Encore: The Mystique of Shadow Mountain: A Palm Desert Walking Tour

Palm Springs is known for its cache of historically rich midcentury architecture.  Lesser known, and equally stellar, is the treasure of architecturally significant homes throughout south Palm Desert.

The focus for this tour will be the historical Shadow Mountain area replete with homes designed by significant architects and inhabited by Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and renowned business people.  Conceived by noted entrepreneur, Cliff Henderson, and his business partners in 1946, these visionaries truly did create what became a midcentury oasis in Palm Desert.

Walkers will begin at the Historic Shadow Mountain Resort where noted historian, Steven Price, will give a short introduction to the Shadow Mountain Area. Participants will then divide into their three assigned groups of 16 and with their Tour Leaders travel back in time to the golden age of Midcentury Architecture.  Along the route they will see the exteriors of homes designed by architects Albert Frey, Walter White, William Krisel, William Pereira, Harold Bissner Sr., Herbert Burns, Ric Harrison, John Outcault, Patten and Wild, Kauffman and Eggars, William Bray, and others, along with some key architectural designers totalling over twenty architecturally significant midcentury homes. We expect to be able to visit the interiors of three homes.

The tour will conclude at the historic Shadow Mountain Resort (Kauffman and Eggars, 1948; landscape architect Tommy Tomson). The often photographed (Julius Shulman) figure eight pool, remains as it was, and participants will be able to imagine the vibrant scene around this iconic pool.

$65

Things to Know
This event is for ages 12 and older.
Participants will sign in at the Shadow Mountain Resort in the lounge of the Resort. Street parking nearby. Walkers should wear comfortable shoes and a hat. Water will be provided.
This is a walking tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and a hat!
There are some exterior and/or interior steps.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is Historical Society of Palm Desert.

Event Check-in Location

45750 San Luis Rey, Palm Desert, CA 92260
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Photo Credits: The "Lost” Krisel (Wm. Krisel) - Photo by James Schnepf, The Firestone Estate (Perriera) - Photo by Linda Holden Clode, Shadow Mountain Club & Resort Pool (Kauffman & Eggers) - Photo by Linda Holden Clode, The Pelletier House (Albert Frey) - Photo by Linda Holden Clode, The Hale House (John Outcault) - Photo by Linda Holden Clode, The Henderson House (Kauffman & Eggers) - Photo from Redfin