Marriott's Desert Springs Villas et al

[ACP]

Considering staying at one of the resorts in the area, namely:
Desert Springs
Desert Springs II
Shadow Ridge

We will be flying from UK and will spend a week and a bit at Newport Coast and then a further week or a bit at one of the above, not sure which at the moment.

They all look very similar in style, layout etc with Desert Springs (both resorts) having the advantage of the J W Marriott on site, although I understand that the facilities there are not always available to MVC owners. I have been in touch with Owner Services and they advised that I should check with the resort about this??

A few questions please:

• Is use of the JW restricted and if so when does this usually occur?
• Are the resorts easy to exchange into using II for a stay in May (2019 not this year) looking for a 1 bed.
• What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of each resort
• Is there a lot to do in the area please

Many thanks

 

[cp73]

These questions has been asked many times. Use the search to get many of the explanations as to which is preferred. But I will give you the quick response. If you have young kids Shadow Ridge might be best, they have pool slides and rivers. Otherwise DSV I is the preferred choice and then DSV II comes in a close second. DSV I has the biggest units in probably all Marriott resorts. Its also more spread out than DSV II. But both are good. May should be an easy month to get a 1 bedroom or any size for that matter. Weather should also be nice in May. DSV I has access to the JW spa and pools, and tennis courts. No weekend use. DSV II and Shadow Ridge doesn't have it.

Here is my list of things to do.


Things to Do and Places to Eat.


Hiking:

Araby Trail right off the main highway 111 - Its about 20 minutes from the resort - can be done in about an hour to however far you want to go. This hike gives you a nice view of the valley and it goes right by Bob Hopes house which is unique and makes this hike worth it. I usually stop slightly above his house but the trail goes on and on. If you take it just to his house its about 1 - 1.5 hours round trip. Bring a water bottle. Great view of the valley.


Indian Canyons - this is about 30 minutes from the resort in Palm Springs. Great place with lots of places to hike. Its on an Indian reservation so there is an admission charge. Its pretty unique and worth seeing. You can spend as long as you like there. I would say a minimum of 2-3 hours. They do have a concession stand inside, or you could pack a lunch and bring in. Plenty of trails to hike. Be sure to see the canyon with all the palm trees and take the path down to it.


Joshua National Park - about 1 hour from resort. Its huge and becomes an all day event. Take lunch with you and drinks/cooler. No food sold in Park; outside they have some fast food places miles from main areas of the park. Very unique for a National Park. Enter park from main entrance. That is the side where fast food restaurants, gas, & concessions. There is nothing near the south entrance except desert.


Palm Spring Tram - in December- February likely to have snow at top. Check weather before you go. About 30 degress cooler at top. All day event. In Palm Springs area. Steep tram ride to top. Fantastic view from top and lots of easy trails to hike at top. Also they have a restaurant where you can eat. Once you get to top your in the forest. Its interesting going from desert to mountain forest in about 20 minutes.


You can get additional information on all these hikes & places on-line. The front desk may also have information on them.



Other things to see and do:

· Sat & Sun they have a flea market at the College of the Desert in Rancho Mirage. During the summer its very limited due to the heat.

· On Thursday nights they have a Villagefest on the main drag in Palm Springs; Arts, crafts, entertainment. Interesting way to spend a couple hours walking around in the evening.

· The Living Desert – good for kids; a zoo with the desert animals. Avoid on hot days in summer.

· The McCallum Theater – check the schedule to see who/what is playing; they have all sorts of entertainment, nice place to go see an event. Very casual dress.

· Indian Casinos’ – there are a few Indian Casinos that offer gambling. There is a nice one right off the freeway in Rancho Mirage and another large one in downtown Palm Springs. There are a few others.

· Shopping – On El Paseo there are high end shopping stores. Nice to walk around and restaurants in that area. There is also a Costco and Walmart near the resort.

· Outlet Mall in Cabazon. You will drive by the outlet mall on your way into Palm Desert from Los Angeles. Its about 25 miles before you get there. You will see it. Lots of shops by all the major retailers. Lots of deals. If your into shopping you could spend most the day here. Not my favorite place.

· Sunnylands Annenberg Estate – check out on internet. Huge estate/retreat. Many Presidents have stayed here. Reservations are needed for tour. Historical place. Very interesting and would highly recommend. However tough to get into without reservations way in advance. Its close to the Marriott in Rancho Mirage.

