The Indio Desert Circuit Horse Show, which runs from the last week in January through the middle of March, brings 3,000 horses and 9,000 support staff to Indio's Desert Horse Park for the largest hunter and jumper horse show west of the Mississippi. Indio has hosted horse owners and fans of the sport, from around the world, to participate in or be spectators at this spectacular event. And just to prove that Indio could also be called the equestrian capital of the West (along with the date capital of the U.S.), the city also plays host to several thousand polo ponies and their owners over the November through April polo season. The rich and famous have come to Indio to play polo, including Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, Sly Stallone, Stephanie Powers and more.

Indio's exciting and intriguing history includes ancient Indian civilizations, hardy settlers willing to live with the harsh summer climate, railroad barons and workers, the building of the All American Canal bringing precious water to the desert, the first date shoots brought to Indio from the Middle East, and more. These are all being depicted in a series of historic murals located throughout the Old Town area. Yes, Indio could also be called the "City of Murals."

Indio is also one of the best gateways to Joshua Tree National Park, where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts come together to form some of the most unique geological displays known to man. Joshua Tree offers fantastic opportunities for camping, climbing, hiking and bird watching. Spring wildflowers blanket the park and provide a wondrous visual counterpoint to the animated forms of the Joshua tree. Sharp-eyed visitors may also see a local roadrunner beep-beeping across the park's wildflowered carpet, and everyone will appreciate the fascinating geologic formations found in the park.

Golf is king in the California desert, and Indio is situated within minutes of more than a dozen championship courses and golf clubs. From lush resort courses to tough desert target lay-outs, Indio is well-positioned as the base for a great golf vacation.

Staying in Indio and neighboring cities in the Coachella Valley is a breeze with a wide selection of national hotel chains and unique resorts and inns to choose from, in every price category. Accommodations can fill up in the "season," which runs November through March, so booking ahead is always recommended.

Indio is perfectly situated to explore the amazing desert found across the southern California Countryside. On arrival, be sure to stop at the Indio Visitors Center on Highway 111 - it's a great resource for what's going on in the Coachella Valley. In the planning stages? See the information box for more information and links.

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