Hike: Midnight Peak Length: 11.9 km Elevation gain: 990 m Route type: Out & back
Escape from the Smoke: A Memorable Day Hike Adventure in Kananaskis
My May long weekend was terrible. My hometown city of Edmonton was covered in thick smoke, causing me to cancel plans of spending the day paddleboarding. The long weekend before that, I had spent out of town but was working. I take great pleasure in nature, and the lack of adventure was beginning to feel stifling. What exactly is adventure? The dictionary defines adventure as an unusual, exciting, and possibly dangerous activity, such as a trip or experience.
Joining Forces: How I Found My Hiking Tribe on Facebook
The friends I used to hike with either did not live in proximity or were too busy, but I wasn’t going to let my lack of readily available hiking buddies prevent me from doing something I love. I signed up for a few hiking meetup groups on Facebook. One of the posts I had spied on was of a very fit, beautiful girl holding an intense yoga pose at the top of the gorgeous mountain range. Like me, Jodie was looking for others who shared her passion for hiking. I immediately sent her a private message, and even though over a hundred people had commented on her post, she quickly replied. This is how I set my alarm on a Sunday morning for 4:30 am to join her and another friend for a day trip hike to Kananaskis. Part of me was afraid; it was approximately a four-hour drive to the hike, and spending an entire day with people I’d never met before was daunting, but I held onto optimism. This girl had magically chosen me to accompany her, and I should be grateful—and I was. The trip was terrific.
Embarking on the Journey: Road Trip Excitement to Kananaskis
The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the air was warm when we met at the parking lot of a Goodlife gym. I finally met my fellow adventure companions, filled with that initial road trip excitement; we were prepared and ready to take on the day. The usually long, dull drive went by quickly as we discussed our hiking experiences and interests. Sean, the driver, was from Ontario and treasured the Alberta mountains for snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. Jodie, who was in the passenger seat, had recently been on a Vietnam trip and had a healthy appetite for adventure. I was in the back, enjoying their descriptions of the places and activities that ignited their souls. Their stories rekindled my desire for risk-taking. We stopped only once for salty McDonald’s breakfast items and refueled on bitter coffee.
Ascending to New Heights: Conquering Midnight Peak in Kananaskis
Once parked at the Baldy Pass parking lot, I was elated. Finally, we made it; the weather was cooperative. We changed from our socks and sandals into hiking boots; the rattle of aerosol cans and the smell of sunblock and bug repellant hung around the car. Finally, we crossed the highway; there was nowhere to go but up. The forest path began soft and forgiving, the scent of pine surpassed our various lotions, and different green-filled branches shaded our eyes. Finally, I’m exactly where I need to be, I thought. We were fortunate; at the same time last year, the path would still be covered with snow.
Eventually, the angle of our accent increased, and we took breaks to sip water. I wondered if everyone else was starting to feel tired like they wished they were in better shape—the wish for ease, for comfort. Sean reminded me about David Goggins, the popular ultra-marathon runner who was able to push his body past its’ perceived limits.
“No matter who you are, who your parents are or were, where you live, what you do for a living, or how much money you have, you’re probably living at about 40 percent of your true capability.” – David Goggins.
Sean had the trail map on his phone. The last portion to the summit was less than a kilometer away, but we were now facing the challenge of a change in elevation and constant vertical movement.
“It’s quite humbling, isn’t it?” Sean mentioned.
He was right. “Remember when we were at the bottom and thought we were in good shape?” I spoke.
But we kept going, our boots working in zig-zags around the scales of rock. Our minds tried to determine the path of least resistance that Sean pointed out didn’t exist. The lactic acid in my calves kept flaring up, and as I stopped to take a break, I couldn’t help but think, “Why do I torture myself like this?” When my line of sight reached the summit, this is why. Suddenly, I felt like a pebble in the earth, a speck of dust. Incredible mountain formations stood tall around me, and the astonishing landscape greeted me with 360-degree views. The magnificence of the mountains was all-encompassing. I sat on the rocks and felt, as I hadn’t for some time, at rest, peaceful.
A Taste of Delight: Post-Hike Treats in Airdrie
Back at the car, eager to free our sore feet from the confines of our boots and lose the weight of our packs. Still vibing from our accomplished day, we chatted a bit, and then the tiredness began to take over. Jodie had a fantastic suggestion of stopping in Ardie at a popular bubble tea venue, Bubble Tea Brewers. I got a float with graham crackers and cream cheese. The sweetness of the mango is paired perfectly with the saltiness of the cream cheese. The sugar rush restored my depleted energy stores.
From Peaks to Possibilities: Exploring Beyond Kananaskis
Back in the city, I felt slightly blue but slightly relieved. Back to the pollution, traffic, and anticipation of a weekday, but the comfort of a hot shower, no need to anticipate the aches and pains of traveling up a mountain.
And now the only question remains, where to go next?