· Tour of Movie Stars Homes in Palm Springs – did this tour and really enjoyed it. There are a couple of companies that offer this bus tour.


· GOLF -There are two golf courses at Desert Springs. There maybe a special rate if your staying there. If you call they can tell you that. Shadow Ridge which is about 2 miles away has a 18 hole course. There are many big tournaments played at the courses in the desert. Check out http://www.palmsprings.com/golf you can see all the courses and pricing. Its a golfers paradise. PGA West has six championship courses where big tournaments are played in March.


· Tennis – There are several courts at DSV for tennis. I believe DSV I is no charge. If you’re a tennis fan be sure to drive by on Hwy111 & Washington the stadium where the BNP Baribas Tennis Tournament is played in March. It the 5th largest ranked tennis tournament in the world. In fact the owner, Larry Ellison of Oracle, wants to make it one of the four majors or the fifth. Already it draws more than Australian and French Opens. And the stadium is the second largest tennis stadium in the world. Only second to Arthur Ash stadium at the US Open in New York.

Pickleball - lots of places in the desert to play pickleball, however I dont believe the JW has converted any courts yet. Its just a matter of time. In Nov 2018 the Pickleball Nationals will be played at Indian Wells at the tennis stadium which is now building pickleball courts there.


· Movie theaters – there are lots of movie theaters in the area with all the current releases playing. Also an artsy theater at the mall (Monterey and Highway 111) near the resort with movies. There is also an international film festival in Palm Springs in January.



Favorite restaurants


Guerrimos at El Paseo (Palm Desert)- nice mexican food; best in the desert in my opinion, and I love Mexican food. Get Carnitas About $20 a person; best Carnitas ever. They also have a rolled shrimp ring which is excellent and unique. Don’t recall the exact name of it, but ask, its popular. Excellent Margaritas and guacamole and chips. Order either of those and you wont go wrong.


Las Casuelas – they have three Mexican restaurants in the desert areas. If you eat at the one in Rancho Mirage eat outside on the patio. There is one in downtown Palm Springs that gets a lot of people activity. Food is ok, typical California Mexican food.


Jackalope Ranch in Indio - eat at the bar area outside on patio....worth seeing; Your going here for the great atmosphere sitting outside. If you eat inside the restaurant is more expensive; go for the outside bar area you can pretty much get same food just a lot less expensive. Food is good; December could be a little too cool for the patio. They have misters in the warmer months. Summer too hot for sitting outside but you can sit in the bar area inside.


Babes barbecue at the River (Entertainment Center) in Rancho Mirage - excellent barbecue; get the baby back or beef ribs; Many other good restaurants also at the River, such as Cheesecake Factory, Yardhouse, and Flemings.


Gorilla Burger - great hamburgers - on Country Club very close to resort. Same strip mall as Pa Pa Dans & Shermans. As seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (DDD) in 2017.


Papa Dans Italian - good Italian reasonably priced; excellent pizza. Same shopping center as Gorilla Burger. They also will deliver to the resort; We have had pizza delivered when we don't want to go out. Also nice to eat there. Reasonably priced.


Sherman’s Deli; been here for lunch but they also serve breakfast and dinner. NY style deli. Excellent pastrami and roast beef. Worth going to. Pricey for sandwiches but excellent. They also have a location in Palm Springs. Also on DDD in 2017.


Tylers in Palm Springs – great hamburger place in downtown Palm Springs. A favorite of locals and tourists. Right in the heart of downtown. Open for lunch. Be sure to have some potatoe salad.


Zobo and Meesters – breakfast and lunch place located in Cathederal City. Excellent barbeque on weekend. Recently on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2017


Wilma and Freedas – great breakfast and lunch place on El Paseo. Also on DDD in 2017. Always seems to have a long wait. Go at off times to avoid wait. Great food and bakery.


Outback Steak House - chain restaurant on Highway 111. Steaks reasonably priced.


Bills pizza in Palm Desert on Hwy 111 and Palm Springs. Excellent pizza, get one of their specialty pizzas.


Castelli’s – great Italian in Palm Desert on Hwy 111. Lots of locals go here. More pricy than Papa Dan’s.


Si Bon – my favorite new restaurant as of last week (3/18). Great Belgin food. Close to resort at corner of Country Club and Monterey next to Albertsons. Really good. Look up on Yelp for more info. Probably highest rated in desert.


