Natives--Surrounding California?

[Hatinisbad]

Some very useful stuff in this thread. I'll be in California for 2 weeks and have a day to kill before Coachella. If you were to pick one between Joshue Tree and Big Bear what would it be?

I'd pick Joshua tree. The climate will be about the same as Coachella but It's a very unique looking desert area. If you like rock climbing its some of the best rock climbing anywhere. If you have the cash, there are companies that will set you up with a guide and some climbing gear including shoes. You may not be able to get a camp site. The campsites are usually booked up 6 months in advance during the more comfortable parts of the season like April/May. You won't find much there in the way of restaraunts or stores.

Big Bear is a nice little ski/lake town. If you're looking for a change of climate its a good choice. There are lots of stores, shops, restaraunts. there are good trails to hike and it's a beautiful area.

[jnthnbyl]

Thanks for the advice Hatinisbad. Much appreciated.

[taco goes to coachella]

Don't know why everyone is thinking MORE desert at 90+ degrees F after baking in the sun for 4 days in a row. Make the drive up to Big Bear Lake and rent a boat, do some fishing, drink some beer, and kick back. It's about 6,500 feet altitude and way more pleasant than the desert that time of year. Just a two-hour drive from Coachella -- about 100 miles one way.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=C...=h&mra=ls&z=10

Do not, repeat, DO NOT go to the Salton Sea. Grody to the max.

That's just it Peter, the weather in April is hit and miss. Weekend 1 last year, was cold, windy, rainy, just plain sihtty, then weekend 2 was blazing balls heat stoke central. In a matter of a week the temps went from the 50's-60's to over 100. All about options...

[Y0UNGBL00D]

big bear is another alternative, thanks hatinisbad. went there as a kid and loved it.

[Zafocaine]

That's just it Peter, the weather in April is hit and miss. Weekend 1 last year, was cold, windy, rainy, just plain sihtty, then weekend 2 was blazing balls heat stoke central. In a matter of a week the temps went from the 50's-60's to over 100. All about options...

This is California. If you aren't ready with a sleeveless shirt on, and a warm coat in the trunk of your car, then you're probably not welcome here anyway (as a native, I pretty much use a hoodie for the "cold" times. Go to Washington and tell them how cold it gets in April, brah).

[involvelemons]

Between Joshua Tree and Big Bear I'd pick Joshua Tree. It's pretty unique compared to a lot of other places in the US. Plus it's more in the Coachella spirit of things. Just make sure to stay hydrated and take it easy. You don't wanna be desert-fried by the time you get to the festival. It takes more of a toll on your body than you realize at the time.