Sedona in Arizona. The most stunning scenery imagineable. It's like landing on an aircraft carrier 5000 ft up. Good hotels and restaurants on the field and in Sedona itself.
Mariposa. Then rent a car and drive through the Glacier Valley Yosemite.
Canyon West. Then take a helicopter trip down into the Grand Canyon.
Our pilot for that trip was the double of "Hot Lips Houlihan" from Mash and I would guess ex military.
All are 2.5 - 3 hrs from Palm Springs so you can do an overnight.
DO.