If you want high end; there is Ruth Chris, Mortons, Maestos, Flemings, and many other high end chain steak houses. In addition they have a few unique to the desert such as LG’s, Chop House & Sullivans. Been to Sullivans several times, my favorite is the rib eye and banana foster.


We went to LGs (12/17) for New Years and were really impressed (La Quinta) We had a party of 8 and everyone loved it. Steaks were fantastic and the restaurant had lots of rooms with great seating. Its now our favorite steak restaurant in the desert.



I think you will really like Palm Desert and the surrounding area...Its a great place. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[ACP]

These questions has been asked many times. Use the search to get many of the explanations as to which is preferred. But I will give you the quick response. If you have young kids Shadow Ridge might be best, they have pool slides and rivers. Otherwise DSV I is the preferred choice and then DSV II comes in a close second. DSV I has the biggest units in probably all Marriott resorts. Its also more spread out than DSV II. But both are good. May should be an easy month to get a 1 bedroom or any size for that matter. Weather should also be nice in May. DSV I has access to the JW spa and pools, and tennis courts. No weekend use. DSV II and Shadow Ridge doesn't have it.

Here is my list of things to do.


Things to Do and Places to Eat.


Hiking:

Araby Trail right off the main highway 111 - Its about 20 minutes from the resort - can be done in about an hour to however far you want to go. This hike gives you a nice view of the valley and it goes right by Bob Hopes house which is unique and makes this hike worth it. I usually stop slightly above his house but the trail goes on and on. If you take it just to his house its about 1 - 1.5 hours round trip. Bring a water bottle. Great view of the valley.


Indian Canyons - this is about 30 minutes from the resort in Palm Springs. Great place with lots of places to hike. Its on an Indian reservation so there is an admission charge. Its pretty unique and worth seeing. You can spend as long as you like there. I would say a minimum of 2-3 hours. They do have a concession stand inside, or you could pack a lunch and bring in. Plenty of trails to hike. Be sure to see the canyon with all the palm trees and take the path down to it.


Joshua National Park - about 1 hour from resort. Its huge and becomes an all day event. Take lunch with you and drinks/cooler. No food sold in Park; outside they have some fast food places miles from main areas of the park. Very unique for a National Park. Enter park from main entrance. That is the side where fast food restaurants, gas, & concessions. There is nothing near the south entrance except desert.


Palm Spring Tram - in December- February likely to have snow at top. Check weather before you go. About 30 degress cooler at top. All day event. In Palm Springs area. Steep tram ride to top. Fantastic view from top and lots of easy trails to hike at top. Also they have a restaurant where you can eat. Once you get to top your in the forest. Its interesting going from desert to mountain forest in about 20 minutes.


You can get additional information on all these hikes & places on-line. The front desk may also have information on them.



Other things to see and do:

· Sat & Sun they have a flea market at the College of the Desert in Rancho Mirage. During the summer its very limited due to the heat.

· On Thursday nights they have a Villagefest on the main drag in Palm Springs; Arts, crafts, entertainment. Interesting way to spend a couple hours walking around in the evening.

· The Living Desert – good for kids; a zoo with the desert animals. Avoid on hot days in summer.

· The McCallum Theater – check the schedule to see who/what is playing; they have all sorts of entertainment, nice place to go see an event. Very casual dress.

· Indian Casinos’ – there are a few Indian Casinos that offer gambling. There is a nice one right off the freeway in Rancho Mirage and another large one in downtown Palm Springs. There are a few others.

· Shopping – On El Paseo there are high end shopping stores. Nice to walk around and restaurants in that area. There is also a Costco and Walmart near the resort.

· Outlet Mall in Cabazon. You will drive by the outlet mall on your way into Palm Desert from Los Angeles. Its about 25 miles before you get there. You will see it. Lots of shops by all the major retailers. Lots of deals. If your into shopping you could spend most the day here. Not my favorite place.

· Sunnylands Annenberg Estate – check out on internet. Huge estate/retreat. Many Presidents have stayed here. Reservations are needed for tour. Historical place. Very interesting and would highly recommend. However tough to get into without reservations way in advance. Its close to the Marriott in Rancho Mirage.

· Tour of Movie Stars Homes in Palm Springs – did this tour and really enjoyed it. There are a couple of companies that offer this bus tour.


· GOLF -There are two golf courses at Desert Springs. There maybe a special rate if your staying there. If you call they can tell you that. Shadow Ridge which is about 2 miles away has a 18 hole course. There are many big tournaments played at the courses in the desert. Check out http://www.palmsprings.com/golf you can see all the courses and pricing. Its a golfers paradise. PGA West has six championship courses where big tournaments are played in March.


