Travel Blog

Located in California, Kern Rafting River Whitewater is just three hours north of Los Angeles in the Sequoia National Forest. They have over 60 miles of commercially-run whitewater. As a result this location is a beautiful place to visit for residents of LA and other local cities.

The Rafting River Whitewater season begins in April as the snowpack from the western slope of the highest peak in the continental United States, Mt. Whitney, begins to melt. Of course this snowmelt drains into the upper river basin and makes it way down to the Lake Isabella reservoir.

The water is then let out of the Isabella dam forming a 21-mile stretch of excellent whitewater. As a result the Lower Kern, rafting one and two-day whitewater trip into September can be taken.

Kern Rafting River Whitewater

At Kern Rafting you can have a quality outdoor experience.  Of course the Kern Rafting River Whitewater staff is excited each year to help meet the needs of our Rafting Special guests. They are excited to get them out on the river. The staff is proud to work in such an enjoyable and exciting occupation. This is one of America’s most exciting and versatile rivers.

Kern Rafting River Whitewater can accommodate just about all age and experience levels you can bring. The company operates on all commercial sections of the Kern. This includes the Forks, high in the Golden Trout Wilderness of the Southern Sierra. Whether you are looking for a short, mild jaunt or a raging class V multiple-day wilderness adventure, we have it waiting for you and your group.

The guides are among the most knowledgeable and friendly in the business, having run many different rivers. Their love of whitewater and people can be seen from their mastery of the rapids and the delicious meals they prepare.

Whitewater rafting in California like anywhere else in the United States, exciting and challenging. It is also safe provided that you have excellent well trained guides who know the rivers. they should be trained in first aid, and know how to handle a raft in whitewater conditions. They should be comfortable with a group of people on board who may not have any experience in whitewater conditions.

They should know how to execute steering strokes to drive the raft to the best place to navigate the rivers rapids. Guides must also understand rafting safety procedures. They should know how to rescue swimmers should the raft capsize in whitewater conditions. If the raft does flip, they must be able to right a flipped boat and get everyone back on board.

California En Language rafting whitewater

In addition, if you are taking an overnight whitewater rafting trip in California, can your guide handle the camping requirements. Also the cooking requirements for a large group of people. Can they actually cook a good meal in a wilderness setting. Having a hot meal after a day running whitewater rapids in California can be very enjoyable. You want to really make sure that the trip you plan to take is going to meet your expectations.

Whitewater rafting guides are taught how to swim rapids. And also perform self rescue in difficult situations. Also how to use and care for whitewater rafting equipment and how to read water to find the best route through whitewater rapids. If this is your first time taking an whitewater rafting trip in California, check out the guides and make sure they are up to date on all of these areas.

There is a wide range of California rafting whitewater trips available in California. Some suitable for children from 4 years, seniors and those with special needs. There is also some of the wildest whitewater in California. There is really thrills and challenges available for everyone. California In Rafting whitewater.

Particularly for a first time rafting trip, or if you have a larger group, err on the side of caution to ensure everyone has fun. Choosing the most suitable California Rafting trip or American River Rafting trip for your group can be a challenge. However if you focus on everyone having a good time and some excitement, everyone will be more than satisfied.

California In Rafting whitewater – Classes

Class one is usually the easiest and is acceptable for children, seniors and people with special needs. Class 2 is also easy and aimed at the beginner, first time whitewater rafters, groups , bachelor parties and is ok for non swimmers. The next level, Class 3 is intermediate or adventurous. It is generally aimed at people with previous experience, adventure Scout groups and usually requires good swimming ability. Class 4 requires class 3 requirements along with strong swimming ability. Class 5 is the most advanced and difficult of the whitewater rafting trips. It may require swim tests and you must have very strong swimming ability.

Nearly everyone can participate in a rafting trip at some level. Anyone with any medical condition, very overweight or in poor physical shape should always consult with their physician. Those with a heart condition or back problems should be particularly cautious. Each participant must fit into a life jacket with all buckles fastened. It is also important to let the guides know in advance about any conditions that may affect anyone from being fully able to participate to ensure your safety.

Outdoor activity involves risk. Accidents can happen. All participants will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk or Liability Release form prior to the trip.

The American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling Class III rapids. This is the absolute best rafting run for beginning rafters!

The river moves first among big foothills and later through a steep granite canyon. The American Rafting River struts out quickly, surging powerfully. It hen yawns coyly before suddenly rushing headlong through a number of rapids and gorges.

The American Rafting River Whitewater experience consists of the South Fork American River, the Middle Fork American River, the North Fork American River. There are rafting trips on each of these rivers. Customers can experience rafting whitewater river trips on all of them.

American Rafting River whitewater – Middle Fork

The Middle Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just east of Sacramento. A great run for hardy, adventurous first timers and experienced rafters alike.

The river runs through a deep, wild, picturesque canyon in Auburn State Recreation Area. The Middle Fork of the American River offers rafters class IV-V excitement interspersed with more soothing stretches of Class II-III. At one point the entire river rages down a narrow class V cascade called Tunnel Chute. Then breezes underground through a runnable 30-yard cavern.

The South Fork American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling Class III rapids. This is the absolute best rafting run for beginning rafters!

Moving first among big foothills and later through a steep granite canyon, the South Fork struts out quickly, surging powerfully. Then yawns coyly before suddenly rushing headlong through the fabled American River Gorge.

The North Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and carves a deep, sheer gorge, which plunges in a deep crevasse down the western slope of the Sierra.

The water sparkles like liquid diamonds, and the stream bed is sensuous intimate – at times just wide enough for the rafts.

All participants should be strong, physically fit and able to swim – only paddle boats are used on this exhilarating run.

There are five rivers that are must do for California Rafting whitewater trips. They are listed in no particular order and should be of interest to Whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Always remember to apply safety when Whitewater rafting and follow your guides instructions.  We have listed them as follows:

1. The South Fork of the American: This is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in California because it has lots of Class III+ rapids, a long rafting season, and is relatively safe. Spring, Summer and Fall.

2. The North Fork of the American: Steep Class IV rapids in a tight gorge with crystal clear water. This is the premier class IV trip on the American River. This makes a great whitewater rafting trip in California for those of you that want a technical challenge. Spring and early Summer.

3. The Tuolumne: This river is the cream of the crop with famous Class IV rapids and “Wild and Scenic” scenery. Located near Yosemite National Park, most of the river takes advantage of the great hikes and spectacular scenery by spending a night or two in the canyon. Spring and Summer.

4. The Cal Salmon: This California whitewater rafting trip is for those of you that are hooked. Near the California-Oregon border, this river is well worth the drive for the numerous Class IV rapids and three famous Class V rapids. You’ll set up a base camp as you explore different sections of this river. Spring only.

5. Forks of the Kern: This three day trip has over 40 Class IV rapids and 3 big Class V’s. Granite boulders, breathtaking vistas, and huge waterfalls make this a spectacular rafting trip.

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We recently visited the Pala Casino Resort and Spa on southern California. It is located near San Diego just off of I5 and quite easy to get to as long as your prepared for the windy and curvy roads that lead to it. The casino has over 2000 slot machines along with a variety of the standard tables for your enjoyment. There is a nice hotel for patrons to spend the night, a great pool to spend time at as shown in the picture and of course the spa. Patrons should book the spa and arrive 30 minutes in advance to prepare for the treatment etc. Full instructions and costs can be found on the casinos web site for the Pala Casino Resort and Spa.

Pala Casino Resort and Spa – Restaurants

We dined in one of the restaurants in the casino. The food was excellent, the service very good and the size of the portions were large. There is also an outside eating area, however it was under construction at the time we were there. You have a nice view of the mountains and the surrounding property. There are also several fast-food restaurants, a deli and of course more high end areas to enjoy fine dining.

Pala Casino Resort and Spa – Casino

The casino is large with over 2000 slot machines of all types from penny machines to high roller machines. They also have video poker and keno machines of various denominations. The casino has high ceilings with good air circulation. The smoke from people smoking is not much of a problem. Although there is a noticeable smell when you enter the casino. Maybe one day Indian casinos will not allow smoking in the casino, however, we do not see this happening anytime soon.  At least they have good air circulation at this one. This particular casino also has soft drink machines available throughout the casino for those that need a drink from time to time. There is no charge for these beverages. Beer and wine are served at the bar as well as at the machines, although they are very expensive compared to some other locations.

The Pala Casino and Resort in beautiful northern San Diego County, Pala is located 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south
of Temecula. Pala is nestled in the mountains in a beautiful desert setting. It is relatively easy to get to, however some of the roads are narrow with lots of curves. We found drivers tend to travel very fast on these roads compared to someone who has never driven these particular roads before. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to come to relax. Have a good meal and enjoy the entertainment along with the usual gambling opportunities. We found the casino to be very clean, modern and enjoyable.

Pala Casino and Resort

Pala casino has over 2000 slots of all varieties along with table games, penny machines to the high roller slots that many people enjoy. There is a good number of video poker machines and keno machines as well. The floor is rectangular which means that few people will get lost in the casino. This is actually a problem in many of the larger casinos with floor layouts that are not in a rectangular layout. Smoking is allowed, although that did not appear to be a problem when we were there. There is good ventilation.

Pala Casino and Resort – Restaurants

There are several restaurants including coffee shops and deli’s, fast food takeout. As well as sit down areas with great service. We found the portions large and very tasty. Patrons can also share meals if they find that the amounts are too large for them. We spent the day at Pala and enjoyed it very much. There was one exception. Wine can be expensive if you do not order the house wine. Most casinos offer inexpensive refreshments, however, this is not the case with Pala. Be prepared to pay a little more for your drinks than you would at other Indian casinos. Certainly a lot more than at Vegas casinos.

The Agua Caliente Resort Casino is located at the corner of Ramon Road and Bob Hope drive. I10 also intersects at this point as well with Bob Hope drive. This provides easy access to the casino and of course Ramon road. Most consider it to be part of Palm Springs although it is actually in Rancho Mirage. The Spa in down town Palm Springs is also part of this casino group and patrons can use the same slot card at both locations.  This is the better of the two casinos in terms of size, convention space, entertainment space and also a first class hotel attached to the property. There is ample parking as well with both surface as well as above ground parking garage for many customers.

Agua Caliente Resort Casino – Restaurants

They also have several restaurants to dine in from the standard coffee shop to high end steak restaurants. They also have a buffet which is very good and priced about average for any buffet that you might go to.  We enjoy a restaurant that leads to the pool. You can dine inside or out on the patio. We particularly enjoy sitting on the patio and having our lunch while gazing at the pool and the tropical setting that is before us. If you want a nice relaxing lunch while sitting outside, this is the place to go. It is also shaded and very comfortable.

The casino itself is quite large and has all of the standard casinos slot machines and tables. There are over 2000 machines to choose from with lots of space. They do allow smoking in the casino and there is a small non smoking section as well for those people who are looking for non smoking areas. The Agua Caliente Resort Casino also sponsors a variety of entertainment from time to time. If you are interested in seeing one of these concerts check the main casino web site.

The Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs is located in downtown Palm Springs, two blocks from the main street which is Palm Canyon Road.  The Spa Resort Casino up until last year also had a hotel on the property that patrons could stay at. Apparently the owners felt that it was getting quite dated and needed to be torn down. It closed in late 2014 and is in the process of being gutted. The owners have yet to announce what will be built in its place. It is owned by the local Indian group. They are as usual quite secretive about their plans for properties in and around Palm Springs.

Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs

As a casino, the Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs is an excellent yet small casino. Patrons in the Palm Springs area can enjoy. Many people who live downtown or within several blocks of the casino can easily walk to the casino. They can enjoy an evening out for a few drinks, dinner and gambling. It is a modern building built-in desert tones. They have lots of the popular slot machines that most patrons like. They also have a number of table games that will appeal to the black jack, roulette and craps players.

There are lots of free surface parking and many people also take advantage of the valet parking available at the entrance. We have also seen movie shoots for advertisements as well as movies set up at the entrance and the parking lots. These are very interesting to watch. It is amazing given the attention to detail and the number of people who are involved. We have not had a chance to be in the background of one of these movies yet, but are looking forward to it. You never know which stars you will see in one of these.

Visit the Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs and also spend some time in downtown Palm Springs. There are many restaurants that you can enjoy and many also provide happy hours with reduced drink and food prices.

The Agua Caliente Casino is a great place to spend a few hours. Patrons can even stay over night. There is something for everyone including several very nice restaurants. There is a beautiful pool area. Shows with many big-name stars and of course the casino. There is a very nice hotel situated on the property. It is attached to the casino and the pool.  There is lots of surface parking right off the road. There is a parking garage as well which takes overflow cars or if you just want to get your car out of the hot sun.

Getting to the Agua Caliente Casino

The location of the Agua Caliente Casino could not be easier to get to. If you are coming from Palm springs just go straight out Ramon street towards I10 until you see the casino. Visitors from other desert cities can take either Bob Hope drive or I10 to get to the casino. If you are coming from Banning or other points west, take I10 and take the Bob Hope exit.

The Agua Caliente Casino

The casino itself is large and well laid out. Second-hand smoke, which is a big issue for many casinos is not too bad due to the high ceilings and good air circulation. Customers smoke cigars in the casino. But they have not gone this route yet. There are lots of machines to try. They have all of the popular machines that everyone is looking for these days.

They have four restaurants. There is a buffet restaurant, a deli where you can get something quick, a coffee shop, a small restaurant with outdoor dining if you prefer and a steakhouse. All are very clean and very acceptable as restaurants. The coffee shop is pricey.

The Spa Casino Palm Springs is located within two blocks of downtown Palm Springs on Amado road. There is ample parking for both valets and for people who wish to park their own cars. It is all surface parking. There is also a hotel located next door and there are many smaller hotels and motels in the immediate area along with condos for rent within walking distance. The Spa Casino Palm Springs is not really a  great spot to go for dinner, it is mainly for gambling at both tables and slots. They also run outdoor concerts once a month in one of the parking lots.

They charge $30 to get in and they block off anyone from the street from seeing the performance, although you can hear the music. It does not really build loyalty and many tourists refuse to spend their money in the casino as a result. They just are not building brand loyalty with this approach.

Spa Casino Palm Springs Sister Casino

The same slot card can be used at the Agua Caliente casino located on Bob Hope Drive and Ramon Road at I10. This hotel and casino require a car to get to and patrons can rack up points on their slot card regardless of which casino they frequent. We happen to like the Spa Casino Palm Springs because it is so convenient to get to. Patrons can go for dinner at one of the many restaurants in downtown Palm Springs and then head over to the casino for a drink after dinner and also a little gambling.

The smell of smoke can be pretty heavy at times. They recently opened a nonsmoking area. However, it is actually pretty small. They have a deli where you can order basic meals such as hamburgers and hot dogs, salads. Customers can also order breakfast. They also have a buffet, however, it does not seem to have a good reputation for the food and also for the service. Recently a group of people went for breakfast. They were charged 18% gratuity because they were part of a large group. The service was much less than normal.

