Looking for the great Palm Springs hikes? Here are 5 of the best! Whether you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly hike or something more challenging, there’s a perfect trail for you in this list. So get out and explore the beautiful desert landscape!
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Tips to stay safe while hiking in Greater Palm Springs
When hiking in Greater Palm Springs, always follow these tips to stay safe
• Always bring plenty of water (2 liters minimum) and snacks when hiking in Palm Springs
• Dress appropriately for the weather, which can vary greatly in the area
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
• Stay on designated trails
• Never hike alone
• In the event of an emergency, dial 911
• Observe wildlife from a safe distance
• Don’t leave valuables in your car
• Always bring plenty of water and snacks
Try the best date shake in Palm Springs before you hike
The best Palm Springs hiking trails
Andreas Canyon Trail
Andreas Canyon Trail is a great place for a hike. It’s located in Palm Springs, California, and is part of the Indian Canyons tribal area. The loop trail is about two miles long, and it’s only a 200-foot elevation rise. There’s plenty of parking and the trails are well maintained and safe. This is a great place for family hiking.
The ancient culture of the palm springs area is evident at the canyon’s entrance. There are two ancient stone mortars that were used for grinding corn and other materials. This is a great place to learn about the history of the area while enjoying a beautiful hike. Andreas Canyon Trail is definitely worth a visit!
Araby Trail
The Araby Trail is a six-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Southridge/Rimcrest housing development. The trail gradually rises in elevation from 400 feet to 1,200 feet, with great views of the Palm Springs area along the way.
Be sure to take in the view from the top of the trail, where you can see Bob Hope’s house and the city below. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Araby Trail connects to the Henderson, Berns or Garstin Trails. Otherwise, simply head back down the trail to your starting point. Either way, this is a great hike for those looking to explore Palm Springs’ many trails.
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Bump-n-Grind Trail
The Bump-n-Grind Trail is a great hiking spot for those living in or visiting Palm Springs. It’s only about 25 minutes from downtown, and offers some stunning views of the valley. The trail is best hiked in a clockwise direction, and takes about two and a half hours to complete. Be sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, as they are common in the area! Parking is easy and close by, making this spot a great option for those looking for a quick hiking adventure.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Trail
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000 acre nature preserve located in Morongo Valley, California. The preserve offers free admission and hiking trails that range from three-tenths of a mile to an 11-mile round-tripper through Big Morongo Canyon. The preserve is home to a diverse array of plant life, more than 240 species of birds, and numerous other animals. If you’re looking for a hiking trail in the Palm Springs area, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is definitely worth a visit.
Berns Trail
Berns Trail is in the eastern part of the city. It’s a connector trail that goes between the Garstin Trail and the Araby Trail. The trail is two miles long and it’s a fairly easy hike. You can do the hike as a loop, which is almost six miles. The trail is horse-friendly. Nearby Smoke Tree Stables offers visitors trail rides into the desert.
The Berns Trail is a great way to see the desert and get some exercise. The views from the trail are amazing. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who wants to enjoy the desert.
Have the best pizza in Palm Springs after hiking
Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds Hike
The Cactus to Clouds hike is a strenuous 21.2-mile hike that takes experienced hikers 14-15 hours to complete. The hike begins just behind the Palm Springs Art Museum and climbs up to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto, reaching an elevation of 10,300 feet. The best time to do this hike is in the spring or fall, when the temperature is cooler. Hikers should start around midnight in order to reach the top part of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway by nightfall.
The Cactus to Clouds hike is not for beginners! This strenuous hike requires a lot of preparation and experience. Make sure you’re up for the challenge before.
Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
The Coachella Valley Preserve is a beautiful location that offers hikers over 25 miles of trails to explore. The preserve is home to the lush Thousand Palms Oasis, which is nourished by the waters seeping from the San Andreas Fault. There is also a 4.5-mile loop of the Willis Palms Trail. The Coachella Valley Preserve is a great place to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Hahn Buena Vista Loop Trail
The Hahn Buena Vista Trail is a 20.0-km loop trail that is great for hiking, mountain biking and trail running. The trail can be completed in 5 h 52 min and is best visited from October through April.
The trailhead for the Hahn Buena Vista Trail is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near the town of Los Gatos. The trail winds its way through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, there are several small streams and waterfalls to enjoy.
Ryan Mountain Trail
The Ryan Mountain Trail is an amazing hike that offers amazing views of the Coachella Valley and the entire Palm Springs area. The hike is only 3 miles long, but it can be a bit strenuous since it’s a bit of an uphill climb. However, the views from the top are worth it and make it all worth it! I would definitely recommend starting the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and to get the best views. It usually takes about half the time to come down as it did to climb to the top, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind! Overall, this is a great hike that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Palm Springs.
La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail
Lake Cahuilla Trail is a moderate hike that is 2.9 miles long with an elevation change of 548 feet. The trail starts in La Quinta Cove and follows a divide that separates the Coral Reef Mountains to the north from the main Santa Rosas to the south. The Lake Cahuilla Trail is a great option for those looking for a moderate hike with beautiful scenery.
Murray Canyon Trail
The Murray Canyon Trail is a beautiful in-and-out trail located in the Indian Canyons tribal area. This trail is almost five miles long and takes approximately two hours to complete. The trail begins at the Seven Sisters Waterfall and winds its way through the open desert before arriving at Murray Canyon. The stream running through Murray Canyon is flanked by amazing rock formations and is home to the endangered bighorn sheep and mule deer. This is a great trail for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy some beautiful scenery.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, look no further than Mount San Jacinto State Park. This park, which is located in Palm Springs, California, offers 50 miles of hiking trails, 14,000 acres of raw wilderness, and the chance to encounter snow in the late fall and winter months. In the summer, the temperatures can get high, but that doesn’t stop hikers from enjoying all that this park has to offer.
North Lykken Trail
The North Lykken Trail is a great place for hikers to explore the beauty of the desert. The trail is 3.7 miles long and starts at the end of Ramon Road and perfect for runners, bird-watchers, and mountain bikers. The North Lykken Trail is a great place to explore the desert and get some exercise, it is well-marked and easy to follow. There are several places to stop and rest along the way. The trail ends at the Palm Springs Museum Trail, which takes you downtown or into Chino Canyon. I highly recommend the North Lykken Trail for anyone looking for a great place to hike in the desert.
North Lykken Trail to Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Museum Trail is a great place for a hike. It is located behind the Palm Springs Art Museum’s north parking lot, and it is a two-mile, 900-foot elevation hike. The trail has picnic tables along the way, so you can stop and enjoy the view.
Palm Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for a great hike to do in Palm Springs, the Palm Canyon Trail is definitely a must-try. This scenic trail takes you through the world’s largest California fan palm oasis, and it’s truly a sight to see. There are thousands of these large trees in the area, and they’re all enjoying the fresh water from Palm Canyon Creek.
The entire Palm Canyon Trail is about 15 miles long, and it leads to Highway 74 and the Idyllwild area. However, many people opt to do the Victor Trail loop, which is only about three miles. This loop takes you through the palm groves, into the mountains above them, and then back down to the valley floor.
Palm Canyon is definitely a place that you’ll want to add to your list of must-see places in Palm Springs.
South Lykken Trail
If you’re looking for a great hike in Palm Springs, the South Lykken Trail is a great option. This two-mile trail offers some stunning views of the Coachella Valley, and is perfect for a moderate hike.
To access the trail, head to the Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center near the intersection of Mesquite Road and Palm Canyon Drive. From there, the trailhead is just a short walk down South Lykken Trailhead.
Once you’re on the trail, you’ll quickly start to see some amazing views of the valley.
