Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

Bureau of Land Management sites are public lands where you can see beautiful natural areas. While visiting many of these sites, you will find historic structures and artifacts that give you a glimpse into a region's past. In addition, Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in these areas offer affordable camping options. While stay limits vary by the site, you are generally allowed to stay at a campsite for about two weeks within a given month. Additionally, when camping at BLM sites, you should also check local fire regulations before making a campfire and observe the tenets of "Leave No Trace" principles. The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is a scenic route that begins in Palm Desert, takes you through desert and mountain landscapes, and ends in Banning, California. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample places to pull off and hike, bike, fish, and spot wildlife. Popular attractions along the byway include the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, San Bernardino National Forest, and the Coachella Valley Vista Point. In addition, Joshua Tree National Park is less than an hour's drive from the Palm Desert end of the byway.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail

In the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, you can explore the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail. It's an easy hike that leads to a waterfall. Length: 1.9 miles Intensity: Easy

Bump and Grind Trail

The Bump and Grind Trail has beautiful sunrise views if you start your hike early. This out-and-back trail is in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and mountain biking is also allowed. Length: 4 miles Intensity: Moderate

Castle Rock Trail

Castle Rock Trail is in the San Bernardino National Forest and takes you to a vantage point that offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the area. It is possible to hike this out-and-back trail when snow's still on the ground, and hikers enjoy walking along the stream that forms from snowmelt when visiting. Length: 2.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Heart Rock Trail

Heart Rock Trail is in the San Bernardino National Forest, and as its name suggests, the primary attraction along this route is a heart-shaped hole in a large rock by a waterfall. Hikers will traverse this trail through oak, aspen, cedar, and fir trees. It also offers several fishing spots for RVers eager to get their lines wet. Length: 1.3 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lake Hemet is one of the few bodies of water you'll encounter during the scenic drive. You can go fishing and boating at this lake. There are picnic areas and campgrounds too. Overnight camping guests have access to the Splashing Eagle Swim Zone.

Climbing

There are climbing areas in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains offer challenging Class III and Class IV climbing opportunities. Alternatively, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks are famous climbing places in the San Jacinto Mountains for people of all ability levels.

Wildlife Viewing

The country's largest herd of Peninsular bighorn sheep wanders the Santa Rosa Mountains. Birds you can spot along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway include gold eagles, great horned owls, and prairie falcons. In the San Bernardino National Forest, you could spot bears, deer in meadows, and bighorn sheep in canyons.

Picnicking

The Lake Fulmor Day Use Area is a beautiful place to picnic at the Banning end of the byway. Another notable area for a picnic is Simpson Park in Hemet, California. It offers views of the San Jacinto Valley. In the San Bernardino National Forest, you can have a picnic at the Meadows Edge Picnic Area, Sand to Snow National Monument, or the Falls Picnic Area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you are looking for more amenities than BLM dispersed camping offers during your trip, Sands RV & Golf Resort and Thousand Trails Palm Springs have full hookups, restrooms, and hot showers. Idyllwild Campground is in Mount San Jacinto State Park and has a mix of full hookup and electric-only sites.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. Some of the best options are near Strawberry Junction, dispersed camping in the San Bernardino National Forest, and Vivian Creek Camp. If you are looking for more options, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet once at the location.

RV Rentals Near Palms to Pines Scenic Byway Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Palms to Pines Scenic Byway BLM trip

When planning your trip, you may want to consider starting at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center. At this facility, you can learn about scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and outdoor activities along the route. It is also an excellent opportunity to talk to the staff about any questions and use the restroom. Gas and other necessities can be found in Palm Desert, Banning, Mountain Center, and Idyllwild while exploring the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. You're going to travel through desert environments and mountains, so come prepared for changes in the climate by bringing clothing for both hot and cold weather. It can reach more than 100 degrees in the desert areas of the byway. In addition, it is always a good idea to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. BLM-dispersed camping along the byway is a budget-friendly way to enjoy your trip to California and escape the hustle and bustle of more developed campsites. However, if you have never camped in an area with no amenities, it can take careful planning to ensure your stay is comfortable. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

While enjoying the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, remember that it is on BLM land, so you must follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. You need to pack out your trash if no garbage cans are available. When hiking in desert areas, please stay on the trails because habitats in these locations are fragile and do not recover from disruptions as quickly as in other areas. Following the "Leave No Trace" rules of each place that you visit helps preserve the land's natural beauty and protects the native wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway Location

To travel the byway from Palm Springs, take Highway 111 east to Palm Desert, then Highway 74 west, climbing into the Santa Rosa Mountains. At Mountain Center, take Highway 243 north to Banning. Address: CA-74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Ready to visit Palms to Pines Scenic Byway? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.