Things to Do/Extra Activities

Things to Do Nearby

• Please download a very nice guide to some local hikes here:

• Sawmill trail, which is right across the highway by the dump. Exit the neighborhood onto the 74, go left, travel 20 feet, then go right, and look for the signs.  Great place to hike early or late, but you’ll be roasted mid-day in Summer.  Be very sure to drink lots of water at all times.  

• If you have 4-wheel drive, you could drive to the top of the Santa Rosa Mountain range.  Let me know if that interests you, and I can get you a guide. It’s the big mountain that you see from my yard.  The road starts about 2-3 miles west on the 74, with a prominent sign showing you the way. Be careful, the road is very rough! Do not try it unless you have a 4-wheel drive, and are confident driving a winding, steep, dirt road!!

•  Sugarloaf cafe, which is a superb place to eat, with sit-down dining outdoors.   It’s within 1/3 mile of the house, and you could walk there if you like.  It has a small market too.   The Pit Stop is 5 miles to the west, and has good fried chicken, and a larger market.  Otherwise you’ll be driving down the hill to Palm Desert, or over to Anza.   Anza has a casino that is somewhat fun.  I am partial to the Paradise Café, at the intersection of the highway on the way to Anza. 

• Idylwild is 25 miles away.  It’s a very scenic place to visit, and a well known artist community.  Too many galleries, shops, and nice restaurants to name here, but there is a tourist site HERE.

• In the Coachella Valley desert, you can take your pick of shopping and dining (all outdoor, and it’s going to be hot insummer).  A large mall is right at the base of the mountain.  Downtown Palm Springs is full of interesting things to see& do.  The Palm Springs museum of art is great, as is the air museum by the airport.  There are a couple of casinos on the area too.  I enjoy the Aerial Tramway, which takes you up to 11K feet.   The aerial tram is open and requires reservations, but it’s a great experience, not to be missed and well worth taking once in your lifetime.

• There is a wonderful day trip recommended by the Auto Club which takes you through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and has a few other interesting stops. Please view the guide here:
  

Additional Activities for Hire

If you’d like to go to the top of the Santa Rosa Mountain, you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  You may want to use a guide, and I may or may not have a guide willing to do this.  It’s a 3 hour plus excursion, and will cost $175 for up to 4 people.  You will have the chance to drink from the mountain springs.  At the summit, there are “top of the world” views!

If you want to have a guided nature hike, my good friend Jim is willing to take small groups.  Cost is $60 for an hour, or slightly more for slightly longer.  Jim has been a nature guide for years, and knows all the local trails, animals, and plants.  He can regale you with stories of any subject relating to this area, some funny and some tragic.

If you want to go around and meet the neighbors by walking around the neighborhood, my friend Debbie might be willing to do this for an hour or so, at a fee of $50.  You have a good chance of seeing rabbits, bluejays, and maybe some tarantulas.  She can show you local sites, such as the “Acid Trip House,” the path to Asbestos Mountain, the secret spot to view bighorn sheep, and many other interesting local Pinyon spots.