Our outings were varied over the week-long visit, and included the lovely desert oases of Indian Canyons in hot Palm Springs, as well as the historic apple orchards and Montane Botanic garden in cool Oak Glen in the San Bernadino mountains. The contrast was notable, and both were enjoyable.
Palm oasis in the distance
We visited Indian Canyons on the hottest day of our visit - 102 degrees F. in the heat of the day. We packed a picnic and headed for Indian Canyons, located in the Agua Caliente Reservation just out of Palm Springs. We drove up to the Palm Canyon first, and purchased big bottles of ice cold water from the trading post, and sat under the shade to enjoy the view of the 15-mile long Palm Canyon below.
Palm Canyon Oasis in the canyon below
Water break in 102 degree heat
Enjoying the view
In years past we have hiked down to walk along the creek through the oasis, so didn't feel the need to prove ourselves anew. It seemed quite sensible to drink our water in the shade, view the palm trees below, and watch the bees working over nearby plants and the birds soaring overhead.
Flood damage
Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)
Then we headed over to Andreas Canyon for our picnic. Along the way we could see damage from flooding in past years. During the rains, the creek must rise significantly and move massive amounts of debris through the canyon. We spotted some plants in bloom including Brittle Bush and Indigo Bush.
Lunch under the California Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera)
Rocks and palms
We ate our delicious lunch under the palms at Andreas Canyon. This is a lovely place for its accessibility, the contrast between palms and rocks, and view of the valley below. We ate our cheese, bread, apples, carrots, and cookies in the deep shade of the palms, with the sound of birds and the creek in the background. It is easy to see why the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians congregated in this area.
Fan palms by the creek in Andreas Canyon
Enjoying the shade
After lunch, Mom and I followed the creek through the palms, enjoying the shade and breezes, and watching the birds and lizards. The sound of water and bird song is so soothing and restful! Dad explored along the creek closer to the car, also sticking to the shade. (We all stayed in the shade, but still claim bragging rights for hiking in 102 degree F. heat)! We ended the day in Palm Springs, enjoying dinner at Maracas Cantina, a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, and the fun of the Thursday night Stroll (see Palm Springs in Three Visits).
View of the valley below
Several days later, the temperature dropped significantly as a small rain system blew in. We headed for Oak Glen Preserve in the San Bernadino Mountains to enjoy the cool mountain air - about 67 degrees F. at the hottest part of the day. The Wildlands Conservancy manages the Preserve, along with others such as Whitewater Canyon. We ate our picnic lunch under the shady trees lining the parking lot, enjoying the view of the orchards. Mom purchased delicious apple turnovers from the Los Rios bakery for our desert.
Apple orchard in Oak Glen Preserve
My Example
Apple blossoms
Quince blossom
Reading the excellent signage in Oak Glen Preserve
I walked through the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden to see what was in bloom. This garden specializes in the species of the greater San Bernadino Mountains. According to the brochure, more than 1,600 plant species have been identified in San Bernadino Mountains making it the most botanically diverse range of its size in the United States. The California Poppies were in full bloom and especially healthy.
Entrance to the Montane Botanic Garden
Hummingbird Hill
View from Hummingbird Hill
My folks and I headed for Red-Wing Pond to watch the wild fowl working on their nests. I took a few minutes to hike through the conifer tree forest, and then we hiked down the hill through the deciduous forest to watch several California blue jays working on their nests. We turned back when the trail got too steep.
Path through the Conifers of California
Purple meadow viewed from the conifer forest
View of Red-Wing Pond
We picked up a couple of cookies at the Los Rios bakery to build up our strength after hiking, and then ended the day with delicious BLT sandwiches for dinner at Polly's Pies. We took home a boysenberry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Red-Wing Pond
Shady bench for viewing California Blue Jays
I suppose in hind sight, we should have visited Oak Glen during the heat spell and the Palm oases when the weather front moved in, but I enjoyed both outings as is!
After a morning of coffee, dark chocolate almonds clusters, and the latest current events via our smart devices, my folks and I headed for Whitewater Preserve. The canyon, managed by The Wildlands Conservancy, is conveniently located off Interstate 10 close to the Highway 111 exit to Palm Springs. It is a favorite destination for its beauty and close proximity. Last year we were treated to a super bloom of yellow California Brittlebush (see Whitewater Preserve from 2017), but weren't sure what to expect this year.
Welcoming trail heading up the canyon
Whitewater Preserve picnic grounds with cottonwood trees
Exploring Whitewater Preserve
The day was cool and beautiful, and the air swept clean from the recent stiff breezes. The cottonwood trees in the picnic area hadn't leafed out yet. We've been grateful for their deep cool shade over the years as we've eaten our lunch or rested after a hike in the hot sun.
