[Circlip]

I have a family vacation in Palm Desert in late September, and I'm trying to figure out whether to bring my bike or not. Any info on trails near Palm Desert would be appreciated (the only thing I could find in the trails section was the Art Smith Trail which seems to be closed for riding anyhow).

We'll have a car available, so I can drive a bit to get somewhere if the riding is good. We're from Vancouver and have never been to Palm Desert before, so I have no familiarity with the area whatsoever.

Thanks!

 

[chickenlegs]

24 hours of Idlewild course

I've actually never ridden in that area. But on a trip to La Quinta a few years ago, I remember looking into riding options. Pretty sure that the 24 hours of Idlewild course is about 40 minutes away by car.

 

[Hollywood]

you want this:

start here-

http://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/U...as/,Palm,Canyon,Trail/PRD_165134_4518crx.aspx

best as a shuttle, it's a great XC ride that takes you through the desert with pretty awesome scenery.

shoot an email closer to your trip. Maybe we'll roadtrip it out there and meet. (2.5 hrs.) Hope it's cooled off by then!

here's a couple pics for ya (2nd half of post)

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=4604

Jeff
hollywood @ singlespeed . net

 

[dirtpaws]

I've been wanting to ride out there too.

Shoot me an email when you get closer to the date: [email protected]

 

[Casual Observer]

Yes, this is in the mts just above Palm Springs, in a place called Hurkey Creek. It's the only riding I've done there, but it's a really fun trail. Idylwild is a really cool town too.

Not sure what time in Sept, but the 24 hour race is in Sept as well though. If you are there during, out of luck. If before, it should be really crowded with those pre-riding the course.

 

[cajonezzz]

I go out there quite a bit to work. The "goat trails" is an awesome single track that starts in town just between palm dessert and old Palm Springs.

late september can have some of the most brutal temps of the year, no kidding. you may have to do a sundowner, or early morning ride. Don't ride at night alone out there.

as far as nearby, you'd be nuts not to go to Idyllwild, and Hurkey Creek. Thomas Mountain is fun too. One little caveat: there have been mtn lion sightings in the Thomas mtn area. ( I saw one about 3 years ago) doubtful you'd run across one, but they are there.
check out this site, lot's of cool info and the trails on helmet cam.


http://www.mountainbikebill.com/

 

[chickenlegs]

One more thing...

If you dig old-school diners for breakfast or lunch, I have one word for you... Keedy's. Ask anyone, they'll know where it is.

 

[Circlip]

Good info - thanks everyone

Thanks to all for the info. I'll write down some email addresses and let you know when I have plans set with my family so that I can start to set up some riding stuff.

 

[namaSSte]

I go out there quite a bit to work. The "goat trails" is an awesome single track that starts in town just between palm dessert and old Palm Springs.

late september can have some of the most brutal temps of the year, no kidding. you may have to do a sundowner, or early morning ride. Don't ride at night alone out there.

as far as nearby, you'd be nuts not to go to Idyllwild, and Hurkey Creek. Thomas Mountain is fun too. One little caveat: there have been mtn lion sightings in the Thomas mtn area. ( I saw one about 3 years ago) doubtful you'd run across one, but they are there.
check out this site, lot's of cool info and the trails on helmet cam.


http://www.mountainbikebill.com/

second the goat trails. they aren't well marked but its a big loop (actually several loops) so you really can't get too lost. there's a grocery store right on the main road that runs along the mountains (I can't remember the name though, sorry). anyway, just ask where the grocery store is and park there. you'll see a gated access road around back. follow that in then climb a bit. you'll see singletrack off the left and right sides after you climb roughly a mile. pick your poison and have it! really fun trails. there is a wash where the Art Smith intersects the goat trails. it leads out to another even larget loop but its really sandy and takes a while to get back to the singletrack. its been a few years since I rode there but thats what I remember. one of the local shop rats should be able to get you a little more specific but if you want something in town, that's the place to go.

 

[terminaut]

It's been a while so I don't remember the details, but maybe ask some locals about a Palm Canyon ride that ends up with the Hahn trail. It's a scenic (desert) ride with some really fun sections.

Here's a couple of shots from when a bunch of us rode it:
<center>
<img src="https://www.fooriders.com/images/rides/archives/palm/scenery/dscn0042.jpg">

<img src="https://www.fooriders.com/images/rides/archives/palm/dscn0045.jpg">

<img src="https://www.fooriders.com/images/rides/archives/palm/dscn0062.jpg">
<i>(<a href="https://www.fooriders.com/webmain/index.php?module=photoshare&func=showimages&fid=64&viewkey=&template=thumbnails">whole gallery here)</a></i>
</center>

There's also a very epic, technical ride in that area with some of the trickiest/dangerous switchbacking climbs/descents that I've seen anywhere. Unfortunately, I rode that one with a a small group and a GPS (and I don't recall any trail names at all). I know - useless info but maybe you'll luck out and some locals will enlighten us both. If I ever get my riding legs back I want to explore that trail again for sure.