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Indio is one of the largest gateways to Joshua Tree National Park , where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts come together to form some of the most unique geological displays known to man. The City of Indio is located 130 miles east of Los Angeles, CA and it can be accessed from interstate 10. Indio is located at the eastern end of the Coachella Valley, which is composed of nine cities: Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho, Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Palm Springs, and Coachella.

Festivals

HITS Thermal Desert Circuit (Horse show)

HITS Desert Horse Park
85-555 Airport Boulevard, Thermal, California 92274
Phone: 760.399.9200 (during horse shows only)

HITS Desert Horse Park, 85-555 Airport Blvd., Thermal, CA

The HITS Desert Circuit is where equestrian stars from the short stirrup ring to the grand prix stadium converge for eight weeks in the desert. After setting roots in Indio, California in the mid-nineties, the first horse was unloaded at the HITS Desert Horse Park in 2007. In the years that followed, the HITS Desert Circuit has earned a reputation as the place to be for West Coast show-goers during the winter months.

After regularly hosting Olympians, World Cup Champions and international show jumping stars, HITS put the Desert Circuit on the map in 2013 with the debut of the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix. The celebrated class, which offers the richest prize in American show jumping, is the first jewel of the HITS Triple Crown.

The Parks

Explore Desert Parks – Local desert parks and mountain areas offer a range of activities from nature walks and hiking to jeep tours and wildlife viewing. It's a great way to spend a spring, fall or winter afternoon. Indian Canyons offer some great trails for hiking. The Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain National Monument has a visitor's center on the lower end of the 74 and an easy-to-access nature trail that traverses the grounds around the center. They also have a more extensive trail system for longer walks and hikes. Visit the "nearby resources" page for a list of parks and nature preserves in the Coachella Valley area.

Desert Wildflower Viewing - During the spring months of February, March, April and May, the desert starts to transform into a colorful palette of wildflowers in bloom. It's a great time to explore the various desert parks and wildlife preserves. There are many areas where you can view the wildflowers including Indian Canyons, Coachella Valley Preserve, Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain National Monument and other locations. You can also take a short drive to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a day trip to view the wildflower displays there. To find the best dates and locations to view wildlfowers, visit DesertUSA's Desert Wildflower Reports. The report provides current details on what's in bloom, where you can view the best wildflower displays and what to expect.

Go to the Horse Show – There is an annual six-week hunter/jumper horse show circuit produced by HITS, Inc. which runs January through March. The Desert Circuit has been a mainstay of West Coast competition for the past 20 years and offers classes ranging from Grand Prix show jumping to a selection of divisions for both the novice and experienced rider. 85-555 Airport Boulevard, Thermal, California 92274 Phone: 760-399-9200 (during horse shows only). Visit their website for more information and to view their schedule of events. http://www.hitsshows.com.

Palm Desert Art Walk – Free guided tours on the second Saturday of each month.
http://www.palm-desert.org/arts-culture/public-art/free-guided-art-tours

Nearby State & National Parks and Preserves

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo /palmsprings/santarosa.html

Coachella Valley Preserve (closed June, July and August)
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/ wildlife/watchable/areas/coachella.html

Joshua Tree National Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

Indian Canyons

Hiking Indian Canyons Article

For more info. about Indian Canyons
http://www.theindiancanyons.com

Polo in the Desert

Watch a polo match – Empire Polo Club offers polo games that are open to the public, and admission is free. Preseason games begin in November, and the official season starts in January and runs through the end of March. Opening Day is usually held during the first or second week of January. Sunday Polo and other polo events are open to the public -- put this on your list of fun things to do in the desert! There is a $10 parking fee per car for general admission and tailgaters. Featured polo games are announced by a seasoned commentator, and food and beverage service are available on site. Empire Polo Club is located in Indio, CA at 51st street and Monroe St. For more details on where to watch polo games in the desert area contact the club by clicking here.

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