| As a fairly new inhabitant to Palm Springs, CA, one of | | | | Ted Kaczynski by any other hiker, I give in to my |
| the first awkward phrases I heard: "You gotta do the | | | | fashionista side and remove said hoodie. Extra |
| 'bump-n-grind.'" After smiling politely and drifting away | | | | sun-screen will work just fine. And, when you think |
| from the suggestor(s), I was relieved to eventually | | | | about it, no one over 12 years should wear a hoodie |
| learn that the "bump and grind" is a Palm Springs hiking | | | | anyway. |
| trail preferred by locals as a great routine workout. "It's | | | | As we walk, the trail is narrow at first. You must stop |
| behind the Target." | | | | on occasion to let others pass in the opposite direction. |
| Thinking an enjoyable scenic hiking trail could not exist | | | | This trail does widen up, allowing 2 people to walk |
| behind a retail store, I was skeptical. This must be a dirt | | | | side-by-side eventually. |
| road and not really a hiking trail. Even though I'm a girl, | | | | Scenery is nice (here's a Palm Springs bump and grind |
| perhaps this trail is too girly. I like a challenging work-out. | | | | hiking trail pic from a phone camera)... but the trail is in |
| But I was pleasantly surprised when I approached the | | | | the middle of a city, so you'll look out onto Palm |
| trail one day, committed to understanding how the | | | | Springs. Go high enough and the city noises quiet |
| bump and grind got its name, and was immediately | | | | down. It's nice to hear wind and foot-steps. Take the |
| intrigued. | | | | ear-buds out and enjoy the symphony of mom nature. |
| It is behind the Target. In the city of Rancho Mirage, off | | | | Along the way, saw a couple of lizards, hawks floating |
| Highway 111 and Fred Waring Dr., behind Desert | | | | around and one squirrel. At least I think it was a squirrel. |
| Crossing Shopping Center is Painter's Path. The trail | | | | Also saw a couple of joggers, mountain bikers, a |
| starts off Painter's Path. It first appears as a slightly | | | | family or two, couples, singles. |
| elevated hill... but as your eyes follow the well-worn | | | | First time, it took almost 3 hours to complete this hike... |
| paths, you can see the trails disappear behind rocky, | | | | with stops along the way to enjoy the views and rest. |
| mountain-like terrain. | | | | Second time, took the left-side trail. It's more challenging, |
| Right away, I spot two separate trails - one left, one | | | | very steep in some places. It eventually connects to |
| right. I go right. There's company along the way. As | | | | the right-side trail, and leads to the top/end of the trail. |
| mentioned, this is a popular trail with locals, as an early | | | | Coming down is nice. Easier than going up... but watch |
| morning work-out, or late afternoon activity. It's not | | | | your step. It's easy to slide on loose rocks. |
| really a walk of solitude. | | | | I do recommend hiking the bump and grind trail when |
| I feel prepared for the hike - it's a warm early spring | | | | you visit Palm Springs. Since it's right-here-close-by, it's |
| day and brightly sunny. I wear a light long sleeved | | | | easy to find and offers a view other than a golf |
| hoodie, sunglasses and hat. Others are dressed the | | | | course or swimming pool. Kids love it. If you're not an |
| same or wear shorts and tanks. If you sunburn easily, | | | | avid hiker, it's easy to turn around and return to the |
| opt for sleeves. There's no shade - just you, rocks and | | | | starting point at any time. |
| bright sun. Bottled water is a good idea as well. | | | | I do warn first-timers that there are little side trails, |
| After applying sunscreen, pulling up the hood of my | | | | switchbacks that look inviting but may take you further |
| hoodie and adjusting my shades, I'm ready to hike. Until | | | | from your starting point, so stick with the main path. |
| a member of my hiking group says, "You look like the | | | | Enjoy your Palm Springs hike and visit... and rethink the |
| Una-bomber." Ouch. Not wishing to be compared to | | | | "hoodie." Map to Painter's Path - bump and grind trail. |