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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Coachella Valley Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Coachella Valley Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
Coachella Valley Vista Point
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
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Perry & Cindy Mack
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns
National Monument Visitor Centre
Story & photos by Perry & Cindy Mack
This ‘monument’ is actually 113,000 ha (280,000 ac) tract of land that includes public lands within the BLM’s California Desert Conservation Area and the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. The Monument includes two Federal wilderness areas -- the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto.
Like a string of protective monoliths, the mountains rise up from the Coachella Valley floor to an elevation of 3,300 m (10,834 ft), an extensive wilderness that can be accessed via trails from both the Coachella Valley and the alpine village of Idyllwild.
The best place to begin exploring the region is the National Monument Visitor Centre, on Hwy 74, approximately 6.5 km (4 mi) south of Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
The small visitor centre has indoor exhibits on desert flora and fauna as well as the cultural history of the area, and some displays that I’ve never seen anywhere else. For instance the Dehydration Urine Colour Chart, which tells you how much water you need to consume based on the colour of your urine, and my personal favourite – ‘Who’s Scat Is That?’ – a shadow box of animal pooh so you’ll know who was there before you. Both informative, just not your typical visitor centre fare.
More interesting and perhaps of more value, are the outdoor pathways where the local plants including cacti are growing and labeled so you’ll know what you’re seeing out in the real world or what bit/stuck you should you wander from the trails. The centre also has trail maps to help you access hiking locations.
You’ll also find a bookstore and listings of special events like night hikes, hosted by volunteers of the Friends of the Desert Mountains. This not for profit organization supports the monument through facility expansion, scientific research, cultural preservation, environmental and conservation education, and community outreach programs. www.desertmountains.org
The centre is also the beginning of the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. Close to a dozen plant communities or ecosystems are represented along the Byway, including Dune, Palm Oasis, Creosote Scrub, Riparian, Desert Wash, Rocky Hillside, Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Oak Woodland, and Pine Forest. There are numerous look out points along the route to stop and enjoy the vistas and take photos. However, be forewarned that this route includes sections of steep, narrow winding road without shoulders – especially the initial climb out of Palm Desert.
If this caveat doesn’t hold you back, a worthwhile side trip is another 6.5 km (4 mi) up Hwy 74 to the Coachella Valley Vista Point. This spacious turn out has roughly a dozen parking spaces and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains, Coachella Valley to the east, and a glimpse of the Salton Sea on the horizon to the south.
Google maps will also locate the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point for you another 9 km from the Coachella Valley Vista Point. We didn’t find this especially worthwhile. The views aren’t as dramatic however there are picnic tables, it is wheelchair accessible and offers a deck landing to view the ravine below.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Centre, 51-500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA – (760) 862-9984.