1. Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons

The casual, two-mile hike amid Palm Springs' historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians tribal grounds counts among the most unique in the region. Part of the Indian Canyons' 60 miles of hiking trails, Andreas Canyon Trail’s adjoining stream gives rise to bountiful vegetation which starkly contrasts the texture of the canyon's rocky routing.  

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2. Araby Trail

This six-mile (up and back) hike in Palm Springs may be accessed for free via the Rimcrest/Southridge development. For lovers of both iconic architecture and celebrity, the greatest beauty may well prove the trail's proximity to the legendary, John Lautner-designed Bob and Delores Hope estate.  Oh, and for home seekers, let it be known that the spaceship structure can be yours . . . for a cool $25 million.

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3. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Located off Highway 62 in Morongo Valley, these 31,000 preserved acres are accessed with free admittance and present a host of beatific hiking opportunities ranging from three-tenths of a mile to an 11-mile round-tripper through Big Morongo Canyon.  Diverse plant life is abundant, as are more than 240 species of birds.

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4. Joshua Tree National Park

A sweeping array of nature and fitness treks greets guests across the 1,250-square-mile breadth of space, which makes Joshua Tree among the most popular hiking, camping and rock climbing attractions both nationally and internationally. For leisurely hikes, check out the three-mile 49 Palms Oasis hike or the four-mile Lost Horse Mine & Mountain hike, both of which are filed under Moderately Strenuous by the National Park Service. 

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5. Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area

Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, the 710-acre park at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a great outdoors family day with its easily-accessible hikes, coupled with a host of recreational selections ranging from shore fishing to horseback riding.

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6. Murray Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons

This hike through Indian Canyons offers a slightly more enhanced challenge than Andreas Canyon.  Ranging from two to six miles, the hike ascends higher into the wildlife surrounds of the San Jacintos and reaches the splendor of the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

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7. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking

Ascend the 10-minute ride from the Tram's Valley Station (at 2,600-feet elevation) to the bounty of the Mountain Station (at better than 8,500-feet).  Awaiting hikers at Mount San Jacinto State Park are 54 miles of trails, ranging from scenic walks to extreme tests.  For a happy balance, explore the 2.5 mile hike to comely Round Valley.

Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

8. Palm Springs Museum Trail

Located behind the Palm Springs Art Museum's north parking lot, this free, two-mile hike presents a 900-foot elevation gain which culminates in an exceptional, picnic tabled-view of the city and valley below.

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9. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

More than 25 miles of hiking opportunities define the Coachella Valley Preserve that contains the lush Thousand Palms Oasis. Nestled into the north end of Indio Hills, the true and unique palm oasis is nourished by the waters seeping from the San Andreas Fault. For a secluded hike of measured demand, try the 4.5-mile loop of the Willis Palms Trail.

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10. The Cross Trail

This 2.6-mile loop hike offers visitors a perfect viewpoint of Greater Palm Springs. Many hikers with headlamps also enjoy this trail in the evening just when the sun is setting behind the oasis mountains and the cross lights up the night sky.