Even though I’m no longer on the peak of a mountain, I still carry that feeling of possibility and stillness…
PWinter in my hometown of Edmonton can get extremely cold. The end of December also makes me feel tired and burned out. The idea of driving on snow-filled streets, finding parking, and navigating busy shopping centers in the weeks leading up to Christmas fills me with dread. So instead of participating in the often-unnecessary task of holiday planning, I told my parents we should recharge with a few days of sunshine and lie poolside in Palm Springs. Traveling to the city the week before Christmas was perfect timing. The town wasn’t too crowded, and the temperature ranged from 15 to 30 Celsius, which felt heavenly contrasted with the unbearable -40 degrees back home. The nights cooled off quite a bit; however, most restaurants have heaters, so if you enjoy spending time on a patio, day or night, Palm Springs won’t disappoint! We only had four days, so I was hoping we could hike in Joshua Tree National Park, enjoy some downtime at the pool, visit a mineral spa, and ride bikes through the neighborhoods with mid-century architecture. Fortunately, a flight delay allowed us to stay an entire week, and I’m glad we did. Well, except for my father’s constant complaints about the unresponsiveness’ of WestJet during the busy season. Our flight was due to depart Palm Spring on December 20th; the soonest flight home the airline offered was on January 4th. Lesson learned. Ensure you purchase travel insurance or have suitable protection from your credit card!
Do you need to rent a Car in Palm Springs?
While it is possible to visit Palm Springs without a car, renting a car can make it easier to explore the city and its surroundings. Palm Springs is a sprawling city with many different neighborhoods and attractions, and having a vehicle can make it easier to get around and see everything that interests you.
If you plan to stay within the city limits, it may be possible to get by without a car, as taxi and ride-share services are available, and some hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding desert and national parks, having a car will give you more flexibility and allow you to see more of what the area offers.
Ultimately, whether you need to rent a car will depend on your individual travel plans and preferences. If you plan to stay within the city and don’t mind relying on taxis or public transportation, you may be able to get by without a car. However, a rental car will likely be more convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding area and allow you to see more of what Palm Springs and its surroundings offer. We chose to rent a car and were quite happy. The roads were not that busy, and it was easy to get around and find parking. The only issue we encountered was that it gets dark early, so driving at night wasn’t the easiest when you were in the new location.
The Best Places to Have Brunch in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers various breakfast and brunch options; here are the places we tried ranked from best but not to worst. We didn’t have any issues eating well in Palm Springs.
L’Ateliar Cafe Palm Springs– the best breakfast by far; the small french spot doesn’t have the most unique ambiance, but the food was insatiable.
Cheeky’s – is known for its inventive menu and long weekend lines. Their brioche cinnamon was so heavenly we had to go back a second time.
Elmers– a traditional spot, always busy, 1960s vibe with ample portions and the fluffiest pancakes!
Farm– beautiful restaurant and lovely patio tucked away at the back. Fresh squeezed orange juice and incredible dishes.
Billy Reed’s Palm Springs– enormous portion sizes and an eclectic old-school ambiance. We easily could have split one breakfast between the three of us. Also went back for dinner, which we split into three and still left feeling stuffed.
Juniper Table– not our favorite morning meal, but it was an ideal spot with the sunshine beating down on us in the am.
Where to Eat Dinner in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a variety of dining options, including everything from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants. Here are the places we chose to eat dinner in the city:
TacQuila – an upscale, modern innovative Mexican menu; we sat outside and enjoyed the secluded patio.
Giuseppes– a cozy pasta or pizza place, perfect for popping in or ordering out. Heary meals that satisfied our post-hiking and pool day.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar – a farm-to-table restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and a chic, industrial-style interior.
1501 Gastropub– the perfect place to grab a juicy burger and a glass of rose.
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill– white tablecloths, live music, date night, or dinner out with the parents type of place. Big portions and a nice ambiance.
Billy Reed’s Palm Springs– enormous portion sizes, the three of us split a dinner, soups, dessert, and bottle of wine for $80 and were stuffed.
I chose Workshop for my birthday dinner as I would be spending it in Cabo. It was a vibe; the restaurant felt like we were permitted to eat inside a museum. The setting enamored me; the architecture was simple but bold. High ceilings, straight lines, a modern museum meets church. Super cool. The waiter was incredibly polite and recommended a fabulous bottle of wine. The food was good, but the portions needed more significance to appease my parents.
Hiking
Palm Springs is located near many beautiful hiking trails, offering a range of options for different skill levels and interests. Here are a few popular trails to consider:
Indian Canyons – offers a variety of trails through scenic canyons and streams, including the popular Palm Canyon Trail.
Joshua Tree National Park – features rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and a diverse array of plants and wildlife.
Tahquitz Canyon – a moderate hike to a 60-foot waterfall and cultural site of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Andreas Canyon Trail – a short, easy hike through a lush oasis surrounded by desert.
Skyline Trail – offers panoramic views of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert, with several scenic vistas along the way.