Intrepid hiker
River crossing
Dad walked up the trail, while Mom and I headed for the river. The Whitewater River changes course every year, and this year it was right up next to the cliffs It was fairly full of water, so we were grateful for bridges.
Whitewater River
We saw few flowers this year, in contrast with the super bloom last year. We saw an occasional Brittlebush or Bladderpod in bloom, but that's about it. However, the willows and shrubs were green from recent rains, and the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains were snow topped and visible in the distance from various vantage points.
Borrego sheep (expand the picture, and follow the ridge line to the white specs)
The real treat was watching a herd of 16-17 Borregos grazing up on the hillside. We spotted a couple of mothers with lambs and the Big Daddy keeping watch. We enjoyed our unhurried ramble in the Preserve, but you can also follow the 3.6 mile Whitewater Canyon Loop trail for a more comprehensive hike (see AllTrails for details).
Desert Hills Premium Outlet Mall near Cabazon
We squeezed in a quick stop at the Desert Hills Premium Outlet Mall (right on the way) for a brief shopping spree at Carter's/Oshkosh (spring wardrobe for the new baby - see Holiday Memories from Seattle) and Coach Outlet (a new purse). And then ended the day with delicious dinner, pie, and conversation at Polly's Pies (according to Dad's app, we walked 6,197 steps), and an episode of the Danish political drama, Borgen, on DVD. I love the kind of day that spans shopping at favorite stores to hiking in a wild preserve with Borregos. A great day!
For the last 10 years or so, I’ve been meeting my folks down
in Southern California for our annual trek into the desert for flower viewing.
They fly down from Southeast Alaska and I fly down from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our quest is beautiful flowers, but we also enjoy each
other’s company. They taught me how to enjoy the simple
pleasures of life, and how to explore the natural world.
Heading up Whitewater Canyon Road to the Preserve
We love to find new things, and to compare differences from
year to year. After a five-year drought, followed by heavy winter rains, we
were eager to get out on the desert floor. We have always found flowers and
ingenious survival mechanisms in nature, but had high hopes to see more this
year.
Photo op for Brittlebush
We took a lot of pictures of Brittlebush
One of our favorite outings is to Whitewater Preserve, located off
Interstate 10 heading east, right after the Highway 111 exit to Palm Springs.
The canyon hills were ablaze with yellow Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) like
we have never seen it. The roadside and hills glowed with a golden light.
Picnic area at the Visitor Center
We picnicked at the Visitor Center under the big beautiful
cottonwood trees. Everything was lush and green – bouncing back after prolonged
water deprivation. The weather was unseasonably cool, so we sought out some sun
under the leafy trees.
Desert X installation at Whitewater Preserve
One I Call, by Sherin Guirguis (pigeon tower)
Desert X had an installation near the visitor center—One I Call, by Sherin Guirguis—a mud hut
inspired by traditional pigeon towers found in desert villages throughout Egypt.
I loved its tidy architectural design, its sheltered and airy inside, and how it fits right into the desert environment. Desert X is sponsoring the art event, which features established and emerging artists, all over the Coachella
Valley (February 25 – April 30). Many people were making the rounds to see
the installations, and we were grateful to get in on it at Whitewater.
Dad wanted to check some plants in the area to see how their
seeds were developing, so Mom and I hiked out on the river bed.
Hiking at the Preserve
Intrepid hiker
We found the bridge to cross the river (which had quite a bit of water flowing), and walked up toward the Pacific Crest Trail. We loved the big blue sky, clear air, and sweeping vistas of the river bed, and rocky hills. The desert plants looked healthy and green with the plentiful water after spring rains.
Crossing the bridge over Whitewater River
Big sky country in So Cal
Pacific Crest Trail access from Whitewater Preserve
Later we met up with Dad and walked around the lakes near
the Visitor Center, identifying the native plants (and relying on the great
signage when memory failed)! The native plants are maturing and flourishing
along the trail around the lakes.
Lake at Whitewater Preserve
Native plants surround the lakes
The lakes are thriving with fish, tadpoles, frogs, lizards, and birds. The Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) was fragrant and beautiful, along with the Brittle Bush, and Chuparosa (Beloperone californica).
Lakeside walk
Late afternoon Brittlebush
For dinner, we headed to Applebee’s for their half-racks of
ribs, and great conversation. We did some last-minute planning for the next day’s
journey to the Salton Sea, Borrego Springs, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park,
and then relaxed for the evening. A great day!
