Tahquitz, Murray and Air Tram

TAHQUITZ CANYON

Busy, busy day today.  Decided to do a couple of hikes.  Started with Tahquitz Canyon.  The wind has finally died down a bit...it has been insane!  Although, it would have been nice today, since it was 96 degrees outside and the sun was beating down on us!

Tahquitz is a two mile loop hike and you hit a beautiful waterfall halfway through.  It was reallly hot, so it was nice to get in the water once we got to the fall. 

So serene

Someone said you could swim to the rock...so, of course, I wanted to do it!  Unfortunately, I didn't have a bathing suit, but I really wanted to get to the rock by the waterfall...so I just went in clothed! Actually felt nice to be wet on the walk back. Water was freeeeezing. About 40 degrees. Got nothing on Roscoe though...after that dip in the lake, I can handle anything. Couldn't get up on top of the rock, because it was way too slippery and there wasn't anywhere to hold on to, but it was still fun!

Here's a video of the fall:

http://youtu.be/e323wxsx9Rs 

MURRAY CANYON

Next stop, Murray Canyon.  This is one of three canyons that make up Indian Canyons.  We had to choose one to see, due to time constraints.  For some reason, I thought it was a good idea to do a 4 1/2 mile hike after the two mile one we already did.  I know that doesn't sound bad to most of you exercise and marathon runners, but to me it was hard!!  The two miles in were hardest, because it was 2 pm in 100 degree weather and we were completely exposed to sun, but we made it! 

 

AERIAL TRAMWAY

From Murray, we headed to the Air Tram.  On the way, I saw this cool green tree. 

In google's words:

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs, California is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. It was opened in September 1963 as a way of getting from the floor of the Coachella Valley to relatively near the top of San Jacinto Peak and was constructed in rugged Chino Canyon. Before its construction, the only way to the top of the mountain was to hike a number of hours from Idyllwild.

Cool.

The trip takes about 10 minutes and takes you up 8,516 feet. When we got on the tram, on land, it was 94 degrees, and when we got off at the top of the mountain, it was 40.  There was even snow on the mountains around us!  It's a weird feeling to experience such a drastic change in temperature within 10 minutes.  Actually, on the way down, a few windows were open, and you could feel the temperature change the whole way down.  At the top, there are several spots from which you can see the view and a couple of restaurants.  You can also take hiking trails.  Unfortunately, it was very hazy, so we didn't really get a good picture, but the view is spectacular.  It can stretch northward for more than 200 mi on a clear day, all the way to Mount Charleston north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Views to the east and west can stretch as far as 75 mi.  You can also see Mexico, according to the guide.  Here are the best shots we could get.

On the way up

Snow on the mountain

Some more

Sorry they're so bad!!!  Tomorrow, headed to Joshua Tree :)