SoCal 1 week, LA, Palm Springs, Parks any other suggestions?
 

Hello everyone,

I am planning a trip next January. I start in LA and want to spend a few days in Palm Springs. Does anyone have any ideas for another spot for a few days? Maybe Sequoia or Joshua Tree? Are either accessible in such a short time? How about the highlights of either? I would at least spend a full day in one or the other. Sequoia seems more interesting, but it looks farther to travel.

Thanks for any comments!

You can do Joshua Tree as a day trip from PS.

It's about a 6 hour drive to Sequoia from Palm Springs. Don't know how far into the park you can get in the winter, but I've been as far as the General Grant Grove in late December.

If you want some warmer weather, consider San Diego. A bit closer. En route there is the Tecmula wine region and the Wild Animal Park.

Joshua Tree is the easiest to visit on a quick trip from Palm Springs.

Thanks. 6 hours is probably too far to go this time and I've been to San Diego a few times already this year.

What are some fun things to do at Joshua Tree? The 49 palms oasis sounds like it could be an interesting hike. What would be a good day outing there? I am thinking something like a morning hike, lunch at a lodge, and afternoon hike, then back to Palm Springs.

I like Barker Dam, Lost Horse Mine and Ryan Mountain. I don't think I've done the 49 Palms one.

There are some nice oases at the Coachella Valley Preserve too. No national park fee for that one.