Coachella Valley preserve
1000 Palms Canyon Rd
1000 Palms , California
How about a quick half day trip to the San Andreas fault? It’s easy to get to. The top of Washington St. where it turns into Ramon, take 1000 Palms trail toward the big groups of palm trees. You’re right on top of the biggest fault line in California, the one they’re always warning us about.
The hikes are moderate and enjoyable.
The McCallum trail takes you along the San Andreas fault to a lush palm oasis which has been a home to pup fish and a strange variety of tiny shellfish. One of the friendly docents told me that the pup fish have been relocated to Borrego Springs while they try to trap and remove all the crawdads in the pond. There are several traps you can see in the clear water. Apparently, the crawdads were eating the pup fish and don’t belong there.
The little benches by the pond make a great spot to have a sack lunch or sit and talk with your hiking buddy. Remember to bring plenty of water because the hike to this spot is two to three miles. It starts with wooden boardwalks laid into the swamp and turns into a sandy walkway. The trails are clearly marked and you can see the palm oasis for most of the hike, so you shouldn’t have to worry about getting lost.
For more information look up Coachella Valley Preserve online.
Drive safely and enjoy the view.