The only service they received was their coffee was brought to them, so we are unclear why there should be a tip at all for this poor level of service let alone 18%. We think that this is pretty cheap on the part of the casino and will not be spending any money at their restaurants as a result. There are much better places to go to where you get better food and much more service.

Comp’s Not as Lucrative as Las Vegas

Since they have limited competition, the comps are not as good as locations where there is a lot more competition.  They still have some comps for food, free play, etc, but you can do much better at other casinos. Of course you must travel much further to get to them. It really comes down to how you want to spend your money.

The Tortoise Rock casino 29 Palms just opened for business in April 2014. We decided to visit it and see if it measured up to the advertising they were doing on TV.  We are staying in Palm Springs. Going to the Tortoise Rock Casino 29 Palms takes about an hour to drive there. We left temperatures in Palm Springs at 80 degrees and found the temps much lower in the high desert, down around 60 degrees. This is just something you need to get used to when you head into the high desert around 29 Palms.

General comments about Tortoise Rock Casino 29 Palms

They have a really nice bar area at this casino that is bright and lots of room to sit and enjoy a drink. You can also play the slots at the bar as well.

One problem or at least a surprise was that the slot machines at the Tortoise Rock Casino 29 Palms are all old machines. We could see where they were marked and worn due to lot’s of previous use. They were not paying very well on the day we were there. We did not hit any jackpot and we did not see anyone else hitting any jackpot’s.

Patrons and have free non alcoholic drinks from two stations in the casino including coffee. You can also have an attendant bring you your drinks as well.

The ceilings are high giving a nice airy feeling to the casino and also there was lot’s of air movement which also helped deal with anyone that was smoking. Some casinos are really bad for not dealing with smokers and their smoke, but this one was quite good.

The View is Great

There is a great view from the front of the casino looking out over the valley and although the landscaping is not completed yet, we are sure it will look great in another few months.

This is a relatively small casino, however it has everything that you might look for. On busy evenings it may be difficult to obtain your favorite machine. They also have a small deli which was unremarkable.

Believe it or not but beer costs more than a glass of wine. A glass of wine costs $3.50 while a draft beer costs $4.00. Usually it is the other way around.

The Tortoise rock Casino 29 Palms is a local casino which will be attractive to locals in the high desert. We do not think it is worth the drive from Coachella valley to visit this casino.

For more posts about the casinos in the Palm Springs area, click here.

This is a cute little casino on highway 86 on the road on the way to Borego springs. You cannot miss it, it is right along the highway with lots of parking for both cars and RV’s.

When you’re heading south along Highway 86, you will see the casino and then you will see aU-haul truck that is no longer running with a big sign on it, this is a road that you turn into. You can easily miss the road if it were not for the U-Haul truck sitting at the entrance.

Red Earth casino Salton Sea California

This is a great place to stop for a drink, something to eat or gas up. Many RV vans, trucks etc. stop here and overnight in the parking lot. This seems to be a popular place for RVs to overnight. You can also go dune buggy riding in the desert from this location.

The casino itself is a small casino with a good selection of slot machines. They unfortunately allow smoking in the casino and it is not large enough to have a non smoking area. There is regular bar and drink service from the staff, as well as a serve yourself area for soft drinks. Attached to the casino there is a Subway shop and a small store with lots of snacks and drinks. This is one of our favorite places to stop at least once a year when we are in the area.

You can also see the Salton Sea from the parking lot which stretches south from this area. There are a number of small towns and villages around the area, however many of these have seen much better times. The Red Earth casino Salton Sea California has lots of penny machines to play as well.

The three forks of the American River begin in the peaks of the Sierra Nevada range in Northern California. From there they meander through granite canyons into the rolling foothills of the gold country. The three forks range in difficulty from Class II (beginner) to Class IV+ (advanced).

The South Fork American is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the western United States. It jostles over friendly Class II-III rapids and meanders through the historic gold-mining town of Coloma. The Middle Fork American careens through a secluded canyon over numerous Class IV rapids, including infamous Tunnel Chute Rapid. The North Fork American relies on snow melt for its flows rather than upstream dam releases. Consequently, this American River rafting classic only runs in the spring.

South Fork American River Rafting

South Fork American River rafting is not recommended for inexperienced rafters, kayakers or inner-tubers (with the exception of the Coloma to Lotus section). The South Fork is Class III with some tricky and potentially dangerous rapids. The river gradient is a steep, exciting 30 feet per mile in the upper gorge from Chili Bar to Trouble Maker, easing to 9 feet per mile through the Coloma Valley. Another area becoming 33 feet per mile through the lower gorge.

The South Fork of the American is unusual in that most of the land along the river is privately owned. Homeowner’s, commercial rafting companies, private boaters, ranchers, anglers and picnickers all share this beautiful river. Above all follow proper etiquette while on the river.

Middle Fork of the American River

The Middle Fork of the American River runs through the scenic Sierra Foothills of Tahoe National Forest. The Oxbow to Greenwood run is class III-IV with one Class V (Tunnel Chute). Likewise with crews of people with at least Class III river experience who are ready for a strenuous and sometimes dangerous river adventure. As a result it is an order of magnitude more difficult than the South Fork of the American.

North Fork American River

The North Fork American is the most difficult of the three Forks. Towering Cliffs and 2000 foot canyon walls spotted with black oaks and varying pines sets the back drop. Hence this is one of the most beautiful California whitewater rafting river canyons. Located near Interstate 80, near the city of Auburn, the North Fork is easily accessible with some camping options nearby.

The Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Way Bridge run is the most popular section to run. As a result it has been a favorite for California rafters and kayakers since the mid seventies. This 9.5 mile run contains many steep drops and boulder slaloms. Hence providing some of the best whitewater rafting of the 3 forks of the American river.

No Dams

The North Fork American, with no dams upstream, is truly a wild river. Most noteworthy it can be run by raft, canoe, or kayak in winter and spring only, when water exceeds about 900 cubic feet per second (cfs). At all levels, the river is Class IV with little rescue access. The North Fork American is a highly technical river. It should only be attempted by very experienced whitewater boaters who have seen its rapids before. A mile-by-mile guide cannot replace the judgment of each individual boater.

The North Fork is as dangerous a river to boat at low flows as at high flows. Several drownings and injuries have occurred at low flows due to underwater sieves. Above about 1500 cfs most dangerous rocks are covered and passages are wider, and maneuvering is much easier. But at flows in the 3,500 to 5,000 cfs range, hydraulic intensity increases markedly and eddies and rescue options decrease.

The Fantasy Springs Hotel and the casino is located on I10 near highway 86 in the Coachella Valley east of Palm Springs in California. The Fantasy Springs Hotel is a first class hotel with everything that every customer would appreciate. It is probably is a class 4 hotel compared to hotels such as the Wynn or Bellagio in Las Vegas. Which are class 5 hotels in our opinion. They also have a nice buffet and a great casino floor. They have all of the modern games that many people look for.

We also enjoyed the Fantasy Springs Casino and the buffet at the Fantasy Springs Hotel. We enjoyed both very much, and will go back to there in the near future. The casino has been upgraded in recent years and looks very nice. This was not a winning day for us at the casino, so from that perspective we are not as enamored with the place. However we will definitely be going back to this location in the near future.

Fantasy Springs Hotel – Rooms

We have not stayed at the Fantasy Springs Hotel and would appreciate any comments on what the rooms at the Fantasy Springs Hotel are like. The rooms are supposed to be very nice. They also are rumored to have a very nice pool area were you can relax and enjoy the sun. On our next visit, we will do some more snooping. We will try to get some pictures to show readers more of this property.