These are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Palm Springs area, but there are many more options to choose from, depending on your preferences and fitness level. Before embarking on any hike, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Hotels
Palm Springs offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Here are a few popular options to consider:
The Parker Palm Springs – a chic, midcentury modern hotel with stylish rooms and a large pool area
The Colony Palms Hotel – a luxurious boutique hotel with a spa and a retro vibe
The Riviera Palm Springs – a historic hotel with a midcentury modern design, multiple pools, and a spa
Ace Hotel & Swim Club – a trendy, hipster-friendly hotel with a large pool, live music, and a popular restaurant
La Quinta Resort & Club – a large, sprawling resort with multiple golf courses, collections, and a spa
These are just a few of the many accommodation options available in Palm Springs, so be sure to research and compare different options to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Due to a canceled flight, we initially stayed at the Saguaro hotel and the Margaritaville.
The Saguaro- is a colorful hotel with an incredible view of the mountains from the pool. Although this hotel is known for being a party hotel, we were lucky as we went the weekend before Christmas, so it was pretty decent. In addition, the hotel has an excellent Mexican restaurant, El Jefe, that makes tasty margaritas and quesadillas to enjoy poolside.
The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs is a popular hotel known for its colorful, whimsical design and prime location in the heart of Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant hotel with a central location and a focus on outdoor activities, the Saguaro could be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional or luxurious hotel experience, other options may better fit your needs. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different hotels to make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.
Margaritaville Palm Springs –is a hotel and resort complex inspired by the music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett. It offers a tropical-themed atmosphere, with multiple pools, restaurants, and bars on site. However, the margaritas and food at the Saguro hotel were way better. This hotel feels like being at a resort that offers free bike rentals and has several restaurants within walking distance. It was closer to the downtown center as well. Whether or not the Margaritaville is an excellent hotel depends on your individual preferences and expectations. For example, if you’re a fan of Jimmy Buffett’s music and enjoy a fun, laid-back atmosphere, you may want your stay at the resort.
Is visiting Palm Springs Expensive?
The cost of visiting Palm Springs can vary depending on your travel style and budget. However, Palm Springs can be considered a relatively affordable destination compared to other popular tourist destinations.
Accommodation in Palm Springs ranges from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, so you can find options that fit your budget. If you are going in a group, consider renting a house or Airbnb so that you can cook some meals at home and share this expense.
Dining in Palm Springs can also be affordable, with various options from fast food to upscale restaurants.
Attractions in the area, such as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hot air balloon rides, and the Palm Springs Art Museum, also have varying admission fees, so you can choose to spend as much or as little as you like.
Additionally, many outdoor activities in the surrounding desert, such as hiking and camping, are free, making it possible to enjoy the area without breaking the bank.
While some expenses, such as accommodation and dining, can add up, visiting Palm Springs can still be considered an affordable destination, especially if your budget and plan carefully.
Biking in Palm Springs
Biking can be fun in Palm Springs, especially if you enjoy outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes. The area has various biking options, from leisurely rides along flat paths to more challenging mountain bike trails in the nearby hills. I loved seeing the mid-century modern architecture with a backdrop of the mountains. I also ran the bike route, which was clean and free from traffic!
The Palm Springs area has several bike rental shops where you can rent a bike for a few hours or a full day, and there are several bike paths and trails that are well-suited for recreational riding. For example, the Palm Springs Bicycle Trail is a flat, paved path that winds through the city and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to recreational biking, the area is also popular with road cyclists and mountain bikers, who can find challenging rides in the surrounding hills and mountains. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs.
Why not Spend a Day in Desert Hot Springs?
Desert Hot Springs, located near Palm Springs, is known for its natural hot mineral springs, which are said to have therapeutic benefits. Here are a few popular places to enjoy mineral pools in Desert Hot Springs:
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa – a luxury resort with several mineral pools and a full-service spa
Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel – a clothing-optional resort with mineral pools, hot tubs, and a spa
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa – a mid-range resort with multiple mineral pools, a hot tub, and a spa
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum – a historical museum and event space with a mineral pool and hot tub open to the public for a fee
Azure Palm Hot Springs- a relaxing oasis and an incredible place to stay until sunset.
We spent the day at Azure Palm Hot Springs and loved the relaxed vibe, heated pool and saunas. The view of the sunset from the therapy pools was magical.
These are some of the most popular places to enjoy mineral pools in Desert Hot Springs, but there are many other options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Before visiting a mineral pool, be sure to research the location and check for any restrictions or health warnings, as the minerals in some hot springs can be harsh or irritating to some people.
Overview
Palm Springs is an excellent destination if you seek sunshine and rest in a laid-back town. Palm Springs also hosts Modernism week, where many exhibits and homes are open to those interested in architecture. Or if you have an interest in Tennis, the Indian Wells Open is another fun event to plan a visit to Palm Springs around.
UNANCHORED EVE 