Highway 74 climbs out of Palm Desert in a series of big switchbacks with views over the whole Coachella Valley, then rolls up through the high desert to the pines at Mountain Center and on to Idyllwild.
Favorite drives · San Jacinto Mountains
Palms to Pines (Idyllwild)
From desert palms to mountain pines on one of California’s great scenic byways.
Good to know
- It’s a long day from the San Gabriel Valley. Many make a weekend of it.
- Gas up in Palm Desert before the climb.
- Summer heat in the desert is serious. Bring water.