“Situated in the geographic center of the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage's location has played a major role in its development and success. Because it lies among the coves and alluvial fans of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Rancho Mirage proved to be an ideal getaway destination within easy driving distance from the Los Angeles area. The development of 18 hole golf courses with country club living and its proximity to Palm Springs helped Rancho Mirage blossom into the high-quality resort city it is today. Rancho Mirage's close proximity to the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and San Gorgonio mountains and three award-winning resort hotels ensure that the City will continue to be a prime destination for both business and vacation travelers. Rancho Mirage is geographically in the Colorado Desert, protected from most prevailing weather systems off of the Pacific Ocean by Mt. San Gorgonio (the highest peak in Southern California) and Mt. San Jacinto (the second highest). Average annual rainfall in Rancho Mirage is just 3.38 inches. The sun usually shines 350 of the year's 365 days.

Many year-round residents and seasonal residents are refugees from colder areas of North America who have escaped the snow and freezing temperatures. No discussion of the geography of the Coachella Valley would be complete without mentioning that the valley, like all of California, lies in a seismically active area. There are earthquakes from time to time in area; however, none in modern history have done significant damage in Rancho Mirage. The San Andreas Fault runs through the Coachella Valley, parallel to Interstate 10 north of the freeway. The Coachella Valley is fairly stable on its bedrock foundation and doesn't experience the lique-faction of soil that is a common occurrence in Los Angeles area quakes. That said, it is stillrecommended that every resident be prepared with an earthquake survival kit and have a plan of action for his family just in case. The City of Rancho Mirage is well prepared for emergencies; there is an Emergency Services Com-mission and department head and an Emergency Operations Center already in place.”

Note: info above obtained from: http:ranchomirage.org/weather.html. Please visit their site for complete weather facts for Rancho Mirage and it’s surround desert communities.

Fun Facts: Below is an exert from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce