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Our favorite winter ritual is hitting Palm Springs. It’s always the perfect temperature to do outdoor activities, like hiking. It’s way too hot to do anything else, but swim or golf in the summer. The hiking trails in Palm Springs are awesome, so we make sure we hike or bike every winter. That’s why we like our winter ritual to be in Palm Springs!

 

 

 

I have talked about Palm Springs already, but I thought I’d share a few family friendly trails & a fun restaurant we visited during our last stay. There’s always a new trail to discover and always many restaurants to try. So, let me tell you about a few places!

 

 

South Lykken Trail

 

 

This trail is very popular amongst locals and visitors alike. It’s easy, accessible and pet friendly. The trail is located in South Palm Springs on South Palm Canyon Road. There’s another trail called North Lykken and is located at the end of West Mesquite Road.

 

 

South Lykken Trail is an out and back hike, approximately 7 miles long and the elevation gain over a 1,000 feet. Should you decide to do the whole hike, it can take you more than a few hours. However, you can turn around at any point.

 

 

 

This hike is considered easy for about a half mile, but then the switchbacks and elevation gain makes the hike more difficult! The benefits are the views, of course! Should you make it to the top, you’ll see Taquitz Falls, but more impressive is the panoramic view of the desert. It’ll take your breath away!  Relax at the picnic tables and have some lunch. You may even see big horn sheep too, if you’re lucky!

 

 

 

To get to to South Lykken Trail, go north up South Palm Canyon Road for 1 1/2 miles off of the 111 Highway. Park on the street and walk up to the trailhead, located past some condos. Bring lots of water & always wear sunscreen. This trail is pet friendly, but don’t bring them if the weather is too hot! Be sure to hydrate your pet, if you do!

 

 

 

 

 

Willis Palms Trail – Coachella Valley Preserve

 

 

An easy family hike, but not pet friendly, sadly. Keep Fido at home for this one. You can find Willis Palms Trail easily, just outside of Palm Springs proper, inside of the Coachella Valley Preservve.

 

Willis Palms, one of several oases found in and around the San Andreas Fault. Also, home to more than 180 bird species and home to the protected fringe-toed lizard. However, you must experience this area so you can visually see the famous earthquake fault line, that’s the San Andreas Fault Line. It’s very cool to see!

 

There are several hiking trails inside of the Coachella Valley Preserve. We chose the Willis Palms trail because it’s less travelled, it’s quick and we wanted to check out the interesting looking burnt Palm trees, which caught on fire back in 2010.

You’ll park in the small lot at 1000 Palms Canyon Road. It’s a short 10 minute loop hike to the palm trees with little elevation gain. Take your time to explore, because It’s a vey unique little spot. I highly recommend this little trail. You can check out other trails in the area, as well!

 

 

 

 

Lulu California Bistro

 

 

We always walk by this big, airy, colorful restaurant when we’re visiting downtown Palm Springs.  We’ve even tried to walk in with no reservations. But, the place is always packed and there’s always a long wait. I’ve always wondered about what the big deal is.

 

I decided to make reservations for New Years Eve during this past visit. Not knowing they were throwing a big party, we were lucky to get a reservations, I guess!

 

Lulu California Bistro serves, well, California fare! On thIs New Years Eve, they didn’t disappoint. They had a 4 course prix-fixe dinner and it wasn’t cheap, but it was delicious! The service shines here, however. We had the greatest server named Vic. Everyone there was wonderful! They all were so happy to be working at this New Years Eve party and we felt very special!

 

 

We don’t always go out on New Years Eve to celebrate, but we’re so glad we did this time. It was a perfectly festive evening! Located at 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 92262. Call for reservations at 760-327-5858. Cheers!

 

 

A Place In The Sun

 

 

We stayed again at our favorite Inn called A Place in The Sun. It was an awesome stay, as always!  I’ve talked about this place before and I still highly recommend! Bring your kids! Bring your dogs!  Everyone will be happy! Located at 754 E San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs, 92264. Call 760-325-0254