Category: Walk

Another hike on the South Lykken Trail. This will probably be our final foray into the mountains around Palm Springs this trip, with highs in the 90s forecast for the next few days. On the day we leave, the forecast high is 97° compared to a sunny 54° back home in Minneapolis.

We retraced a loop we’d first walked a few days prior. Overnight high winds had stirred up fine particulate matter (we are in a desert), triggering an air quality alert and making the climbs a bit more challenging. Missing a city bus at the end, we summoned a Lyft to a hostelry where reviving beer and nachos awaited. A good day.

Hiked the North Lykken Trail yet again. Each time it seems a little easier. We convinced ourselves we’d climbed the height of two Empire State Buildings, but our devices assured us it was less than one.

Hopped on a city bus to a trailhead then hiked Araby, Berns, and Shannon trails for the first time. Gentle climbs with plenty switchbacks, great loop with stunning panoramic views of the valley and mountains. We packed plenty of water in our daypack, carried by Dwight when he took this photo.

Various street art pieces determined our Sunday morning walk route. Along the way, we stopped at the city swimming pool so Dwight could stick a hand in the water, finding it pleasantly warm. He’ll return another day to swim laps.

Lyft to the trailhead, then hiked up the South Lykken Trail. Layers of rock, leaning at precarious angles, provided a striking contrast with the occasional view of the more orderly grid of Palm Springs, 1,000 feet below. After almost 3 hours, we descended toward Downtown and a beer and a shared sandwich at Blackbook.

Our Sunday morning walk was anchored by homes that once belonged to Cary Grant, Bob Hope, and Steve McQueen. Here, we’re peering over a gate for a glimpse of Cary Grant’s former Palm Springs home.

Lyft to North Lykken trailhead, then walked one-way: steep ascent, less steep descent, valley floor walk, steep ascent, steepest descent to downtown Palm Springs. Lunch at Blackbook, dishevelled walk home along city streets past other tourists carrying little shopping bags. In 1915, Carl Lykken, from Grand Forks, ND, installed the first telephone in Palm Springs. Apparently he also liked to hike.

Drove across the Coachella Valley to a ridge trail with lovely 360° views looking across the valley. Initially, we hiked directly on the San Andreas Fault. Here, we’re looking down at a line of native California fan palms owing their existence to groundwater pushed up by the collision of the tectonic plates.