We took a hike at Mission Creek Preserve, just north of Palm Springs, and it turned out to be one of those perfect desert mornings. The trail winds past the old stone ruins of what was once a small guest ranch, and the desert right now is full of wildflowers—yellow, white, and pink scattered among the creosote and low shrubs. With the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in the distance and a deep, clear sky overhead, the whole landscape felt quiet and wide open in the best way. It’s a reminder that even in a place many people think of as dry and barren, spring can bring a surprising burst of life.