Desert X 2019 runs from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea (with many spots in the Coachella Valley in between) from February 9 through April 21. Check out our guide to the super-awesome Ghost Tree in Desert Hot Springs and then read our complete guide to Desert X and every one of the installations here.
What: Ghost Tree
Artist: Katie Ryan
Where: Bubbling Wells Road and San Gorgonio Street, Desert Hot Springs (plus a walk or, if you dare, a daring drive on a dirt road).
Note: if you are looking to avoid Desert X “spoilers” stop reading here. If not, carry on.
The Lowdown: So, I am just going to say it: this installation is freakin’ rad – though you wouldn’t know it on the way in. The entrance to Ghost Tree is located not too far away from Julian Hoeber’s double-installation in Desert Hot Springs. When you get to the intersection of Bubbling Wells and San Gorgonio, you are greeted by a Desert X sign and an ominous looking dirt road.
I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to drive in on the dirt road or walk. After a short internal debate, I left the car on the paved road and walked into the desert – which, hey, does anyone need a mattress?
The walk in was about 1/3 of a mile and I just so happened to arrive to Ghost Tree at sunset and, OMFG, look at this!
There are many impressive Desert X installations this year, but there was only one that left me completely speechless…and this one was it. Honestly, the pictures don’t do it justice and when the light hits the “tree” just right…it’s seriously incredible.
The tree stands at taller than 20 feet and is made of all manmade materials including a chandelier that sure stands out when the light hits it right – which is the point as the tree is basically transparent, but becomes visible when the light hits it.
And while the sunset pics are going to be a huge hit on Instagram (which reminds me, maybe you could give Cactus Hugs a follow!), the piece is pretty cool to check out no matter the lighting or the time of day.
What I am saying here is don’t skip out on Ghost Tree, ya’ll. It really is an incredible piece and a must-see for Desert X 2019.
