Salton Sea-Desert Day Trip from Palm Springs
There is something both desolate and beautiful about The Salton Sea in California.
It was formed in the early 1900s when a dam broke and the Colorado River flooded the Imperial Valley with water for the next year and a half.
By the time engineers were able to stop it, the Salton Sea was formed at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide.
Although it’s shrunk since that time, the Salton Sea remains one of the world's largest inland seas. It’s a very important wetland with the highest level of bird biodiversity in the region (some say country!) At 227 feet below sea level it’s also one of the lowest places on earth. Definitely worth a visit and only a short drive from Palm Springs and The Desert Shack.
The Salton Sea Visitor Center is a good place to start where you can get information and details on the area to see what interests you most. There are guided tours available or you may want to explore Bombay Beach, Mecca and Thermal on your own. The Salton Sea Recreation Area on the northeastern side is about 14 miles of shoreline and a popular place for campers, boaters and fisherman.
From the visitors center and campground area there are a few short, easy walks you can enjoy including the beach trail and the Ironwood Nature Trail. The best time to visit the Salton Sea is October through April when the temperature is milder. Summer temperatures soar to over 100 degrees and there is not much shade.
For those wanting a more challenging hike, check out nearby Ladders Canyon Loop and Ropes Canyon Trail. There is also the San Andreas Oasis, (search Dos Palmas Oasis in Google Maps). A dirt road but you’re rewarded with a stunning palm oasis for your efforts.
There is plenty to do and see at The Salton Sea! I hope you get out there soon!
Desert Hikes In or Near Palm Springs & The Desert Shack
Hiking in Palm Springs can lead you to a desert oasis with waterfalls, palms and ancient rock art
Are you ready to lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the California desert? Let’s get straight into some of the most scenic hikes that our area has to offer. They are all near The Desert Shack and Palm Springs!
Whitewater Preserve Photo: Jack Thompson
First on this hiking wrapup is an undervalued gem of a trail — Whitewater Preserve. Encompassing 2,851 acres with easy to moderate level trails, Whitewater Preserve is open daily and is free to the public. From the crystal clear waters that wind down the mountainside forming the river, to amazing wildlife and desert flowers, Whitewater is a true desert oasis. Whitewater Preserve guarantees a beautiful hike with panoramic views and is the perfect spot to take in the ever-changing beauty of the desert and mountains no matter the season! Always check with Ranger Station for trail closures.
Tahquitz Canyon Trail photo: Beth Slevcove
Iconic Tahquitz Canyon Trail is only 15-20 minutes from The Desert Shack near downtown Palm Springs. This trail has stunning views of cascading waterfalls, ancient rock art and lush vegetation that makes it hard to believe you’re in the desert. There is a 2-mile loop that takes about an hour and is considered moderately challenging to strenuous. No animals are allowed and there is a $15 entrance fee. Visit the website for more information on Ranger-led interpretive hikes.
Another popular trail is the Murray Canyon Trail which ends at the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Nearly 5 miles of moderate hiking, there are a couple options for making your way back. Check the website for helpful suggestions and the best way to wind your way back through Andreas Canyon to take in the world’s second largest California Fan Palm oasis. Enjoy spectacular views of rock formations, cottonwoods, willows, and the stunning desert oasis.
This is just a start on all the wonderful walks, trails and hikes we have near The Desert Shack!
Always observe animals from a distance
Leave the park as you found it
Remove anything you bring into the park - including any and all trash
Take pictures only—Do not remove any animals, plants or rocks
Leave No Trace
3 Coffee Shops in Palm Springs - A Local’s Guide
Where to get coffee like a local in Palm Springs
Christmas, Festivals and sun-scorched vacations among the palms. No matter the desert weather, the pursuit of good coffee is key.
Here are some of our favorite local coffee shops in Palm Springs from a couple of self-proclaimed “coffee snobs.”
You’ll find mostly locals at the Koffi on the north side of town. And… you can be there in about 10 minutes from The Desert Shack’s front door!
Koffi at 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
The coffee is solid and they have "fancy" drinks and goodies for those who want more.