If anyone reading this post has stayed at this hotel, and would like to leave a comment about the rooms, we would appreciate it. It will help our readers get a complete idea of what the Fantasy Springs Hotel is like to stay at. Sorry still no comments or room pictures when we updated this post about the Fantasy Springs hotel in Palm Springs California.

Fantasy Springs Casino, located in Palm Desert near Palm Springs just off  I10 where it intersects with highway 86. As a result it is easy to get to from all points in the valley and also from riverside.  The Fantasy Springs Casino has been upgraded since we last visited and has all of the latest slot machines that everyone is looking for. We ate at the buffet which was very nice and reasonably priced.

Fantasy Springs Casino – Competition

The Fantasy Springs Casino is competing with several other local casinos in the area. These include the Aqua Calientie casino located at Ramon road, Bob Hope drive and I10. Depending on where you are staying in the valley, these casinos can be a bit of a drive. However they are easy to get to as long as you have easy access to I10. We will be going back to both of these casinos again in the future.

We are staying in the Palm Springs area. It was about a 30 minute drive to get to this particular hotel and casino. We headed out Ramon Road to I10 and then east on I 10 until we got to the exit near I10 and 86 junctions.

Casinos in the Valley

There are between 10 and 15 casinos in the Coachella Valley. It is about midway down the valley along I10. Depending on where you’re living or vacationing in the Coachella Valley you can usually get to all of these casinos within about 30 minutes by car. Some casinos are full service casinos with restaurants and hotels while others provide gaming services only. check before you go in case you are looking for a full service casino. Fantasy Springs is a full service casino, with restaurants and a hotel for patrons to enjoy.

Borrego springs desert

Anyone planning to go to Borrego Springs can follow these directions. To get to Borrego springs take highway 10 E. from Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or the other Desert cities and then take Highway 86 S. towards Borrego springs. You will see the turn off on Highway 86 for the road towards the town of Borrego springs. This road takes you through the Badlands in the desert which are some of the pictures shown above and below.Tthis is a beautiful area of the desert and there’s lots of off roading opportunities in this part of the desert.

The trip to Borrego Springs California is a nice drive taking about an hour to two hours depending on where you are coming from and also how often you stop like us to take pictures. There are also specific locations for those people in RV’s to pull off the road and spend the night with no services. There is also an RV park in Borrego Springs California where you can park for the night and also obtain some services for your RV. It is within easy walking distance of the town of Borrego Springs California as well, although some people might want to take the  car or bike into town.

Borrego Springs California – Views

The view on the road to Borrego Springs California is absolutely beautiful if you enjoy the desert. There is a small golf course, a nice housing development and several small hotels. There are not many services such as bars and restaurants. This is a place to chill out and relax in the pure desert air. There are also lots of places to hiking, there is a desert museum and interpretive center as well to visit.  Anyone planning to stay in Borrego Springs California, should plan on spending a very quiet vacation.  If you need to go shopping for major groceries, or other items, plan on taking the entire day to drive into Indio or one of the other desert cities in the valley.

For more information about Borego Springs California, click here.

The Salton Sea, California shown in the distance is located in southern California. It is south of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The Salton Sea is actually below seal level. The largest land locked sea in the USA. Unfortunately it is not a place were you would want to spend a lot of time going to the beach or swimming in. There are few nice beaches and the water level has been declining for the past few years. Which has become a concern to local residents as well as local farmers.

Salton Sea  – Swimming

Chemicals foul the water. Most people will not even put their boats in the water. It remains a beautiful sea to look at in the middle of the desert. When sea levels were higher and the land was actually lower. The water level is continuing to get lower due to the extensive evaporation.

This picture was taken from the parking lot of the Red Earth Casino. It is a small Indian Casino along highway 86.  click here for more information. For more information about Borego Springs California, click here.

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The Red Earth Casino California is at the south end of the Coachella valley in Southern California on route 86 about midway as you pass the Salton Sea. We like to visit this casino every year at least once to enjoy and afternoon or evening playing the penny slots. There is also a travel center here were you can buy gas, grab a sub from Subway and other drinks and fast food items as well as snacks. Lot’s of room for RV’s to gas up or just park for awhile  as well. They may even allow over night parking in their parking lot, since there really is an overly large parking lot that is perfect for RV’s.

This is a small casino with maybe 200 machines, free soft drinks, a subway, a gas station and not much more. We had a nice time here one afternoon and won a small amount of money.

Red Earth Casino California – Salton Sea

The second picture shows highway 86 and the Salton sea beyond. For more information about the Salton Sea, Click here.

This picture was taken from the Casino parking lot facing east towards the Salton Sea. There are no motels or hotels in the area, so if you decide to visit do not plan on staying the night. You should head back to one of the valley cities or to points south, although it will be a long drive. There are also hotels in Borego Springs about 45 minutes away.

It has never been very busy when we visited this casino usually during the day time. We are not sure about the evening hours. It is a bit out of the way with not a lot in the area. The clientele during the day are a bit rough looking. I can only imagine what it is like during the evening. It is not a place I would want to be during the evening.

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We have been to Borrego Springs in California several times on day trips and have enjoyed every visit. We stay in Palm Springs and drive south along I10 until you come to Cal 86. Take this highway and stay on it until you come to Borrego Salton Seaway. Turn on to this road, you will see the signs. The scenery is truly fantastic with lots of spots to stop along the way. Observe the huge vista’s as well as the ravines where off road vehicles race each other along the bottom of the ravines.

As the picture shows on the left, traveling to Borrego springs allows you to see huge vista’s that are very impressive. Whether you are renting a home, staying in a motel or camping in the Borrego Springs campground you will enjoy the scenery, the solitude, the hiking and the fresh air! We like to go to the Borrego Springs museum or visitors center. You can learn all about the area, how it came to be and the local wildlife that exists in the area.

Borrego Springs Campground California – Hiking

Hiking Path

There are short paved hiking paths were you can walk into the desert. Experience the feeling of being in the dry desert without actually having to hike too far. This is suitable for those people who may not be able to walk that far. Or need paved surfaces for wheel chairs and motorized chairs. The entire visitors center is set up so that people who have difficulty with steps can see the entire indoor and outdoor exhibits. We really enjoyed the exhibits and learning about the area and how it originally got started.

What to Bring to Borrego Springs

If you do plan to go to the area, always take along a hat, sun tan lotion and a bottle of water. It can get pretty hot on some days. You do not want your trip curtailed because you forgot to bring a hat or water to drink while hiking in the area. The trail that begins at the visitors center winds its way through the desert for about 1 mile. It ends at the Borrego Springs Campground. It appears to be suitable for both camping in tents as well as  it can accommodate RV parking as well.

There is also a golf course in the area with homes that back onto the golf course. We have driven through the area and found them well manicured in terms of landscaping and watered lawns. There is a grocery store and several restaurants in the area. Visitors should be aware that this is a small village that does not have all of the things that you might expect to have in a larger community.

Driving to Borego Springs

The picture below is an example of the pristine desert that you walk through. Hikers are asked to stay on the walkway to avoid damaging the environment. They also avoid encountering snakes and other wildlife.

The drive to Borrego Springs as we already mentioned is spectacular.  There are many ravines that crisscross the desert. These ravines are washed out areas that have been formed by flash floods that occasionally occur in the desert. They have flat sandy paths that are now used by off road vehicles. They are for people who are looking for some excitement and to get a taste of a different part of the desert.

