Scenic Drives Around Palm Springs

September 12th, 2018 by Danelle Conlon

Palm Springs is one of the most desirable locations in the entire United States. Yet, it’s also a superb launch spot for some of the most scenic drives you’ll find anywhere.

Breathtaking desert landscapes, intriguing architecture, stunning natural parks, and much more – Palm Springs packs more sights into a ten-minute drive in and around town than most other places, whether it’s Southern California, the Southern United States, the Southern Hemisphere, you name it!

Since the Fix Auto collision repair shop network is in the Palm Springs area – we have automobile repair centers in Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and Indio – we’re certainly familiar with some of the gorgeous vistas available to residents and visitors alike. One of more popular questions we receive at our Palm Springs repair shops, particularly from folks out of town, is, “Where can I go for the best views in the area?”

We have to admit – that’s also one of the toughest questions we receive. Choosing the most scenic drives in and around Palm Springs is like picking your favorite American sports car from a classic lineup including the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Dodge Challenger, and others.

Well, somebody’s gotta do it, so it might as well be the Palm Springs collision repair experts from Fix Auto.

Unforgettable Scenery From the Driver’s Seat – Great Drives Around Palm Springs

Here are a handful of drives near Palm Springs worth your time. Just remember – when driving through Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, getting there is half the fun…sometimes, it’s all the fun!

Joshua Tree National Park

The Mojave Desert never fails to impress. It’s nearly impossible NOT to experience a memorable vista in the region, especially when its famous Joshua trees are involved. Joshua Tree National Park, located east of Palm Springs, contains a varied mix of natural landscapes for year-round enjoyment.

Route: take I-10 east out of town for approximately 40 miles, then take Exit 168 (Cottonwood Springs Rd.) to the park entrance. One way drive time from Palm Springs: about one hour.

Route 74 to Julian

A great drive is even better with a sweet ending. Julian, famous for its apple pie shops, is an ideal destination if you have a little extra time. Route 74 takes you past the picturesque small towns of Pinyon Pines, Little Paradise, Anza, Oak Grove, and many others. Plus, you’ll take in the beautiful scenery from historic trails, Indian reservations, and national parks.

Route: Take Route 74 south to Julian. One way drive time from Palm Springs: approximately 2-3 hours.

Keys View

Joshua Tree National Park contains so many memorable sights, you have to go there again. While in the park, go to Keys View Road for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs.

Route: Take Route 62 north to Quail Springs Road, and continue onto Park Boulevard. Follow Park Boulevard for about 10 miles, then make a right onto Keys View Road. Enjoy! One way drive time from Palm Springs is about 90 minutes.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

What’s better than one drive through Palm Springs? A second drive over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Located in Mount San Jacinto State Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides breathtaking, bird’s-eye views of the Palm Springs region – and driving there isn’t too shabby, either!

Route: Follow Highway 111 west towards Mount San Jacinto State Park. Take a left onto Tramway Road (West San Rafael Road will be on your right). One way drive time from Palm Springs is about 25 minutes.

Thanks for visiting the Fix Auto blog. And should your drive around Palm Springs result in an unfortunate fender bender, visit one of our three Palm Springs area shops. We’ll get you back on the road ASAP. With highly trained technicians and friendly customer service personnel, Fix Auto is here for you in Palm Springs, or wherever the road takes you!