· Tennis – There are several courts at DSV for tennis. I believe DSV I is no charge. If you’re a tennis fan be sure to drive by on Hwy111 & Washington the stadium where the BNP Baribas Tennis Tournament is played in March. It the 5th largest ranked tennis tournament in the world. In fact the owner, Larry Ellison of Oracle, wants to make it one of the four majors or the fifth. Already it draws more than Australian and French Opens. And the stadium is the second largest tennis stadium in the world. Only second to Arthur Ash stadium at the US Open in New York.

Pickleball - lots of places in the desert to play pickleball, however I dont believe the JW has converted any courts yet. Its just a matter of time. In Nov 2018 the Pickleball Nationals will be played at Indian Wells at the tennis stadium which is now building pickleball courts there.


· Movie theaters – there are lots of movie theaters in the area with all the current releases playing. Also an artsy theater at the mall (Monterey and Highway 111) near the resort with movies. There is also an international film festival in Palm Springs in January.



Favorite restaurants


Guerrimos at El Paseo (Palm Desert)- nice mexican food; best in the desert in my opinion, and I love Mexican food. Get Carnitas About $20 a person; best Carnitas ever. They also have a rolled shrimp ring which is excellent and unique. Don’t recall the exact name of it, but ask, its popular. Excellent Margaritas and guacamole and chips. Order either of those and you wont go wrong.


Las Casuelas – they have three Mexican restaurants in the desert areas. If you eat at the one in Rancho Mirage eat outside on the patio. There is one in downtown Palm Springs that gets a lot of people activity. Food is ok, typical California Mexican food.


Jackalope Ranch in Indio - eat at the bar area outside on patio....worth seeing; Your going here for the great atmosphere sitting outside. If you eat inside the restaurant is more expensive; go for the outside bar area you can pretty much get same food just a lot less expensive. Food is good; December could be a little too cool for the patio. They have misters in the warmer months. Summer too hot for sitting outside but you can sit in the bar area inside.


Babes barbecue at the River (Entertainment Center) in Rancho Mirage - excellent barbecue; get the baby back or beef ribs; Many other good restaurants also at the River, such as Cheesecake Factory, Yardhouse, and Flemings.


Gorilla Burger - great hamburgers - on Country Club very close to resort. Same strip mall as Pa Pa Dans & Shermans. As seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (DDD) in 2017.


Papa Dans Italian - good Italian reasonably priced; excellent pizza. Same shopping center as Gorilla Burger. They also will deliver to the resort; We have had pizza delivered when we don't want to go out. Also nice to eat there. Reasonably priced.


Sherman’s Deli; been here for lunch but they also serve breakfast and dinner. NY style deli. Excellent pastrami and roast beef. Worth going to. Pricey for sandwiches but excellent. They also have a location in Palm Springs. Also on DDD in 2017.


Tylers in Palm Springs – great hamburger place in downtown Palm Springs. A favorite of locals and tourists. Right in the heart of downtown. Open for lunch. Be sure to have some potatoe salad.


Zobo and Meesters – breakfast and lunch place located in Cathederal City. Excellent barbeque on weekend. Recently on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2017


Wilma and Freedas – great breakfast and lunch place on El Paseo. Also on DDD in 2017. Always seems to have a long wait. Go at off times to avoid wait. Great food and bakery.


Outback Steak House - chain restaurant on Highway 111. Steaks reasonably priced.


Bills pizza in Palm Desert on Hwy 111 and Palm Springs. Excellent pizza, get one of their specialty pizzas.


Castelli’s – great Italian in Palm Desert on Hwy 111. Lots of locals go here. More pricy than Papa Dan’s.


Si Bon – my favorite new restaurant as of last week (3/18). Great Belgin food. Close to resort at corner of Country Club and Monterey next to Albertsons. Really good. Look up on Yelp for more info. Probably highest rated in desert.


If you want high end; there is Ruth Chris, Mortons, Maestos, Flemings, and many other high end chain steak houses. In addition they have a few unique to the desert such as LG’s, Chop House & Sullivans. Been to Sullivans several times, my favorite is the rib eye and banana foster.


We went to LGs (12/17) for New Years and were really impressed (La Quinta) We had a party of 8 and everyone loved it. Steaks were fantastic and the restaurant had lots of rooms with great seating. Its now our favorite steak restaurant in the desert.



