Looking for adventure? Greater Palm Springs offers stunning scenery, natural wonders, and unique outdoor experiences only found in this desert oasis. From the picturesque landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and the California fan palm grove of the Indian Canyons to outdoor wellness offerings and more than 100 hiking trails, outdoor explorers have plenty of ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Use this two-day weekend itinerary to discover some of the highlights Greater Palm Springs offers to nature lovers.
Start with coffee and a pastry from a local café, then gear up for the Earthquake Canyon Express bicycle tour with Big Wheel Tours. The 20-mile trek descends 1,200 feet along a paved road with little traffic and gives riders a look at the San Andreas Fault, Box Canyon, the Salton Sea, Mt. San Jacinto, the All-American Canal aqueduct, and the eastern side of the Coachella Valley. The tour concludes with a pit stop at Greater Palm Springs’ agriculture industry at Shields Date Garden, allowing riders to try the world-famous date shake and learn how the fruit goes from palm to harvest.
Head toward Joshua Tree National Park, stopping for lunch at Joshua Tree Saloon before entering through the West Entrance. Settle onto the patio at this Western-themed favorite and refuel with a Mineshaft Burger or black bean quesadilla.
Inside the park, stretch your legs on the Barker Dam Trail, an easy 1.1-mile loop through a landscape of sculpted granite boulders, Joshua trees, and Mojave yuccas. Follow the path to the historic dam, watch for wildlife, and view ancient petroglyphs from a designated area. Stay on the marked trail and leave cultural sites undisturbed.
Still have energy to spare? Tee off at The Lights at Indio Golf Course, the Coachella Valley’s only night-lighted course. Its 18-hole, par-3 layout lets you keep playing after the sun goes down.
If standard golf isn’t your thing, The Lights is home to the American FootGolf League of the Desert. For those who prefer kicking to putting, the course offers FootGolf, which combines soccer with golf as players aim for oversized cups.
For dinner, head to Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort & Club. Oaxacan flavors, margaritas, and the glow of a double-sided fireplace offer a welcoming place to settle in and share the day’s highlights.
Begin the day beneath a canopy of California fan palms. Choose a morning walk at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve or explore the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. These lush pockets of desert offer a closer look at the water, plants, and wildlife that shape the landscape.
At Thousand Palms, underground water rises along faults to nourish the oasis. In the Indian Canyons, follow the Andreas Canyon Trail past skirted palms, unusual rock formations, and a flowing creek. Leave time to pause, listen for birds, and take in the contrast between the greenery and surrounding rocky slopes.
Trade your hiking shoes for a robe at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis in Desert Hot Springs, where the naturally heated mineral water emerges from the ground at 174°F. Book a massage and a day pass to pair your treatment with a soak in the resort’s warm mineral pools.
For a more secluded experience, reserve a Private Oasis Villa Tub surrounded by desert landscaping. Make time for lunch at Azure Palm Café and a pass along the reflexology walk, where smooth pebbles massage your feet as you follow the stream.
While there’s still daylight, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 8,516 feet above sea level. The rotating tram car carries passengers along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station, where more than 50 miles of hiking trails begin. Start with the easy ¾ mile Long Valley Discovery Trail loop to see some of the plants and animals living in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Then head back up the concrete path to Peaks Restaurant for dinner overlooking Greater Palm Springs. The temperature at Mountain Station tends to be around 20°F cooler than the valley below, so be sure to bring a warm layer.
Your adventures don’t have to end when you return to your room. These Greater Palm Springs hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals offer plenty of reasons to spend a little longer outside.
Watch the pink birds at Flamingo Island, claim a poolside daybed, or take a boat shuttle to dinner. At JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, exploring the grounds becomes part of the experience.
Bring your competitive spirit to La Quinta Resort & Club, where five championship golf courses and 23 tennis courts offer plenty of ways to stay active. Hacienda-style accommodations and mountain views round out the retreat.
A lively pool scene, bocce ball, and a hammock hangout give The Saguaro Palm Springs its playful appeal. Meet fellow travelers around a fire pit, then continue the conversation over drinks at El Jefe Desert Cantina.
Make a splash at Casa Simms with a swim-up bar and Baja shelf loungers. Practice your putting, then gather around the fire pit for a relaxed evening with your crew.
Overlooking PGA WEST’s fairways, Casa Riviera pairs golf course views with a waterfall pool and spa. An expansive patio and built-in barbecue make it easy to host leisurely cookouts.
Find your favorite corner of El Dorado’s backyard retreat. Claim the secluded gazebo, challenge friends on the putting green, or curl up in the hammock for stargazing after a refreshing swim.
Looking for more ways to explore? Don't miss the best oasis hikes in Greater Palm Springs.