Curious if anyone else is flying into and/or staying in Palm Springs prior to the Rose Bowl. We're flying in on the 30th and leaving on the 2nd. The flights were much more agreeable to our schedules. That being said we're still trying to figure out the last leg of getting from Palm Springs to the RB. We have a car, but have also been looking at some shuttle/bus options. Wondering what others might be doing.
Rose Bowl via Palm Springs?
- Thread starter Hawks n' Horns
- Start date
I live in Palm Springs area. no light rail to Pasadena. I'd just drive down. 3 hrs max and with a bit of luck 2 hr 15 min. depending on where you are staying. Just 10 freeway to 210 but you will figure that out. Trick to freeway driving there is to know and pre-plan your exit. most of the time hang in your lane if traffic heavy but really usually not that bad. If there is a shuttle bus that your hotel knows going there certainly would take some headache away...but would take away options of things to do after the game. LA would have lots going on New Years.
Flying into Palm Springs and staying in Ontario CA. Rented a vehicle so just got a parking pass for the game
If I were you, I would drive directly to the Rose Bowl from Palm Springs. Not sure what your plans are though or if you want to tailgate or party or see the parade? It takes around 2 hours from downtown PS to the Rose Bowl on an average day. NYE traffic should be clear cause no rush hour traffic on a holiday. If you're driving straight to the game, I would leave Palm Springs no later than 10am. 2 hours on the road. Then 2 hours to park and make your way into the stadium @2pm kick.
We're still debating plans. I'm indifferent about the parade, wouldn't mind catching some of it. I see there is a rally bus option, but they either have an early or late bus. One for the parade one for he game I guess. Can't combine the two which is dumb.
Are there certain trails that would be more scenic than others? The wife and I will be there for the 30th and 31st and wouldn't mind doing a little hiking.
ahh, depends on your skill level. My favorite scrambles are gunsight and rattlesnake out of 29 palms (these are a bit technical but lots of Europeans climb there as the granite is amazing, you feel a bit like spiderman). The coachella Valley hiking club (can google it) has hikes going out with guides (I'm one of their hike leaders). I love painted canyons
by Mecca. They are a series of slot canyons with ladders or ropes to get over dry waterfalls and at the top have great views of badlands, and can see all the way from Mexico to San Gorgonio Peak (think elevation change is -250 feet to 12,000 + feet). You go east out of Mecca on Box Canyon road, cross the canal, go about 100 yards and take gravel road on left. You don't need 4-wheel drive although it says you need it. Its about 40 min from palm springs but is like Utah slots.
Indian Canyons are more sedate with marked trails that are pretty...right off palm canyon drive in palm springs but very isolated in the trails but is minor fee to get in as is Indian owned. Magnesia Falls trail out of Rancho Mirage is pretty and if you go early in the morning will likely will see bighorn sheep. The north side of Joshua tree has interested trails in Hidden Valley and by Barker Dam. Its a bit of a drive to the north end. Off highway 10 can go in the south entrance of Joshua Tree just drive to the ranger station then take a right and go about a mile to cottonwood springs trail.
That is pretty and relatively easy with only minimal climbing. On all of these walks make sure you bring a liter of water per person.
The most sedate it to take the tram out of palm springs. starts at about 100o elevation and drops you off at 8500 going right up the side of the mountain. snow up there so take a jacket and hiking in winter not good...in summer nice. Is equivalent of ski lodge on top with scenic views.The Living desert is horticultural and zoo for desert species from around the world and has a couple hr hike in back. In Palm Desert off Portola. Is quite nice.
FWIW you won't see any snakes anywhere this time of year.
by Mecca. They are a series of slot canyons with ladders or ropes to get over dry waterfalls and at the top have great views of badlands, and can see all the way from Mexico to San Gorgonio Peak (think elevation change is -250 feet to 12,000 + feet). You go east out of Mecca on Box Canyon road, cross the canal, go about 100 yards and take gravel road on left. You don't need 4-wheel drive although it says you need it. Its about 40 min from palm springs but is like Utah slots.
Indian Canyons are more sedate with marked trails that are pretty...right off palm canyon drive in palm springs but very isolated in the trails but is minor fee to get in as is Indian owned. Magnesia Falls trail out of Rancho Mirage is pretty and if you go early in the morning will likely will see bighorn sheep. The north side of Joshua tree has interested trails in Hidden Valley and by Barker Dam. Its a bit of a drive to the north end. Off highway 10 can go in the south entrance of Joshua Tree just drive to the ranger station then take a right and go about a mile to cottonwood springs trail.
That is pretty and relatively easy with only minimal climbing. On all of these walks make sure you bring a liter of water per person.
The most sedate it to take the tram out of palm springs. starts at about 100o elevation and drops you off at 8500 going right up the side of the mountain. snow up there so take a jacket and hiking in winter not good...in summer nice. Is equivalent of ski lodge on top with scenic views.The Living desert is horticultural and zoo for desert species from around the world and has a couple hr hike in back. In Palm Desert off Portola. Is quite nice.
FWIW you won't see any snakes anywhere this time of year.
If you do the slots the last two canyons on the R will be the easiest to get to without guides. Left side isn't good. favorite is second to the end of road and once you enter the canyon keep veering to the left of the main canyon and you will be in a slot in about 1/3 mile a few hundred feet up on each side so narrow you will have to go sideways.
Wow. Thanks for the great info. We're definitely novice hikers so do want anything too crazy. Gotta stay safe for game day.