Visit the area in the spring time. The flowers are spectacular. If you can time your visit in the March time frame or just after a winter rain storm there is a good chance you will see lots of flowers. Also some years are better than others in terms of flowers. However as always the desert is beautiful in it’s own way with very different plants and fauna that you do not see anywhere else.

We plan to go back to this area again in the spring of 2013 and will provide another update . For more information about Borrego Springs California, click here.

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We recently visited the Soboba Casino near  Hemet California and frankly had mixed feelings about the place. It has an advertisement at the front that suggests they have the loosest slots and have won awards for this.  What a joke that is! Based on our personal experience.

Now I know you are all thinking that this is just a marketing ploy and it is, but when you win absolutely nothing and then friends visit the same casino and do the same thing, you have to wonder. We did see people winning a little bit. But the Soboba Casino  certainly did not treat us well at all.

We tried a number of different slot games to no avail and as a result we will not be going back to this particular casino. We are in the Palm Springs area and it is a 45 minute drive to Hemet and it is just not worth the trip. Now for a short description of the casino.

Location

It is located just outside of Hemet, California at 23333 Soboba Rd. San Jacinto, CA. 92583. They run a golf course as well and what looks like a rodeo  or something similar.

They have 2020 slot machines, bingo and a poker room with 14 tables. All of the popular slot machines are in place and they have one of the largest non smoking rooms we have seen. In fact the casino is made up of three large rooms each filled with slot machines and the last room is a non smoking room which is excellent for those of us who like non smoking. Many Indian Casinos have not caught on to the non smoking craze, so the Soboba casino is definitely ahead of it’s competitors.

There are also three small coffee shops that serve a variety of food. They do not have a buffet and the coffee shops are small and located either between the rooms or along a wall in the casino.

Soboba Casino Hemet – Parking

There is a tremendous amount of surface parking available and they also have valet service if you would like this service. The people were courteous and friendly and even though they allow smoking in two of the big rooms we did not really notice the smoke like you do in some other casinos in the area.

There are really two tents and one building. However when you are inside, you really are not aware that you are in a tent. They have built ceilings that make it feel as if you are in a building and not really a tent. although we did not win at this particular casino, it is a nice place to visit and try your luck.

We probably just had a bad day as did our friends. Their payouts are probably the same as everywhere.  If you have been there and would like to leave your comments please feel free to do so. We will approve links back to your site, if you leave a worthwhile comment about the Soboba Casino.

The American North Fork river is in the state of California. It is considered a class 4 river. (see our post on white water rafting classifications if you are not familiar with this level.) The length is 10 miles or 16 kilometers. The season typically lasts from April until June, corresponding with the spring runoff.  Summer time flows are too shallow for white water rafting on the American river north fork. Unless there has been heavy rains or unusual amounts of rain in the season. There are a number of rapids which are named:

• Chamberlain Falls,
• Zig-Zag,
• Achilles Heal,
• Bogus Thunder,
• Staircase

American River North Fork

The North Fork is one of three sections on the American River system suitable for rafting. However it is the most challenging of the rivers, offering a class 4 section that runs about 5 miles, while the remainder is typically class 2 or class 3 level of rapids.

There are many intricate boulders, rushing falls and drops that combine to provide an intense white knuckle thrilling ride. this particular section of the river is not dammed, so the run is a truly natural wilderness run. This particular river is only suitable for white water rafting during the April to June period corresponding with the snow melt in the mountains.

Check before heading out with a local rafting company to ensure that there is sufficient water. You want to have a safe and thrilling ride through the boulders, falls and drops.

By late June, the runoff from the mountains will decrease to become a normal mountain stream so there may not be sufficient water cascading down through the gorges to provide a white water rafting experience.

This is a great set of rapids to challenge even the most daring folks who love to go rafting. The challenges will vary a great deal depending on the time of year and the relative amount of snow fall in the mountains.  If you are after a particularly challenging set of rapids, check with the rafting company. Speak to one of the guides to find out about the local conditions at the time you are planning to go.

Comments are welcome. let us know what you think about the American river north fork white water rafting experience.

There are only a couple of casino hotels in the Palm Springs area of California. There is the Fantasy Springs Casino and the Agua Caliente casino hotel. Neither of these hotels is actually in Palm Springs since they are located in cities nearby in the valley. The only casino hotel in Palm Springs California is the Spa casino hotel. It is located in downtown Palm Springs on Amado Road. This is two blocks from Palm Canyon Drive which is the main road through Palm Springs. It is in the middle of downtown Palm Springs surrounded by many restaurants of all types. All are within walking distance of the casino. There is also lots of parking for patrons available as well.

Spa Casino Hotels Palm Springs California

The Spa Casino Hotel in Palm Springs California has been reviewed on this website and we have visited it several times in the past 10 years. It has evolved from being in a tent attached to the hotel to a full-fledged casino in an elegant building with very pretty gardens and palm trees surrounding it.

The Spa Casino has a deli restaurant, a buffet, and several other restaurants that are higher-end. There are many restaurants within blocks of the casino and it is very safe to walk the streets in the area of the casino as well. With a combination of restaurants and condos surrounding this casino, it is a safe environment to park your car or walk from your condo to the Spa Casino.

In terms of gaming, there are all of the latest and popular slot machines along with a variety of table games as well. They have a small nonsmoking area, which is usually quiet since they did not put the best games in this area. the casino can get pretty smoky so if this bothers you, you may want to stay clear of it on business evenings or on the weekends.

They also have events at the casino. Slot tournaments, draws etc so if you do play a lot make sure you get a slot card and use it. You will be invited to various events that they host for their slot players and table players.

Palm Springs Convention Center

The Palm Springs Convention Center is also within one block of the Spa Casino Hotel in Palm Springs California. this convention center is a state-of-the-art center hosting many events over the year. Patrons and convention goers often go to the Spa Casino Hotel which is within walking distance. It is just one block away. There is ample parking for both the convention center and the casino. Of course, you can also use valet parking at the casino.

Restaurants in the Area

If you walk up to Palm Canyon Drive and turn left in the direction of the traffic (it is a one-way street), you will pass by all of the restaurants. There are quite a few, most with outdoor patios where you can enjoy a meal any time of the day. We are reviewing a number of these restaurants on another website that we operate.  If you are interested, click here, and select the category Palm Springs Restaurants. There are over 1000 restaurants in the area and of course, we will not review all of these, but the ones we have are the restaurants we have visited in the area and also enjoy.

That’s about it for this post on casino hotels in the Palms Springs area of California. If you have been there and would like to leave a comment, please do. We like to hear from other writers who can contribute and help out our readers.

Dinner at the Spa Casino Palm Springs was not up to par as far as we are concerned. We recently had dinner at the buffet at the  Spa Casino in Palm Springs. We wanted to pass our thoughts on this buffet to our readers. For the original review of the casino in Palm Springs, click here.

The buffet on Saturday night is billed as a seafood buffet, costing $23.99 plus tax. Now if you have a slot card, they will reduce the cost of the buffet by 10%. As a result, two people save you almost $5.00. We were very disappointed with the buffet, especially the seafood part of it. There were several reasons for this disappointment. We will list them a bit later in this post. We had heard good things about the buffet at the Spa Casino. However, what people think of various restaurants is a matter of personal taste. I can tell you that we have tried many buffets at various casinos. Consequently, this one rates as one of the worst for us.

