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PrintSpectacular Outdoor Settings
Smoke Tree Ranch.
ANIKA LONDON
Have you always dreamt of an outdoor wedding but worried about unpredictable weather? Glorious sunshine and warm air nearly every day of the year make the Coachella Valley one of the most reliable wedding destinations in the world. Couple that with fragrant private courtyards, tranquil open spaces, secluded canyons, and a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop and it’s easy to see why love-struck couples exchange their vows under Mother Nature’s desert canopy. Treat your guests to a landmark journey when they board Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Panoramic views abound from a ceremony-ready balcony set nearly three miles above the scenic Coachella Valley.
After your nature-soaked celebration, feast on the wonders of the outdoor world outside your honeymoon hotel. Spy wildlife while hiking along a quiet trail, take a guided mountain bike tour along rocky ridgelines, or tee off on a lush, world-class golf course designed to showcase the view. Wake early for mimosas on the terrace at sunrise; later on, watch the sun dip behind the mountains and the stars begin to sparkle with their countless constellations.
WE ALSO SUGGEST:
• The Corona Yacht Club
• Empire Polo Club
• Indian Canyons
• Joshua Tree National Park
• The Living Desert
• Smoke Tree Ranch
ITINERARY
Nature’s Bounty
Hike the Indian Canyons. Miles of trails, views, and waterfalls fill the Indian Canyons, which belong to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Admission is $8. 760-325-3400.
Say “yes” to adventure. Check out the hiking, biking, and Jeep escapes from Big Wheel Tours (760-779-1837, www.bwbtours.com). Elite Land Tours’ menu ranges from helicopters, Hummers, and gliders to earthquake faults and wildlife (760-318-1200, www.elitelandtours.com). For an eco-tour, try Desert Adventures (760-340-2345, www.red-jeep.com).
Day trip to Joshua Tree or Idyllwild. Contemplate the desert’s vast beauty at Joshua Tree National Park, 45 miles north of town. Year-round activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, and stargazing. In the artsy mountain community of Idyllwild, find a mix of restaurants and boutiques amid tall pines and cedars.
Ride the tram. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you to 8,516 feet, where you can see Mount San Jacinto State Park and wilderness area and enjoy hiking trails and two restaurants (760-325-1449, www.pstramway.com).
Befriend the animals. Leopards, giraffes, meerkat, bighorn sheep, and other creatures strut their stuff at The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden (760-346-5694, www.livingdesert.org).