A personal favorite is Koffi’s delicious matcha that has a hint of Meyer lemon and is good both iced and hot. Easy parking behind, a great outdoor courtyard area and rarely a long line.
Next on my list is a locally-owned coffee shop with solid coffee and a 100% instagram-able aesthetic. Hello Cafe La Jefa:
Cafe La Jefa at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
On the north end of Palm Springs, and super close to The Desert Shack, this cafe’s healthy menu is as much a draw as the coffee and matcha menu. A bonus is that it’s tucked into a tiny little design mall with a handful of unique shops and an unbeatable outdoor patio area that is large, mostly shaded and misted for those hot desert days.
I may have saved the best for last. Well, it’s my almost-daily habit because not only is their coffee amazingly delicious, but their matcha is one of the best in town! Do NOT miss out on the local’s favorite, Nature’s Health Food & Cafe:
Nature’s Health Cafe at 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
Nature’s Cafe is as much a cafe and health food market as it is a coffee shop. They make excellent coffee with a menu that includes specialties like Mexican Mocha and Rose Lattes as well as omelettes, wraps and bowls.
If you’re a matcha lover like me, give the Matcha Bowl a try. There is also a vegan version of a Bulletproof that is super delicious and another “must try!” All the alternative milk options are available, mostly organic, and I often leave with a smoothie and groceries as well. Although not as close as Cafe La Jefa and Koffi, Nature’s is worth the 15-20 minute drive from The Desert Shack!
There are so many more great coffee shops in Palm Springs, this is just to get you started. Check back for a part 2 and I’ll followup with a compilation of allllllllll the fabulous coffee shops that Palm Springs and surrounds has to offer.
Welcome to The Desert Shack!
The Desert Shack is a true desert getaway with 360-degree views and all the creature comforts!
The Desert Shack offers the best of desert life with wide open space, big skies and 360-degree views. Yet, is only minutes to downtown Palm Springs, Cabazon Outlet shopping and Morongo Casino; and a short drive to the high desert including Joshua Tree and Pioneertown..
When looking for our family desert retreat, we searched for a home that would give us privacy and peace, yet was close enough to Palm Springs to grab a morning coffee. When we found The Desert Shack we were blown away by the love, care and whimsy that had gone into building this custom home. Hand-built doors, soaring ceilings with skylights,, vintage treasures at every turn — a Mission bell and a weathervane?! Wow!
Over the years, we’ve carefully updated the house maintaining the authentic desert feel while expanding the welcoming, comfortable vibe. Our plan was always to make The Desert Shack a place to share with family and friends and invite the Airbnb and VRBO community of short term rental guests along to enjoy the special place that it is.
It’s important to mention, the artist-builder-craftsman-collector-miner who built the home, Scott Perrin also known as “The Dusty Desert Drifter.” He lived a life full of adventure and we are honored to be the current caretakers of his vision. Friends, family and neighbors of Scott’s have shared how he would disappear into the surrounding hills for days or weeks at a time, returning with found treasures discarded by the mines or washed into the desert waterways. He incorporated them into The Desert Shack and every time you visit, you will see something new…like a living museum.
We ask our guests to respect the unique character of our home, property and neighbors, as well as the, native animals and wildlife you will inevitably see. We want to make very clear, this is a desert in the true sense of the word. Although beautiful and restorative, it can also be potentially harsh and unpredictable in weather and wildlife. Windstorms, dust storms, flash floods happen. Insects, mice, squirrels, roadrunners, snakes, birds, desert rats, rabbits, bobcats, owls, sheep, quail, coyotes and more are a part of life here. Please be mindful of the land and use caution for yourself, children and pets. Wear shoes, be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave doors open and please don’t be overly surprised if you find occasional critters inside the house or around the property.
Enjoy all the desert has to offer. With peaceful vistas, glorious sunrises and sunsets, and of course, our welcoming hummingbirds. Breathe in the wild air and breathe out your stress. The Desert Shack awaits and we cannot wait for you to visit and feel relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated!