Julie and I fell in love with the desert landscape and the best places to experience that is on hikes from the jumbo rocks of Joshua Tree National Park, to the Painted Canyon of Mecca Hills. Experience an oasis at the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation or escape the desert and the heat with a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to hike to San Jacinto Peak. In the winter you can even cross country ski on Mount San Jacinto. The video below shows Julie and I hiking in Ladder Canyon just a short 30 minute drive from AJV West.

The top right picture was taken on the drive up to the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation gift shop. The bottom right picture is just one of many amazing scenes in Joshua Tree National Park. This is the Jumbo Rocks area and is a must see if you've never been to Joshua Tree.
Check out some of our favorite books for hiking. We've found some amazing places because of these books!