Itineraries

Growing up in Rancho Mirage and Redondo Beach, Vince Keenan fell in love with the beauty of the Palm Springs Valley. Thus it was in Rancho Mirage, he and his partner, Craig Gahnz, made their home. His movie-star looks, urbane and witty personality; led Vince to become a premier realtor with Windermere Real Estate. He has handled many legendary properties in the Palm Springs Valley. At home, Vince and Craig are dedicated to their two adopted children, Spencer and Carter. Enriching their lives through education and fostering success at school, church and at home is always first priority. Vince and his family work hard, yet when it’s time to play they are experts at “good times”.

Here is Vince’s 3-day action adventure itinerary built around “good times.”

Vince Keenan and Craig Gahnz jogging up the Bighorn Overlook Trail in Rancho Mirage.

Vince Keenan

  Leave your cares behind; start with an early morning run up the Bighorn Overlook Trail. Beginning at the upper parking lot of Rancho Mirage City Hall, this short ¼ mile trail features several switchbacks and ends at a picnic shelter featuring amazing panoramic views of Rancho Mirage and the Palm Springs Valley.

Breakfast Having worked up a big appetite, stop into IHOP! Their pancakes, dribbled with maple syrup, are a favorite.

If you are into rock climbing, Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class climbing destination and just a stone's throw away.

Vince Keenan

  This high desert monzogranite climbing mecca is famous for its traditional-style crack, slab, and steep-face climbing. With more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes, Joshua Tree National Park offers challenging climbs for all levels of climbing ability.
lunch Late lunch a La Palapa Bar and Grill at The Atrium Design Center in Rancho Mirage. After lunch check out the designer home furnishing stores at The Atrium Design Center.
  Tired and sore? Don’t give up; get a rub down. The Spa at Mission Hills located inside the The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa is heaven on earth.

Vince Keenan

  Indulge your body with an Arabian massage: this unique sensory experience evokes the Arabian desert with an energizing body scrub and light pressure massage. Simple, rhythmic movements reignite your inner vitality and help you reconnect with your deepest energetic roots.
dinner Top off the day with dinner at Roy’s Restaurant. Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion cuisine blends fresh local ingredients with European sauces and bold Asian spices, always with a focus on seafood. Try the Blackened Ahi Tuna; you’ll love it.

Vince Keenan

  Think you’re an ironman? Running the Bump and Grind Trail is a test worthy workout. Alternating between the “goat-trail” and the fire road, the trail ascends the mountain 1050 feet to provide panoramic views of the entire Palm Springs Valley. Walking, it’s a 1-hour trek up and back and is a great cardiovascular work out which you will need to be in shape for.
BREAKFAST Juice It Up has amazing squeezes and smoothies, I’m sure you will find something to put a little zip in your day. My juice d’jour is Piña Colada.

Vince Keenan

  Spinning 360˚ and gliding up on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an adventure unlike any other in the World. It’s an amazing 10,834 foot climb from the warm desert to the cool peak of the San Jacinto Mountain where hiking trails, camping, snowshoeing, and skiing await. Dress appropriately; the temperature change can be significant.
LUNCH With a view overlooking the entire Palm Springs Valley, Peaks, The Restaurant is fine dining atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. I recommend the Pan Roasted Chicken.

Vince Keenan

  Be certain to bring your hiking shoes, as the Desert View Trail is an awesome 1.5 mile hike providing fantastic views of the Palm Springs Valley. It’s a must!
DINNER Back in time for a taste of the good life – California’s country club cuisine with a splash of Bing! Yes, an old Hollywood dinner at the world famous Bing Crosby’s Restaurant and Piano Bar. This is where cool and hip never go out of style. I always start with the Wedge Salad and follow that with the succulent Seared Ahi Tuna with Persimmon and Potato Gratin.

Vince Keenan

breakfast A cup of Kona and a pastry from Bad Ass Coffee is a good way to start the day.
  To see the beauty and learn about the history of the Palm Springs Valley look into the Desert Adventure Jeep Tours. The Indian Culture Jeep Tour delves into the lives of the Cahuilla Indians to give you a glimpse of the customs, ceremonies, and everyday lives of these hunter/gatherers. I recommend the Faultline Adventure; a journey through a natural palm oasis, spectacular box and slot canyons, and an ancient fossil bed as your jeep winds its way through the incredible maze created by the San Andreas Fault.

Vince Keenan

lunch Big adventures necessitate hearty meals. Check out the Yard House Restaurant at The River. With the World’s largest selection of draft beers, this is a must for beer lovers, but also for food lovers. Try the Grilled Hearts of Romaine; it’s really good. Burgers, asian-inspired, fish feasts and grilled chops are also on the menu.
  A 10 mile bike ride west takes you to Palm Springs and a 10 mile ride east takes you to La Quinta. For specific bicycle routes, visit www.cycleclub.com.

Vince Keenan

dinner Like wishing on a star, Chef Jorge at Shame on the Moon delivers a dining experience that is a dream come true. Enjoy his special Sautéed Calf’s Liver – lots of vitamin A! Such a perfect ending to a perfect day in the Palm Springs Valley and Rancho Mirage.