Palm Springs Tram hike to San Jacinto Peak
If you’re looking for a challenging hike near Palm Springs, California, look no further than San Jacinto Peak from The Tramway. This 16.0-km out-and-back trail takes an average of five and a half hours to complete, and is considered one of the more challenging routes in the area. You’re likely to encounter other hikers while exploring, as this is a very popular area for hiking. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this particular trail.
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Tahquitz Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike that’s also relatively easy, the Tahquitz Canyon Trail is definitely worth checking out. This two-mile trail will take you from the visitor center to the falls and back, with an elevation change of only about 350 feet. However, there are some steep rock steps, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
The trail ends at an impressive 60-foot-tall waterfall, making it the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the view. Keep in mind that this trail is part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, so be respectful of the land and its history. Overall, the Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a great option if you’re looking for a scenic hike that’s not too challenging.
Desert View Trail
If you’re looking for a hike that’s easy enough for beginners but still offers plenty of excitement and beautiful views, Desert View Trail is a great option. This trail is located near Palm Springs, California and takes an average of 46 minutes to complete. It’s a popular spot for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Long Valley Discovery Trail
If you’re looking for a great hike that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than the Long Valley Discovery Trail. This 2.1-km loop trail is located near Palm Springs, California and is generally considered an easy route. It takes an average of 37 minutes to complete, making it the perfect choice for a morning or afternoon activity.
This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
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Whitewater Canyon Preserve
If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike near Whitewater, California, look no further than Whitewater Canyon Preserve. This is a 6.0-km loop trail near Whitewater, California. The trail is generally considered to be a moderately challenging route, and it takes an average of 1 h 45 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Round Valley Trail to Wellmans Divide trail
The Round Valley Trail to Wellmans Divide trail is a challenging but rewarding 10.6-km loop trail near Palm Springs, California. The route averages 3 h 30 min. for backpacking, camping, hiking, and offers some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and can be visited anytime, although dogs are not allowed.
West Fork Falls trail
West Fork Falls trail is a great place for a hike. The trail is easy to hike, and there aren’t many people around, so you can really enjoy nature. However, dogs are not allowed on the trail.
The trail is surrounded by desert cacti and dust, but it’s worth it when you get to see the beautiful West Fork Falls. The falls are hidden away between massive boulders, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! You won’t be disappointed if you take the time to explore this hidden gem.
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FAQs
When to Visit Palm Springs for hiking?
The best time to visit Palm Springs for hiking is in the springtime. The temperatures are mild and there is often a slight breeze that makes hiking in the desert bearable. Spring is also a great time to see wildflowers in bloom. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, try visiting mid-week instead of on the weekends.
The fall is also a pleasant time to hike in Palm Springs. The temperatures are cooler than in the summer and there are often beautiful sunsets.
Where to stay in Palm Springs for sightseeing?
There are many different options for accommodation in Palm Springs, depending on your budget and what kind of amenities you’re looking for. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you might want to consider staying downtown near all the attractions. The Kimpton Rowan Hotel is a great option with its rooftop pool and stylish rooms.
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How to spend time for hiking trails in Palm Springs?
Yes, you will need to get up early to hike in Palm Springs. The trails are popular and can get crowded during the heat of the day. But it is worth it to get out and enjoy the desert scenery. You don’t even have to spend the night. You can easily add a Palm Springs hiking day to your travel plans. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers.
Kinds of desert wildlife on Palm Springs hikes
The area around Palm Springs is a great place for birdwatching, with a wide variety of desert avians to be seen. You may be lucky enough to spot a roadrunner, or even a family of owls. Other wildlife that can be seen in the area includes jack rabbits, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, skunks and 16 different species of bats. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled when you’re out on a hike! Who knows what you might see^^
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Palm Springs is the place to be. With so many hiking trails in Palm Springs to choose from, there’s something for everyone. The hikes we’ve highlighted are some of the best in the area, and we highly recommend them to anyone visiting this wonderful city. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
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