Part way up the mountain is this large viewpoint with plenty of parking. There are beautiful views spanning the Greater Palm Springs area and ample opportunity to take them in. Highway 74 SwitchbacksĪs you depart the Visitor Center heading south on Highway 74, you’ll almost immediately begin winding your way up the mountain in a series of switchbacks. Pick up a map and some visitor information but take note: the Visitor Center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. National Monument Visitor Centerīegin your trip at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center, located on Highway 74 in Palm Desert.
Here’s a guide to traveling this picturesque route. The drive? The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, an officially designated scenic drive by the Bureau of Land Management. Greater Palm Springs is known for its beautiful scenery and warm weather, but just a few miles to the south is a scenic drive that offers high mountain wilderness and serpentine roads-all under two hours, provided you don’t stop at some of the gorgeous sights along the way.