Things to Do Before 9 a.m. in the Desert

The swimming lanes at the Palm Springs Swim Center are open to the public starting at 7 a.m. every day.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PALM SPRINGS SWIM CENTER

We've already experienced the hottest June ever and triple-digit temperatures are not going anywhere for a couple of more months. Maybe more. However, the early morning hours offer a window of opportunity to escape the intense heat of the day, get busy, get active, experience some attractions, or go shopping. We've put together this handy things to do list to get you started. If you have some ideas to share, comment on the Palm Springs Life Facebook page.

When people query us about what it's like to live in this type of heat, we compare it to winter back east. The difference is we don't have anything to shovel, and there are opportunities to go out and enjoy the desert lifestyle before the heat intensifies or after the sun sets. You don't have to stay inside like you would if the day's temperatures were 20 degrees or colder. With that in mind, remember why you moved here, get out, and get busy.

• READ NEXT: Things to Do After 6 p.m. in the Desert.

get fit

Start the morning in a cool pool, and visit the public community pools in Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs or Palm Desert. Choose the pool that’s closest to you. Opening hours vary from 5:30 to 7 a.m. Lane reservations are required because of social distancing procedures as part of Covid-19 safe re-opening strategies.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE CASINO CATHEDRAL CITY

Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City offers a free weekly class on Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m. powered by Power Yoga Palm Springs at Agave Terraza — the casino’s outdoor pavilion space. All levels are welcome. Bring your own mat. The class runs through July 27. Register ahead of class HERE.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY TED GUICE FITNESS

Tackle a fast paced 45-minute G-Force workout with fitness coach Ted Guice at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. Classes convene 7:30-8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. It’s a special combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise, so be sure you are up to the task especially in this heat. Bring your mat or a towel. Don’t forget to bring water

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

Visit the Coachella Valley Preserve and check out their hiking trails in the early weekend mornings. The preserve opens for visitors at 7 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. The trails are accessible through the Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve. On excessive hot days, check the website as they may close. Looking for information on a trail at the preserve? Visit alltrails.com. Make sure to bring plenty of water and choose a trail that best fits your physical ability.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CABAZON DINOSAURS