Joshua Tree/ Palm Desert area

[Kennythetiger 9,584]

Searched and didn't find anything.  Heading there next week, with plans to see Joshua Tree and where they lit up Ol' Gram.  Any other neat shit to see/ good restaurants?  

[txhorns 2,421]

Didn't get to spend much time there but Joshua Tree was better than I expected.  We went in November.  Just did little hikes because of the dry heat.  Even with it being November we were more dehydrated than we realised.  Started hiking and going around the park early morning and had each had four 20 oz bottles of water by noon.

[dcbc 14,643]

There was an episode of No reservations when Bourdain spent some time out in the desert.  I remember a really kick ass dive type breakfast place.  I'll see if I can dig that episode up.

 

/edit:  Episode recap mentions Joshua Tree Kitchen, Pappy and Harriet’s, Lord Fletcher’s.  FWIW

Edited April 17, 2021 by dcbc

[washparkhorn 9,967]

Hiking options: https://modernhiker.com/park/joshua-tree-national-park/

 

[The Original CaliHorn 74]

Can’t beat Sherman’s Deli & Bakery for a great breakfast

 

[Kennythetiger 9,584]

Thanks all. Looks like most of the restaurant options are urging carry-out, so I foresee lots of picnic meals in the desert. Pretty cool with me. 

[next2naus 439]

On 4/18/2021 at 8:59 AM, The Original CaliHorn said:

Can’t beat Sherman’s Deli & Bakery for a great breakfast

 

Shermans is good, as is Keedy's and Louisa's.

https://www.lavenderbistro.com/ is good

http://cuistotrestaurant.com/ is good 

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4,998]

The climbing has a reputation for being a bit sandbagged.

[Carl Spackler 3,612]

Pappy & Harriet's/Pioneertown (north of the park) is interesting.  The food is okay.  Great atmosphere.  They're doing outside concerts there now.  Los Lobos are playing tonight, for example.  Check their calendar to see if someone is playing when you're in the area.

INside the park, drive to Keys View.  That's a great view.  Cholla Cactus Garden is pretty cool.  If you've got a 4x4 vehicle, there's plenty of offroad stuff, including Berdoo Canyon and the Geology Road Tour.   The hike to Barker Dam is easy.

Just watch the temps and take more water than you think you'll need.  The wife and I just got back from Anza Borrego, and it was mid 90's on Monday, which made the hiking much more difficult.  Hopefully things won't be that hot for you in JTNP.     

 

[Johnny Sack 8,397]

Family has a place in Indian Wells.  We don't really eat out much when there as we tend to cook and hang outdoors by the pool.  And don't do much else besides play golf and tennis.

I like the Living Desert.

[NWBuck 8,621]

If you have time, the Palm Springs Tram is a really fun trip- plus you can summit Mt. San Jacinto... good day trip.

If you're feeling adventurous- the Cactus to Clouds hike is another way to get to Mt. San Jacinto.... but it's MUCH more challenging:

 

Edited April 27, 2021 by NWBuck

[Carl Spackler 3,612]

Yep, the tram is a "must do" if you're in the Palm Springs area.