Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, this beautiful, cool forest of California fan palms is the largest natural desert oasis in the world with over 3,000 native palms. Learn about the life cycle of the palm, Indian life in the canyon and see desert wildlife. Guided walks and hikes vary from easy to strenuous and are available year round. A variety of transient birds, as well as local roadrunners, frequent the water areas. And, there's off-road recreation at the Imperial Sand Dunes, and excellent day hikes during winter throughout the Imperial Valley.
Wildflowers are best in spring.
El Centro Naval Air Facility is the winter home of the Blue Angels, so look skyward for dramatic overflights of this precision flight team. Along the state's eastern border, you can boat through the spectacular Topock Gorge or houseboat, waterski, and fish on Lake Havasu. Drive into the preserve for an array of scenic splendors, including 32 volcanic cinder cones 1,000 to 10 million years old. For a panoramic view, hike atop the Kelso Dunes. To see the earth from inside, take a tour of Mitchell Caverns at Providence Mountain State Recreation Area.