12 days in California Desert Itinerary

Change things up with these side-trips from Palm Springs: Desert Christ Park (in Yucca Valley), Palm Desert (The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens & Desert Holocaust Memorial) and Joshua Tree (Canyoning & Rappelling Tours & Murtle the Turtle).

To see where to stay, maps, reviews, and tourist information, read our Palm Springs online trip planner.

Paris, France to Palm Springs is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Paris to Palm Springs is minus 9 hours. Traveling from Paris in April, expect nights in Palm Springs to be a bit warmer, around 19°C, while days are warmer, around 37°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) so you can drive to Barstow.

Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. Step out of Barstow to go to Oro Grande and see Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, which is approximately 32 minutes away. There's lots more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Rainbow Basin Natural Area, see a world frozen in time at Calico Ghost Town, learn more about the world around you at Mojave River Valley Museum, and see the interesting displays at Barstow Harvey House.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Barstow trip planning site.

Drive from Palm Springs to Barstow in 2 hours. Traveling from Palm Springs in May, expect Barstow to be little chillier, temps between 36°C and 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Lone Pine.

Lone Pine is a census designated place (CDP) in Inyo County, California, United States. Start off your visit on the 7th (Sun): steep yourself in history at California Historical Landmark 507, then hike along Mount Whitney Trail, then take in breathtaking views at Lone Pine Creek, and finally stroll through Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Alabama Hills, trek along Horseshoe Meadow Trail, and then examine the collection at Museum of Western Film History.

To see maps, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Lone Pine vacation planner.

Drive from Barstow to Lone Pine in 2.5 hours. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Barstow in May; daily highs in Lone Pine reach 32°C and lows reach 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.