When the calendar says October, it’s time in California to start thinking about a desert getaway because it won’t be long before temperatures come down enough to make a trip to the desert quite appealing. The sun’s still there in the late fall and winter, but those oppressive summer daytime temperatures moderate quite a bit.
With its unique plants, topography and gorgeous views, the desert can be a magical place. The cooler months offer the best hiking weather of the year and you’ll love exploring a landscape that can be both barren and awe-inspiring at the same time.
The other part of the desert experience is the sunshine. Daytime brightness and warmth are always dependable in the desert, no matter what time of year. While it can be toasty in the summer, the cooler months are downright comfortable. Here are a few of our favorite desert getaways.
Death Valley
There is no question that your trip to Death Valley will be much more enjoyable in the cooler months. And the Furnace Creek Inn, open just part of the year, makes it just that much more enjoyable. Originally just a small resort when it opened back in 1927, the inn’s adobe bricks were hand-made by local Native Americans, and the resort was built on a hill with panoramic views of the valley and the 11,000-foot mountains nearby. Today, Furnace Creek Inn is among the most popular destinations in Death Valley.
