Mountain Ride in Southern California

While in the Joshua Tree National Park area, we took a ride up in the mountains to our west. Our drive took us from an elevation of a few feet below sea level in the valley to 6200 feet. The first part of the loop was on Palms to Palms Scenic Highway, very appropriately named. The western part was on Banning Idyllwild Panoramic Highway.

Looking down at the road we traveled to get to the first scenic overlook.

A great view of the valley.

Snow on the mountaintops in the distance.

Here we were at a higher elevation, looking down at some mountains.

At the same location, looking to higher mountains behind us.

This sign shows our route, starting in Palm Desert.

We are getting closer to the snow.

The dark clouds rolled in and it felt like it might snow.