Just east of Coachella lies Joshua Tree National Park. Formed out of the area between the Mojave and the Colorado deserts, this national park offers a range of surrealistic natural wonders to explore, including a vast array of native plants and wildlife. Be advised, however, that there are very few facilities within the park's approximately 800,000 acres, making it a true desert wilderness.
Those who enjoy the stark vastness of some of the most inhospitable places on Earth will definitely want to take a trip to Death Valley National Park, where temperatures can exceed 120° F. In fact, the world's highest recorded air temperature was logged in the park's aptly named Furnace Creek, which saw 134° back in 1913. This desert is a great place to hike, bike, ride on horseback, or birdwatch during the three cooler seasons of the year.
For a complete about-face from the desert experience, you can take a short drive to the coast of Ventura, where you will find Channel Islands National Park. Covering five of the area’s eight channel islands, this park offers nearly 250,000 acres of area to explore and countless outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, backcountry camping, and even scuba diving.
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area offers day-use parking lots, developed, undeveloped, and group campgrounds, picnic tables, hiking trails, and shoreline access to the water for recreational use. Available activities include biking, hiking, kayaking, wading, and wildlife watching. Restrooms and shower facilities are also available.
Mount San Jacinto State Park is a high-altitude wilderness area that offers both primitive campsites and developed areas that can accommodate trailers and mobile homes up to 24 feet long. The park's tallest peak, San Jacinto Peak, is 10,834 feet above sea level. The park offers spectacular views of majestic granite peaks and plenty of outdoor activities in its sub-alpine forests, high-country wilderness, and fern-bordered mountain meadows.
If you are headed to San Diego, don't forget to stop at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, which is located in the Laguna Mountains. This park offers close to 25,000 acres of woodland forests, which are home to bobcats, mountain lions, badgers, foxes, and amphibians. Avid birdwatchers will be excited by the more than 100 bird species that call this place home, including sparrows, northern flickers, and red-tailed hawks.
Palm Springs has become a sort of mini-Hollywood, hosting the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival every January and the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival (or ShortFest) each August at the historic Plaza Theatre. The Sand to Snow National Monument covers a total of 154,000 acres and stretches from an elevation of around 1,000 feet on the desert floor to over 11,000 feet high in the San Bernardino Mountains. Roughly 30 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail pass through the monument, which was made famous by Cheryl Strayed who wrote the book "Wild," which became a feature-length film starring Reese Witherspoon.
The Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages offers two swimming pools, lighted pickleball courts, 50-amp hookups, and city sewer service to all sites. There is also a large clubhouse that includes a fitness room, billiard room, office area, dining area, and lounge area with a computer center. Located just outside of Indio, it is one of the best, affordable, five-star, state-of-the-art RV resorts in the area.
While many RV resorts in the area cater to the snowbird crowd, the Rancho 51 Festival Campgrounds are geared more towards younger festival-goers. If you want five-star luxury a little closer to the center of the valley, check out Outdoor Resort Palm Springs, located in Cathedral City. This RV park not only offers sweeping mountain views but also all of the amenities of a small city, including not just one but multiple golf courses on-site and a recently renovated owner's lounge.
How do I correctly load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in Coachella, CA?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Coachella, CA?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
