For a family-friendly outing or a little alfresco aerobics, head to La Quinta and set out on the Bear Creek Nature Trail, a paved pathway that stretches 4.8 miles along the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains and meanders through a protected nature preserve. Natural beauty beckons in all directions, from the pink plumes of a bougainvillea in full bloom and wispy mesquite trees to scattered boulders and rocky mountain peaks rising in the distance. Begin near the intersection of Calle Tecate and Avenida Madero at the far end of the La Quinta Cove neighborhood, where you’ll find plenty of street parking available. Though popular among walkers and joggers, bicycles and leashed dogs are also welcome to share the trail, which offers a fairly moderate workout, with a slight 405-foot elevation gain. Markers along the way highlight native plants and wildlife, such as the desert willow, while shade structures and drinking fountains offer the occasional pit stop for thirsty travelers and their pups. The trail is accessible to the public between dawn and 10 p.m., with some of the best views unfolding at sunrise and sunset, when the mountains and sky glow a rosy pink, purple, and orange.
Total Distance: 4.8 miles
Level: Moderate
Features
Hiking Features
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1 - 5 Miles:
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Bikes Allowed:
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Difficulty Score:
12
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Distance (km):
7.7
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Distance (mi):
4.8
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Dogs Allowed:
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Elevation at Trailhead:
335
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Elevation Change-lowest point to highest point ft:
297
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Elevation Gain (+):
405
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Elevation Loss (-):
405
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Free:
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Location:
Southern Santa Rosa Mountains
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Maximum Elevation:
348
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Minimum Elevation:
51
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Net Elev +/- (ft):
810
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Net Elev +/- (m):
247
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Parking Type:
Paved street
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Route Type:
Out and back
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Sub-Location:
La Quinta/Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Trail Length