Shandy1977

My wife and I will making our trip to Southern CA in a couple weeks and we are VERY excited. During our time in Palm Springs, we would love to go on an outdoor "adventure" of some kind, without being 'too' adventuruous. Mainly, we would like to do a horseback tour while we are there. We have seen a few online that offer such tours but it can be tough telling the pros and cons between them all. So, I am hoping for your tips and advice...

Is there any company or group in Palm Springs that you recommend for a horseback tour? Did you have a good experience you can share? We are staying right in Palm Springs and will have a rental car.

Aside from horseback riding, is there anything else you would recommend? Any particular jeep tour or easy to moderate hike?

Thanks, as always, for your helpful advice! If you feel like tossing in a dining recommendation, too, we're ready to listen! I am sure there are other threads covering that though. =)

logandog

Palm Canyon is one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on and not difficult.

PaulRabe

Hiking is my greatest love, and this URL
www.hiking-in-ps.com
described some hikes that I truly enjoyed.

Note: some of the hikes are NOT moderate, and NONE should be done unless you are prepared for desert hiking. One wouldn't THINK that hiking near an urban area could be hazardous, but improper planning can lead to trouble in ANY desert area.
www.hiking-in-ps.com/hiketips.php

mlgb

The only thing I know about horseback riding is Smoketree Stables has been there forever. But I can't say how good or not they are.

Coachella Valley Preserve has easy hikes (in the right weather...note all warnings above). Ask at the visitor center about recent wildlife sightings...something was growling at me in one of the palm oases and I'm not sure I want to know if it was a cougar..and I mean the feline type!!

Shandy1977

mlgb... thanks for the ending to that post. Gave me a good laugh. =)

Thanks for the other replies so far, too... most appreciated. We looked at Smoketree and may go with them, but did not want to plan without the input of trusted forum members first.

Thanks again!

PSLocal

I think Smoketree Stables does a good job still though it has been awhile for me. They will probably take you up a wash toward the Indian Canyons near Bogert Trail.

The Red Jeep Tours people are consistent with their tours in terms of quality. Lots of choices, google them and take a look at their website.

I recommend the Tahquitz Canyon hike (even though it's guided)---very pretty and some good native lore about the spirit that lives there. The Indian Canyons are good--you can choose how ambitious you want to get. Please do carry extra water and food and stay on the trails. It's rare anyone gets lost in the Indian Canyons, but it can happen. Usually it is the other trails, like Lykken and the ones at the top of the tram that get casual day hikers in trouble. We don't like to read about it in the paper!

The link from PaulRabe is a good one. I love the Painted Canyon/Mecca Hills hikes but that is a real good hoof from Palm Springs---way East Valley toward the Salton Sea. Ladder Canyon is a real fun crowd pleaser.

I posted some restaurant ideas on another recent topic post. If you have particular desires I am happy to comment.

I hope your trip justifies your excitement and everyone here makes you feel welcome.

PSL