Gem of a Vacation
Beautiful Desert Basecamp for Adventure in La Quinta
You’ve heard of a “diamond in the rough,” but do you know the Gem of the Desert? That’s La Quinta, one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets for outdoor adventures. Backed by the Coachella Valley’s Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta’s vast wild spaces are steeped in history, with plenty of important historical sites amid its beautiful nature. Add in boutique hotels, spas, and great dining, and you’ve got one gem of a vacation. Head to the West’s best-kept secret: La Quinta!
Hike
La Quinta is a hiker’s paradise. Named a “Best Hike in the West,” La Quinta Cove is an easy out-and-back adventure with huge views of the Santa Rosa Wilderness that pops with desert wildflowers. For a moderate hike, the Bear Creek Nature Trail travels along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and is one of the best places to watch a sunset—the mountains get bathed in the sinking daylight’s shifting hues of orange and lavender. Bonus: Go on a guided full-moon hike in the desert and do some telescope skygazing too!
Bike
La Quinta is bike friendly by nature. Rent a cruiser bike and go on a pedal along paved bike routes backdropped by the beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area has waterside bike trails in addition to hiking trails and campsites. Mountain bikers will eat up the trails in La Quinta’s surrounding wilderness, including the easy to intermediate Boo Hoff Inner Loop. It’s pure singletrack fun with wide-open views of the desert landscape. E-bikes are allowed on many trails.
Relax
Relax lakeside—or poolside—at a boutique hotel, or tee off at one of La Quinta’s famous golf courses (La Quinta is a PGA host city). La Quinta’s landscape makes it a fantastic destination for outdoor dining … patios here are surrounded by an amphitheater of mountains. Stroll the local shops for one-of-a-kind items to commemorate your trip. And of course, adding a little extra self-care to your nature itinerary can also include the spa, so be sure to book some desert massage time too.