I think you will really like Palm Desert and the surrounding area...Its a great place. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank You for such a comprehensive response - All I need to know

Cheers

 

[dougp26364]

Shadow Ridge doesn’t allow you to differentiate between the regular units of the Enclaves unless you’re booking with points. We will never list Shadow Ridge again on a weeks exchange request unless it’s just the 2 of us. Even then I doubt we’d request it. The Enclaves are smaller, poorly designed units at the furthest point away from registration.

 

[dougp26364]

Here’s a link to our photo album from Shadow Ridge Enclaves
https://dougp26364.smugmug.com/Marriotts-Shadow-Ridge-Englaves-March-2018

 

[VacationForever]

Shadow Ridge doesn’t allow you to differentiate between the regular units of the Enclaves unless you’re booking with points. We will never list Shadow Ridge again on a weeks exchange request unless it’s just the 2 of us. Even then I doubt we’d request it. The Enclaves are smaller, poorly designed units at the furthest point away from registration.

Twice now, when we toured at Shadow Ridge, the salesperson claimed that they were considered studios. Are you saying that they are listed as 1BR in II?

 

[dougp26364]

We were in a 2 bedroom unit at the Enclaves at Shadow Ridge. See our photo album of the unit. The link is posted in this thread

 

[VacationForever]

We were in a 2 bedroom unit at the Enclaves at Shadow Ridge. See our photo album of the unit. The link is posted in this thread

I looked at the pictures, a couple of the photos reminded me of the "studio" that the salesperson showed that was more like a very small 1BR with a sliding door between the bedroom and dining area.

 

[dougp26364]

Interval appears to consider that a one bedroom and it has everything interval requires of a one bedroom, but IMHO it’s a crappy one bedroom, and since Shadow Ridge doesn’t allow you to separate out the Enclaves when making a weeks exchsnge request, it won’t make the cut next time

 

[davidvel]

Shadow Ridge doesn’t allow you to differentiate between the regular units of the Enclaves unless you’re booking with points. We will never list Shadow Ridge again on a weeks exchange request unless it’s just the 2 of us. Even then I doubt we’d request it. The Enclaves are smaller, poorly designed units at the furthest point away from registration.

Interval appears to consider that a one bedroom and it has everything interval requires of a one bedroom, but IMHO it’s a crappy one bedroom, and since Shadow Ridge doesn’t allow you to separate out the Enclaves when making a weeks exchsnge request, it won’t make the cut next time

As written this is a bit confusing/misleading. The Enclaves (MR2) and the Villages (MRD) are two separate listings in II, with all the same common area amenities available to you.

You are correct that the rooms at Enclaves have both a standard and deluxe version. The standard version is smaller with a sliding door between the master and living room that is not a true separate bedroom. You are at the mercy of rooms control as to what unit you get at the Enclaves, and have to assume you'll get the "fake" version trading in.

Your second part about never trying to exchange into Shadow Ridge so you don't get this room is the misleading part. Only Enclaves has these strange floor plans, aka "The Villa of the Future!" If you trade into Shadow Ridge Villages, you'll always get a standard floor plan that is much like most other Marriott TSs.

 

[korndoc]

Hi Chris. It's been a long time. Hope all is well.
What a great response for things to do in Palm Desert. Perfect timing as I am going for a week starting April 15.
Which units do you recommend? We will be staying in the 1 BR side and it is just the 2 of us (yahoo!) so either upstairs or downstairs is just fine.
I just received the pre-arrival email from them asking for any preferences I may have. Should I just respond to them or should I call Donna Terrazas (saw her name in an old TUG message)
Thanks Chris,
Jeff Korn

 

[1Kflyerguy]

We did a Jeep Tour of the San Andreas Fault when we where there in Jan. It was fun and my wife and I enjoyed it.