Spa Casino Buffet Palm Springs

Here is our list of reasons; you make your assessment or opinion on these items:

• No service for drinks; you pick up your own
• Limited seafood – crab legs, salmon, calamari, and shrimp
• Crab legs were very small, and the legs were filled with water and smelled very fishy
• Calamari was breaded and overcooked, so it wasn’t easy to chew
• Shrimp were very small
• Salmon was ok
• There was a large selection of standard items
• These food items were ok
• Desserts were very small

The bottom line was that we paid extra for a seafood buffet. Hence we were very disappointed in the items that were provided.

Now we should have caught on early before we paid. The time we entered the buffet was around 6 pm. Which was the typical time that many people would go for dinner. First of all, there was no line up to get in and no line up any time to get into the buffet. It was very slow, which for us was nice because there were not many people around. However, it means that people are voting with their feet and going elsewhere.

Not only was the food less than great, but the price was also high. There are many restaurants in Palm Springs, many with happy hour menus. Consequently, for $50, you can enjoy a lovely meal. As a result, we think the combination of high prices and poor food quality drives potential customers away in droves.

We would like to hear comments from readers about your experience at the Spa Casino in Palm Springs and what you think of the Spa Casino buffet.

Havasu Landing Resort and Casino is located on the western shores of Lake Havasu at Havasu Lake, CA. We took a short video while we were there to show you just what this small casino looks like so you can judge for yourself whether you want to spend time going there.  Click on this link to see it = Havasu Landing and Casino and the marina immediately beside the casino is a really nice little village that I am sure booms in the summertime.

We visited this location in March and most places were closed due to the fact that it was winter, even though the day boasted a sunny 70 degrees. Even though most cottages and trailers were closed up tight the casino was still open and there were a few people there. This place is probably very busy during the summertime.

The Ferry from Havasu City

The ferry comes over once every 30 minutes from the Arizona side of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City. The lake Havasu casino is actually in California. Around lunchtime, quite a few people got off the ferry that brings people over from the east shore or Lake Havasu City and headed straight for the small restaurant. They must get a voucher for lunch along with their ferry ticket. You can sit in the restaurant right along the water and have a basic pub kind of lunch which is fine as long as you are not expecting more than that.

Casino Size

You can also sit at a small bar in part of the casino and look out onto the lake a well.  We are not going to do our standard review of this particular casino since it is so small. We do want to manage the expectations of anyone planning to go there. It is a very small casino with standard machines. We expected very low payout rates, although of course there is nothing to base this on other than they have no competition.

There are only two ways to get to this casino. One is via the ferry from the Lake Havasu side, while the other is via car from highway 95. You can make a day out of it by driving to Lake Havasu City, visit London bridge and then take the ferry over to the casino.

Would we Go Again to This Casino?

This is not a place we would recommend driving out of your way to travel to, however you can spend a very nice day visiting the lake and the casino while having lunch in the casino if you are in the area. If you are staying in Havasu city, taking the ferry over as well is a nice days outing.

If you have been to this casino and have comments, please leave them since our readers will appreciate the suggestions you may have.

There are many rafting trips available in California. Some suitable for children from 4 years, seniors and those with special needs. There is also some of the wildest White Water Rafting in California or in the nation, so there are really thrills and challenges available for everyone.

If this is a first time rafting trip, or if you have a larger group, err on the side of caution to ensure everyone has fun. Choosing the most suitable White Water Rafting in California trip or American River Rafting trip for your group can be a challenge, however if you focus on everyone having a good time and some excitement, everyone will be more than satisfied. While more serious rafters may be disappointed, they should focus on the comradeship of a larger group and the enjoyment from watching the excitement of new rafters

White Water Rafting in California – Classes of Rapids

Class one and two trips are for beginners, children and seniors. Class one set of whitewater rapids are relatively easy to navigate, although you still need to be wearing a life jacket and you need to follow the instructions of the guides.

These can be very nice relaxing whitewater trips, were you can enjoy the scenery and the wildlife that may exist along the river. If you are planning to take on higher class rapids, make sure you read the requirements and the safety issues before you sign up just to make sure you receive what you expect in terms of whitewater thrills.

Class 3, class 4 and class 5 rapids are progressively more difficult and thrilling. You may need to pass a number of tests before going on some of these whitewater trips just to make sure that you can handle any of the potential upsets that could occur. Particularly in class 5 whitewater rapids trips, participants could be thrown out of the raft or the raft could even tip over. If this happens you need to be able to swim out of the rapids and get to shore were someone can pick you up.

If you are not up to the task of swimming out of the whitewater rapids, then this level of rafting trip may not be for you. You can still great thrills if you go on lower class rafting trips down whitewater rapids. Remember too that rapids classification are also dependent on the amount of water that is cascading down the river. Spring runoff will usually bring higher cascades than summer or late fall unless there are heavy rains in the headlands of these whitewater rapids.

White Water Rafting in California classifications

Whitewater rafting in California is classified from one to five to help customers understand the type of whitewater rafting experience they can expect.

Class one is usually the easiest and is acceptable for children, seniors and people with special needs. Class 2 is also easy and aimed at the beginner, first time whitewater rafters, groups. Also for bachelor parties and is ok for non swimmers. Class 3 is intermediate or adventurous and is generally aimed at people with previous experience, adventure Scout groups. This class usually requires good swimming ability. Class 4 requires class 3 requirements along with strong swimming ability. Class 5 is the most advanced and difficult of the whitewater rafting trips. They may require swim tests and you must have very strong swimming ability.

Nearly everyone can participate in a rafting trip at some level, but anyone with any medical condition, very overweight or in poor physical shape should always consult with their physician. Those with a heart condition or back problems should be particularly cautious. Each participant must fit into a life jacket with all buckles fastened. It is also important to let the guides know in advance about any conditions that may affect anyone from being fully able to participate to ensure your safety.

There are risks involved in any outdoor activity and accidents can happen. All participants will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk or Liability Release form prior to the trip.

Major White Water Rafting in California

There are five rivers that are must do California Rafting whitewater trips. We have listed them as follows:

1. The South Fork of the American: This is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in California because it has lots of Class III+ rapids, a long rafting season, and is relatively safe. Spring, Summer and Fall.

2. The North Fork of the American: Steep Class IV rapids in a tight gorge with crystal clear water. This is the premier class IV trip on the American River. This makes a great whitewater rafting trip in California for those of you that want a technical challenge. Spring and early Summer.

3. The Tuolumne: This river is the cream of the crop with famous Class IV rapids and “Wild and Scenic” scenery. Located near Yosemite National Park, most of the river takes advantage of the great hikes and spectacular scenery by spending a night or two in the canyon. Spring and Summer.

4. The Cal Salmon: This California whitewater rafting trip is for those of you that are hooked. Near the California-Oregon border, this river is well worth the drive for the numerous Class IV rapids and three famous Class V rapids. You’ll set up a base camp as you explore different sections of this river. Spring only.

5. Forks of the Kern: This three day trip has over 40 Class IV rapids and 3 big Class V’s. Granite boulders, breathtaking vistas, and huge waterfalls make this a spectacular rafting trip. You’ll have to hike two miles into the put-in and warm-up on some other class IV rivers first, though. Spring only.

American South Fork White Water Rafting – 21 miles of class III,III+ and IV rapids. Recommended for athletic users only. Other rafting trips involve shorter trips as well. There are half day trips, full day trips and 2 days trips available.

Description – The American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling Class III rapids. This is the absolute best rafting run for beginning rafters!

The American Rafting River Whitewater experience consists of the South Fork American River; the Middle Fork American River; the North Fork American River. There are rafting trips on each of these rivers. Customers can experience rafting whitewater river trips on all of them.

The South Fork American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling Class III rapids. This is the absolute best rafting run for beginning rafters!

Moving first among big foothills and later through a steep granite canyon, the South Fork struts out quickly, surging powerfully. Then yawns coyly before suddenly rushing headlong through the fabled American River Gorge.

American South Fork White Water Rafting

The North Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It carves a deep, sheer gorge, which plunges in a deep crevasse down the western slope of the Sierra.

The Middle Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just east of Sacramento. A great run for hardy, adventurous first timers and experienced rafters alike.

River Rating

The 3-mile, Class II “Coloma to Lotus” stretch is an ideal introduction to whitewater. Intermediate boaters enjoy the increased challenge of the Class III “Chili Bar” and “Gorge” runs. Expert kayakers spend hours perfecting their rodeo moves in the world-famous Chili Bar Hole and other play spots.

Number of Rapids

Numerous class III, III+ and class IV white water rapids. The flow rates on the river can vary widely between spring , summer and fall. Also storms and rainy weather can change the flows quickly. Check with your outfitter for current conditions.

Minimum Age

8 years is the minimum age for going on south fork rafting trips.

South Fork White Water Departure Dates

California rafting starts early in mid-March and usually runs through the end of September and occasionally into October. Other times, after a major storm, whitewater rafting is available due to increased flows of the rivers in the late fall and winter months. Rafting schedules are at its peak during the summer months in California.

Boat Type

Rafts as well as Kayaks. Canoes are not recommended

South Fork White Water What to Bring 

In colder weather or spring time, we advise wet suit gear to keep you warm on the river. Check for local conditions and time of year with your outfitter.

If you are on an overnight camping trip, review the lists for what to bring on a rafting trip from your outfitter. Each one will have slightly different requirements.

In the summer, basics are needed. Swim wear, shorts, tennis shoes and lots of sunblock!

Outfitters

There are multiple outfitters for all 3 sections of the American River. Search for the section you are interested in or go to the American North Fork review or the American Middle Fork review. These reviews will be posted within two weeks of this post about the American South Fork River.

The Palm Springs Spa Casino and Hotel is located in downtown Palm Springs within walking distance of many hotels and motels, as well as restaurants and the main shopping area in Palm Springs. There is lots of street parking as well as surface parking in casino parking lots.

Whether you want to play the slots, play the tables or play a little poker, the Spa Casino has it all. It is actually a very nice size as compared to the many gigantic casinos in Las Vegas and other areas. It is a nice way to spend an evening having a drink, gambling a little, having dinner or taking in one of the live shows that are offered from time to time.

For those of you who may have visited the former SPA Casino, which was under a tent attached to the hotel, you will notice a huge improvement when you visit the new casino. It is now a separate modern building with multiple restaurants, several bar areas and many slot machines. It is decorated in desert tones on the outside with lots of shrubs and colorful flowers that are well maintained.

Palm Springs Spa Casino

This casino is now a high quality site for playing the slots. There are 860 slots and 22 table games with 3 lounges, buffet, deli and 1 restaurant at the SPA Casino. There are several areas were you can enjoy a drink and relax or play the slots away from the main casino. In addition there is also a great nightclub as well. Their cafe is reasonably priced as is their buffet dinner and the buffet will feature different foods throughout the week at reasonable prices.

Slot Machines

There are over 860 slot machines of various types from penny machines to dollar machines and above for the high rollers. Their slot machines built into the center bar were you can sit, watch the action, enjoy a drink and play one of your favorite games. The sports bar is one of the quieter places in the casino with approximately 20 machines also built into the bar. YOu can have something to eat here, watch the sports on a variety of televisions and play a little on one of the machines.

While they do not advertise this, you can ask the bar tender for free tortilla chips with salsa sauce. The service is friendly and the place is clean. The only negative is that sometimes you have to sit beside someone who is smoking!

There is also a high roller slot area which we have not been into. It is behind closed doors so we cannot even describe it.

Table Games

There are approximately 22 table games in the center of the casino with all of the popular games to play.

Restaurants

There is a deli beside the poker room were you can get a quick bite, there is a buffet which offers a great venue at reasonable prices with a combination of seafood, Mexican and standard American fare.  There is a steak house restaurant, a noodle bar and a small bar for drinks and munchies available for patrons.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Very nice casino, very clean and a nice place to spend an evening
• Free entertainment at the sports bar area on some evenings
• Great Buffet at reasonable prices
• Pool area and spa free to hotel guests.
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Lots of nearby surface parking
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas

Other things to do in the area include:

• Pool area
• Surrounding Golf Courses
• Palm Spring Shops and restaurants
• Near by outlet shops
• Desert Museum
• Desert Zoo
• Indian Canyons
• Tramway
• City Tours and history of Palm Springs

What We Did Not Like

There are no real complaints about the Spa hotel & casino, however you should be aware that  drinks are not free while gambling

It is a 3 star hotel in our estimation and quite adequate for our needs, however the casino is much more recent and is a first class casino, although smaller when compared to Vegas style casinos.

The only thing we do not care for is the smoking which many of the Indian casinos all over the US allow. Sometimes it can get pretty bad, so if this bothers you , it is best to stay away from the casino all together.

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Agua Caliente slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at several Palm Springs area hotels.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Spa hotel & casino in a large  surface parking lot across from the hotel as well as across from the main casino entrance. You can access the hotel from the parking area as well as a street entrance on the south west side. The surface parking is also patrolled on a regular basis with officers on bike patrols on a regular basis.

Directions:

The Spa casino is located at 301 East Amado road in down town Palm Springs. It is easy to get to and in most cases just follow the signs, however if you have trouble finding it, just ask someone along the street. This is a safe town, very friendly and easy to park in. They cater to the tourists which is their main business.

There are so many casinos across America and also in Canada, that we know we will not finish our reviews for some time. However we like to break it up a bit and inject a post about places we really like and also have Casinos nearby or even in these areas. One of our favorite places to stay is Palm Springs, California. If you have not spent  some time there you really should. Palm Springs has a little bit of everything for almost everyone.

From many fine restaurants, to over 115 golf courses, some of the best shopping ever, to many farmers markets throughout the area to some of the best hiking available in California. All of this with scenery that encompasses snow covered mountains, desert vistas and a hot temperate climate. They get over 340 days of sun! With so much to offer we could not resist on doing a post about Palm Springs California and also talk a little bit about the 5 or 6 casinos in the area as well.

Palm Springs California – Farmers Market

Every thursday night, they close the main street in Palm Springs for about 6 or 7 blocks and folks from all over the valley come to sell their products. You purchase of course just about every kind of vegetable and fruit, all fresh and often just picked that day. There are also preserved foods available and many of the vendors will offer samples to try before you buy.

Purchase corn on the cob, hamburgs from the barbecue, and many more varieties of foods virtually from all over the world. Forget supper at home, come and try some of the fresh foods at the Palm Springs Thursday night farmers market. There are also many artisans selling their products.  You can purchase paintings of the desert, sunsets and the native flours and plants of the desert. Others will carve carvings from the trunks of trees. You can purchase colored stones in singles or part of a necklace. There are so many different products at this market, many people make this a part of their weekly schedule because there is always something new!

Shopping in Palm Springs

If you stay downtown or a few blocks away in one of the many motels or condo properties you can walk easily to the downtown area and take advantage of the many small shops. We particularly like going to either Starbucks or across the street at the Coffee Bean for a coffee, sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and watch people as they stroll along. The shops in the downtown area of Palm Springs have suffered from high taxes over the past few years and many of the old shops that have been there for many years have closed.

Many people now go out to the outlets to shop with over 200 stores to chose from and excellent prices and quality. You can also go the high end stores at El Paseo further south in one of the other desert cities.

There are so many restaurants to chose from, you will never be bored or run out of places to try. Many will offer happy hour deals from 4pm to 6pm or some as late as 7pm. These usually include half price on drinks and appetizers.  During the summer months, happy hour is really a good deal , while during peak season, some locations will not offer happy hour at all. If you like champagne, try all you can drink brunch deals on Sundays. Some places will charge an additional $2 over your breakfast and you can drink all you want. One couple we know has a record of 5 bottles during brunch on Sunday!

Hiking and Biking around Palm Springs

There are bike routes around Palm Springs with well marked signs for you to follow which will take you around some of the main areas of the city and sites that you may want to stop to look at.

Hiking is also a great pass time in the mountains around Palm Springs. There are many well marked trails for beginners and also for hikers who like more of a challenge. You can even link up with the Pacific Coast Trail which runs from the Mexican Border all of the way to the Canadian Border. Go out to the White Water conservation area and speak to the ranger on duty. You can obtain a map which shows the trails you need to take t hike in the general area as well as join up with the pacific coast trail.

You can also take the gondola up to one of the local mountains and hike around the mountains at the 8000 foot level. With the elevation, the temperature drops so make sure you go prepared for snow even in June and tougher trails. Take a compass with you since you are now really out in the wild and far from easily accessible rescue sites.

Gambling around Palm Springs

The Spa Casino is right down town in Palm Springs. If you live or rent a motel or condo in the area, it is an easy walk to the casino. They offer all of the standard slots and table games, a great buffet and also entertainment every weekend. This is a very attractive casino to visit, however like many Indian run casinos it can be very smoky at times so if this bothers you, at least you know what you are getting into.

There are at least 5 other casinos in the area that we are aware of all within easy driving distance of Palm Springs. The Agua Caliente casino at the intersection Ramon road and Interstate 10 is a really nice spot to spend some time. Lots of parking, large casino, nice rooms in the hotel and an excellent pool area with a tropical environment. If you are looking for a nice spot to spend the weekend this one should definitely be on the list.

Feel free to leave comments about your experiences in Palm Springs.

There are many locations were you can try your hand at White Water rafting in California. We have listed a number of California White Water rafting locations and provided a short description of each. White water rafting can be a lot of fun for all types of people and with a variety of skill levels. California White Water rafting rapids, like all white water rafting  has all of the rapids classified into classes so that you know what you are getting into and outfitter can match their customers to the type of rapids they offer.

For example you do not want to be on a Class IV rapids when you can barley swim or do not have the stamina to paddle and navigate a rough set of rapids. Generally all outfitters will offer a variety of rapids to traverse that will accommodate the beginners as well as the technical experts.

California White Water Rafting

The South Fork of the American: This is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in California because it has lots of Class III+ rapids, a long rafting season, and is relatively safe. Spring, Summer and Fall. This California White Water rafting location offers trips and river fun for the novices, the experts as well as the thrill seekers.  Rafting enthusiasts can also arrange for trips ranging from half day trips to two-day trips with experienced guides. The South Fork of the American is just a short drive from Sacramento.

The Middle Fork of the American:The land around the Middle fork of the American river is privately owned, yet the river is open to everyone and there are numerous areas that can be enjoyed along this portion of the river. This portion of the river provides a variety of boating challenges for experienced boaters and expert boaters.

The North Fork of the American: Steep Class IV rapids in a tight gorge with crystal clear water makes this California White Water rafting river a challenge. This is the premier class IV trip on the American River. This makes a great whitewater rafting trip in California for those of you that want a technical challenge. This section of the river is really for experts only. During the Summer, the flows are often too low for rafting, and this portion of the river becomes a great place for hiking with demanding canyon trails and cool swimming holes for resting.

The Tuolumne:

This river is the cream of the crop with famous Class IV rapids and “Wild and Scenic” scenery. Located near Yosemite National Park, most of the river takes advantage of the great hikes and spectacular scenery by spending a night or two in the canyon. Spring flows from the snow melt are fierce and challenging for even the most experienced rafter. During the summer there is just enough water to negotiate the river. This California White Water rafting river changes from being scary and dangerous to being a technical challenge for experienced rafters.

The Cal Salmon: This California whitewater rafting trip is for those of you that are hooked. Near the California-Oregon border, this river is well worth the drive for the numerous Class IV rapids and three famous Class V rapids. You’ll set up a base camp as you explore different sections of this river. Spring only. The Cal Salmon has many Class IV rapids and includes three challenging Class V rapids. The water is clear and the beauty of the bedrock canyon is stunning. Additionally, this run is a long drive from California’s population centers so it is rarely crowded.

Forks of the Kern: This three-day trip has over 40 Class IV rapids and 3 big Class V’s. Granite boulders, breathtaking vistas, and huge waterfalls make this a spectacular rafting trip. You’ll have to hike two miles into the put-in and warm-up on some other class IV rivers first, though. Spring only.

This 22 mile rafting trip features huge Class V drops and continuous Class IV whitewater framed by some of the most spectacular canyon scenery in the west. Space is limited and trips fill early.

The Forks of the Kern originates near Mt. Whitney in the Golden Trout Wilderness. It is much more strenuous than other river trips and guests should be in good shape.  The canyon is steep and remote. Horses and mules are needed to carry rafts to the river. Guides and guests must hike the 2.5 miles to put-in carrying their own gear.

Truckee River Rafting near Lake Tahoe

This white water rafting trip on the Truckee River is the closest rafting to Lake Tahoe and Reno. It is a fun and exciting, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. This whitewater rafting trip on the Truckee River should not be confused with the self-guided float out of Tahoe City. Truckee River Whitewater Rafting trips operate from mid-May to September 30th. As water is obtained from several reservoirs and not just Lake Tahoe, this rafting trip is always available, even when the raft rentals are closed.

Upper Klamath California White Water Rafting

The Upper Klamath River is one of the best Class 4 whitewater rivers for the summer . The only “big water” summer run, with the longest rapids in the west. It is relatively uncrowded due to its location and definitely well worth the trip. The river warms up with nearly 6 miles of Class 3 rapids before tackling the big stuff. The gradient changes, and the next 6 miles offers some wild whitewater with the Class 4+ Caldera (200 yards) and Hells Corner (400 yards) being the highlights. The rapids are long and the water big.

Lower Klamath

The Lower Klamath River is an ideal multi-day white water rafting trip for families and first timers. It is an easier trip than the South Fork American River, and in a more remote setting. However, with the addition of inflatable kayaks, there can be more than enough excitement for older children. Or more experienced river runners. There are many fun whitewater rapids such as Kanaka Falls (or Rattlesnake), Devil’s Toe Nail, the Trench. Also Dragon’s Tooth, Osprey, and Sasquatch Squeeze. The Klamath River has large sandy beaches for camping and play and its waters are warm compared to most other California streams.

North Fork Yuba River

Rafting on the North Fork Yuba River offers both veterans and active first-timers, a variety of Class 3 – Class 5 whitewater thrills, from  1 – 4 days, on over 35 miles of river. Even at lower flows, the North Fork Yuba River still offers exciting rafting in smaller boats.

Safety

If you are planning to take part in a California White Water rafting experience, check out the outfitter for safety and how they maintain their equipment. If you are a first timer, you do not want to be going on a difficult set of rapids. It is preferable to build up to the various levels as you gain experience and stamina. You will also become more knowledgeable with the skills required at various levels of California White Water rafting.