Visiting Desert Region

As fall descends on the California Desert Region, events, festivals and activities fill the calendar. It is time to open the windows and enjoy the spectacular climate. Palm Springs celebrates a traditional Oktoberfest featuring over 40 beer, wine and food tents, along with two stages of live entertainment. Check out Oktoberfest 2012 at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, on October 13th. Brawley, south of the Salton Sea, hosts a season opening PRCA rodeo competition November 10th and 11th, with the 2012 Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo. From Needles and Barstow, south to El Centro and Calexico, this is the season to discover California’s deserts.

For runners and athletes, the season is just beginning for Southern California’s Desert region’s events and challenges. Palm Desert draws cycling enthusiasts to California’s desert for the 2012 Palm Desert Century. Held November 10th, distance options include the new Super Century 130 for 2012, along with previous courses from 20 to 100 miles. The events at the Palm Desert Century make it a great race for all ages and experience levels.

Indio, ten miles east of Palm Desert, kicks off the holiday season with some spice at the 21st Annual Indio International Tamale Festival. A tradition the first weekend of December, the 2012 festival is December 1st and 2nd, and is presented by the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. With beautiful desert weather, the setting is ideal for friends and family to enjoy the parade, carnival and four stages featuring live entertainment. Eat your fill of tamales and take some home to enjoy during the holidays.

Blythe is home to the I-10 Lucas Oil Speedway, located inside the Colorado River Fairgrounds, where Interstate 10 crosses over the Colorado River. Starting September 29th, Lucas Oil speedway launches 10 big weekends of racing. The speedway hosts Speed Trucks in October, Legend Cars & Bandolero in November and the Hobo Rally Street Stocks 500 in early February – just part of the action.

Visit Blythe in January for a post-holiday getaway. The Colorado River Fairgrounds hosts the 2013 Blythe Bluegrass Festival, January 18th through the 20th. The Blythe California Bluegrass Festival is one of the first and largest in the US. The 2013 lineup includes New Generation, Monroe Crossing and Bill Evans, among the three-day schedule.

North, in Barstow, the community launches the New Year with a challenge for runners. The 2013 Calico Trail Run is January 27th, making the 9th year for this premier trail run. The race start and finish is 12-miles east of Barstow, in the historic Calico ghost town and mining district. The 50K and 30K courses run a loop around the spectacular scenery of the Calico Mountains. With ideal weather and a beautiful course, the Calico Trail Run is a great way to start the year.

Desert Region Hotel Map