All the stunning, desert terrain surrounding the Coachella Valley area offers insanely cool destinations to journey through – when the weather permits. But when the summer rolls in and the temperatures are high, it’s best to save those outdoor adventures on your list for another approachable day. Check out this beat-the-heat guide for some epic see-and-do spots in and around Indio this season.
Ride ‘n’ Dine Above the Desert
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the top of San Jacinto Peak for some seriously incredible territory views. Beat the heat and escape the valley – the weather from up above is much cooler, giving you a break from soaring summer temps. Swing by the Mountain House for lunch before your tram ride back down.
Pro tip: For a less low-key – way more adventurous – trip in the future, be sure to check out the hike to the peak along a 12-mile loop with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. It's an absolute must-do.
Practice Your Archery Skills
Book a private lesson with a group of your friends at Robin Hood Archery in Indio for a low-key, indoor activity this summer. Work on your upper body strength and hone your mental focus while trying out different bows and arrows at this indoor range facility.
Go On the Joshua Tree National Park Off Road Tour
Less than an hour’s drive from the Palm Springs area is where you’ll be – in a rugged, off-roading excursion through a wild, desert location. This four-to-five-hour trip takes riders from the starting point in Palm Desert to Joshua Tree National Park for a half-day of adventuring around the beautiful, desert territory. Book your trip online with Big Wheel Tours in advance for an epic, easygoing exploration.
Check Out a Show
When you’re not trekking along trails or kicking up dirt with your mountain bike, you’ll want to take a break from the heat with an awesome live performance at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Nirvana, No Doubt, and Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute bands are performing throughout the summer alongside originals, like Chicago, Train, and Puddle of Mudd.
Tour the Coachella Valley History Museum
You spend time exploring Coachella Valley and adventuring around countless trails, peaks, roads, and waterways, but have you ever been curious about how this area came to be? Take a tour of this super laid-back spot in Indio – learn about early life here and the history of the Coachella Valley.
Warm Weather Storage at StorQuest
For those hot Coachella Valley summers, our Indio StorQuest location has your stuff covered. Go for one of our climate-controlled units and never have to worry about extreme desert temps during the off-season. Your gear deserves the best, so treat it well at StorQuest.