed animals	Bling: tires used as the world's largest rubber stamps
Bling: detail of an embellished leather jacket	Bling: great display idea for interesting jewelry

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The Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden at The Galen

After all the beautiful scenery and modern art, we stopped at Maracas Cantina in Palm Springs for delicious Mexican food and conversation. After a chilly walk around Palm Springs downtown, we headed for home. A few miles out of Palm Springs, those fast moving clouds finally released their payload in a cold, pelting rain. It was a dramatic end to a wonderful day!

Delicious Mexican cuisine at Maracas Cantina in Palm Springs, California