 

[bizaro86]

II definitely has two codes for Shadow Ridge. If you trade for villages you won't get enclaves and vice versa

 

[cp73]

Hi Chris. It's been a long time. Hope all is well.
What a great response for things to do in Palm Desert. Perfect timing as I am going for a week starting April 15.
Which units do you recommend? We will be staying in the 1 BR side and it is just the 2 of us (yahoo!) so either upstairs or downstairs is just fine.
I just received the pre-arrival email from them asking for any preferences I may have. Should I just respond to them or should I call Donna Terrazas (saw her name in an old TUG message)
Thanks Chris,
Jeff Korn

HI Jeff,

My favorite is building O. However I also like anything from H-O. Try to avoid A-G just because those back up to Cook Street and I dont like G because its near the path to the hotel. I always just email in my preference and usually get it. One time I complained and they moved me. I have stayed a few times in other buildings from O-X and they are also fine. Most the building are pretty good. I like H, I, J just because they are closer to the JW if you like to walk over there.
Enjoy your trip. Check out the Anneberg Estate if you can. Probably too late to get on a tour but they have a beautiful garden and visitors center which is very informative about the place. If your into history you will like it.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I would differ, we prefer DSV2 over both Shadow Ridge and DSV1. JW not a big deal to us, 2 is simply nicer IMHO with much better views and often with a lot of ducks depending on room. DSV1 has a lot of AC units right where the patio is, not the best place if you are going to use it! But it's all subjective admittedly. There really are a ton of things to do. May starts low season as it starts getting really hot from then on.

As far as hiking trails, a nice one is found in Coachella Nature Preserve, real oasis, nice place to see and fairly easy walks.

It's a good time of year, if you have all day, to hike to San Jacinto Peak at 10,834' per the sign on top.

If you have an endless amount of money, we loved Le Vallauris restaurant. 4 digits would not be difficult.

 

[korndoc]

HI Jeff,

My favorite is building O. However I also like anything from H-O. Try to avoid A-G just because those back up to Cook Street and I dont like G because its near the path to the hotel. I always just email in my preference and usually get it. One time I complained and they moved me. I have stayed a few times in other buildings from O-X and they are also fine. Most the building are pretty good. I like H, I, J just because they are closer to the JW if you like to walk over there.
Enjoy your trip. Check out the Anneberg Estate if you can. Probably too late to get on a tour but they have a beautiful garden and visitors center which is very informative about the place. If your into history you will like it.

Thanks so much, Chris. You are always a wealth of information, especially regarding Desert Springs Villas. We will definitely check out Anneberg Estate.
Jeff

 

[klpca]

It's a good time of year, if you have all day, to hike to San Jacinto Peak at 10,834' per the sign on top.

May is probably too late to do the Cactus to Clouds Trail. I haven't done it, because I'm just too lazy for that one, but I have friends and family who do it about once a year. (I have no idea why, lol). The heat in that area is literally a killer. Here's a link to a blog with a lot of good information about the trail http://peaksforfreaks.blogspot.com/2013/08/cactus-to-clouds-route-description.html?m=1
When we want to hike in that area during the summer we take the tram up to the top, get a permit, and do day hiking around the area. It's really a beautiful location, and when you're up that high it's not hot anymore.

Another activity that we have loved in the past is the Palm Springs Aviation Museum. There are a lot of World War II planes that have been lovingly restored. And the docents are great. And it's air conditioned, so it's perfect if the weather is really hot!

 

[Steve Fatula]

When I hiked to the top, it was quite cool. Sure at sea level it’s hot! Yes, start at the top of the tram. It’s still a long way up from there. Thats what I like about the area, you can make it most any temperature by adjusting height! I also loved the WW2 planes, almost went again this year. My phones background is me at the top next to the sign.

 

[Carlsbadguy]

I'm the first week in May and will definitely try the Annenberg Gardens. Hiking will depend on the temperature.

 

[cp73]

May is probably too late to do the Cactus to Clouds Trail. I haven't done it, because I'm just too lazy for that one, but I have friends and family who do it about once a year. (I have no idea why, lol).

Thats a suicide hike for me! 14 miles almost straight up! I like to take the tram and hike around at the top.

 

[Steve Fatula]

It has a special place in my heart. At the time, things were looking very bad for me. On most days, I could not walk 50 feet without collapsing on the ground in pain. I had years of medical work, but nothing. Short version, I was able to walk a little, and, something said do something stupid (well, really, go for broke), so I hired a guide (so I wouldn't die) and went up. I made it and my life changed forever. Happiest moment of my life.

 

[klpca]

Thats a suicide hike for me! 14 miles almost straight up! I like to take the tram and hike around at the top.

I love hiking but that's too much "up" for me! I have a friend who does it multiple times per year but he's all about hiking fast, so he enjoys the personal challenge. Yosemite Valley to Half Dome and back in a day was my limit - about 16 miles rt - and half is downhill! Cactus to Clouds is not in the cards for me.