Local & Community
Traffic Jams at Coachella Festival: Rancho 51 Campsite Offers Relief for Attendees
As Coachella Festival kicks off, the city of Indio has experienced a significant increase in traffic, with campers flocking to claim their spots ahead of the weekend’s festivities. The heavy congestion was most noticeable early in the morning, with streets backed up as festival-goers made their way to the main campsite.
Brett Rosen reports live from Rancho 51, a popular alternative campsite for Coachella attendees, where things have been relatively calm so far. Claudia, the owner of Rancho 51, mentioned that while the site isn’t packed yet, she expects more campers to arrive later tonight. Rancho 51 is considered a less congested option for those trying to bypass the main traffic flow heading into Coachella's main grounds.
Kris Gunterson, program manager for CVSync, shared insights into the traffic situation, particularly around the southern end of Indio. “Lines of cars were out on Monroe Street, trying to get into the main Coachella Festival Camp,” Gunterson noted. “We’re trying to keep traffic flowing, with most cars staying on the outside lanes to ensure the inside lanes stay open.”
For many, the biggest draw to Rancho 51 is the ease of avoiding the main festival's traffic jams. Campers at this site enjoy perks like glamping tents, a pool, and a cold plunge, along with a shuttle service that makes their commute to the festival grounds feel like a breeze. “It’s one of the biggest parts of why we come back here year after year,” said one visitor.
While arrival day presents the most traffic, experts advise that departure day can be just as challenging. To avoid delays, it's recommended that people complete their errands either before 8 a.m. or after 11:30 a.m., when the bulk of festival traffic is on the freeway.
Later this evening, Brett Rosen will share more from a camper at Rancho 51, who will explain why they specifically choose this campsite to sidestep the usual traffic chaos of Coachella Festival.
Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for more updates on the Coachella traffic situation throughout the festival weekend.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 10, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
After AB 1145 (also known as Tristin’s Bill) was signed into law, NBC Palm Springs @maria_nvtv is giving more information about the law and what this means for the future of transportation in California #Highway74 #RoadSafety #CoachellaValley #Anza #RiversideCounty
Pregame update from Tim O’Brien ahead of tonight’s preseason matchup between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Ontario Reign. Tim has the latest from Acrisure Arena as the Firebirds get set for tonight’s game. UPDATE: Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #OntarioReign #AHL #Hockey PalmSprings CoachellaValley
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Xzavier Hernandez with the dot towards the back of the endzone, 2) Jesse Rodriguez with the 50 plus yard TD throw, 3) Trace Vargas with the diving TD, 4) Ryan Rumsey with the screen pass TD, making guys miss, or 5) Moyses Aguilar with the pick #fyp #fnl2026 #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball #fridaynightlights
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
⚡️ TOP STORY: A man is recovering after he was struck by lightning. Firefighters battled a brush fire along Snow Creek Road, while another lightning strike in Chino Canyon sent a man to the hospital. If you hear thunder, stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. #PalmSprings #Lightning #FireSafety
🚨 Chasing that year-round “summer glow”? A social media tanning trend involving the unapproved peptide melanotan-2 is raising serious safety concerns. Dermatologists say safer sunless tanning options are available. ☀️ #YourHealthToday #SkinHealth #Melanotan2 #TanningSafety
Palm Springs firefighters responded Thursday to a report of a person struck by lightning in the Chino Canyon area. The person was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters also responded to a palm tree fire in Chino Canyon that officials say was caused by an apparent lightning strike. NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese is in the neighborhood tonight knocking on doors and trying to learn more about what happened. Did you see the lightning strike? Did you hear or see anything unusual? Do you know who was struck or have information that could help us understand what happened? We’d like to hear from you. Send us a DM here or contact NBC Palm Springs if you witnessed the incident or have information to share. #PalmSprings #ChinoCanyon #Lightning #PalmSpringsNews #NBCPalmSprings CoachellaValley BreakingNews
Fred Roggin’s response? Show us the receipts! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
A $557k budget shortfall … so why do they need $11.3 million in new taxes? Are you voting Yes or No on Measure P? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
School board trustee wears “FAFO” shirt to court deposition. Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇🏽 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings