Down in the desert doesn't have much light pollution in that particular spot. It's far enough south of Palm Springs not to be a problem. However, the mountains that you cross to get to the desert are even better. there are several amateur observatories up there, plus Palomar the Orange County Astronomer's Club has a site with a 22" scope up there, and pads to mount your own scope on.
Jack, get out the K70s. That dirt road running down the hill across the canyon looks like fun!
Bare