From lush oases to challenging peaks, here are the best hikes near Palm Springs!
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Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a challenge or a casual adventurer looking to connect with nature, Palm Springs has a hike to suit your preferences. The surrounding mountains and canyons provide a plethora of hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. As a desert native and a hiking enthusiast, these are actually my top ten best hikes spanning across the entire Coachella Valley, not just in the city of Palm Springs. But, most people who aren’t from the desert, don’t recognize the name Coachella Valley, they are only familiar with where Palm Springs is so I decided to name the blog as such. Anyway, happy hiking!
Araby Trail
3.4 Miles | 1,200 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Out & Back
Address: 2049 Rim Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
There’s a small parking lot by Rim Road adjacent to a mobile home park. Please note that the trailhead isn’t actually in the mobile home park even though maps often make it look like it is. You will however, hike alongside it at the very beginning.
Araby Trail is definitely one of the most favored trails in the city of Palm Springs. Hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a unique glimpse of the Bob Hope House, an architectural marvel. The trail is pretty much all uphill, covering a fair amount of elevation gain in just 1.7 miles, so be prepared, I definitely wouldn’t consider it an easy climb.
Tahquitz Canyon
1.9 miles | Elevation gain 324 ft | Out & Back | Easy
Address: 500 W Mesquite Ave Palm Springs
Tahquitz Canyon offers a perfect outing for families seeking a quick adventure. This easy to moderate hike takes you along ancient rock formations to a 60-foot waterfall payoff. Although it’s family-friendly, furry companions must stay home. Keep in mind the $15 per person fee ($7 for children aged 6-12) as it’s considered sacred land, owned by the Cahuilla Indians. An annual pass is available for $125. You also have to be 18 or older to enter the canyons alone. The park operates from Oct. 1 to July 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (with the last hiker allowed on the trail at 3:30 p.m.).
Find more information on hours, pricing & information to know before you go, here:
https://www.tahquitzcanyon.com
Murray Canyon to Seven Sisters Falls
3.7 Miles | 538 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Out & Back
Trailhead: 2019 E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Murray Canyon is located in the Indian Canyons between Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon in the city of Palm Springs. The starting point of the trail is located at the same developed trailhead used for accessing Andreas Canyon. You may however, drive a short distance further into the picnic areas, which will trim a little less than 0.4 miles off the roundtrip distance. Please note that Indian Canyons does require an access fee, as it’s also considered sacred land, owned by the Cahuilla Indians. General admission for adults is $12.
Find more information on hours, pricing & information to know before you go, here:
https://www.indian-canyons.com/hours
This hike guides you along an easy desert terrain, offering views of sweeping vistas before leading you into the canyon where you’ll hike alongside a stream. The trail does cross over the stream multiple times, but for the most part, you shouldn’t get wet as there are rocks and logs guiding you over the water. I do recommend sturdy hiking boots or water shoes if you’re concerned about getting wet though. In the canyon, you’re also surrounded by lush vegetation and unique flora & fauna. The waterfall at the end of the trail is a wonderful payoff. Unlike the Tahquitz Canyon, 60-foot waterfall, Seven Sisters is much smaller and a bit tucked away, but still beautiful and refreshing.
If you’re looking for more hikes and ways to explore Indian Canyons, check out my blog, Your Guide to Exploring Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, Ca
Art Smith Trail
6.0 Miles | 1,200 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Out & Back
Address: Roy Wilson Memorial Hwy, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The full Art Smith trail is a total of 16.2 miles and is considered challenging. But, if you’re looking to experience the beauty of this hike without committing to the full 16.2, consider doing Art Smith to the first oasis. It’s about 6 miles round trip, covering approximately 1,200 ft. total of elevation gain, leading to a small palm oases (shown below in the last image). The trailhead can be found off Highway 74, about 1/4 mile past the Bighorn Country Club. The best times to visit this trail are September through May. You’ll need to leave pups at home โ dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla
6.3 Miles | 912 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Out & Back
Address: 54990 Avenida Madero, La Quinta, CA 92253
Park at the unpaved lot located at the intersection of Avenida Bermudas and Calle Tecate. Follow the Cove Oasis Trail for 0.67 miles before turning left (you’ll see a Cove to Lake Trail sign). The first section of the trail is very flat but be prepared to walk aways in sand. As the trail progresses, expect moderate elevation changes. Hikers will experience stunning views of the Santa Rosa mountains and the nearby Quarry Golf Course. Eventually, the trail leads you to Lake Cahuilla, a small reservoir open for recreational fishing and camping.
East Indio Hills Badlands
5.2 Miles | 777 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Lolipop
Address: Golf Center Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203
Located at the eastern end of Avenue 42nd and the northern end of Golf Center Parkway in the city of Indio, the East Indio Badlands Trail offers a 5.2-mile loop showcasing a diverse array of geological formations, desert vegetation, and panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley. The hike begins along the edge of the Terra Lago Resort Golf Course and leads you into a slot like canyon. Once out of the slots, you’ll experience a small accent with a nice payoff overlooking the entire desert. This trail is also very dog-friendly!
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak
10.1 Miles | 2,578 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Challenging | Out & Back
Address: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Begin your journey by driving to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Purchase your tram ticket and prepare for an exhilarating ride to the summit! The tram itself is a great experience, boasting the World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels over 2.5 miles up to the Mountain Station at 8,516 ft in just 10 minutes. The temperature at the Mountain Station is also 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the valley floor.
Once you make it up to the top of the tram, your next journey begins. The hike to San Jacinto Peak is 10.1 miles, out & back, covering 2,578 ft. of elevation gain. It’s no easy feat. The best times to visit this trail are March through November but check the weather conditions because depending on the winter, March may still be very snowy, with late storms blowing in. Also be sure to acquire a permit. Day-use permits can be obtained on the day of your trip by visiting the ranger station, which can’t be missed because you must past the ranger station to continue on the correct trail route.
The Bump and Grind Trail
4.0 Miles | 1,099 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Moderate | Loop
Address: Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Bump-n-Grind Trail in Palm Desert is arguably the most popular hiking trail in the desert for locals looking for a good workout. The hike is known for its challenging incline and breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. It’s a 4-mile loop that gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, making it a quick but intense workout (usually around 1 hour, depending on your fitness level).
Coachella Valley Preserve McCallum Trail
1.8 Miles | 95 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Easy | Out & Back
Address: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
This an easy 1.8 mile, out & back trail that’s great for kids and family! This trail features numbered stops providing insight into the surrounding fan palms, the San Andreas Fault, desert pupfish, and other geological and ecological wonders of the preserve.
For those looking for more information on the Coachella Valley preserve or other hiking trails to explore there, check out my blog, Exploring the Coachella Valley Preserve.
Palm Desert Cross Hike Loop
3.2 Miles | 764 ft. Elevation Gain | Rated Easy | Loop
Address: 72500 Thrush Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Palm Desert Cross has definitely become a local landmark and one of the most popular hikes. It’s a fairly easy accent and it is dog-friendly. You can either do it as an out& back journey, turning it into about a 2.2 mile hike, or you can do the loop, extending it about an extra mile. The loop also takes you down to another hidden gem, the Yin Yang mural.
Honorable Mentions
- Mission Creek Preserve – Desert Hot Springs
- South & North Lykken Trail
- Randall Henderson Loop – Palm Desert
Favorite areas just outside of the Coachella Valley
- Whitewater Preserve
- Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Morongo Valley Preserve
Whether you’re an avid hiker looking to conquer Cactus-to-Clouds or just looking to get out in nature at the Coachella Valley Preserve, I hope this round-up has helped you navigate your next adventure. Happy hiking my friends!
