With sweeping canyons and the quiet beauty of the California desert, Greater Palm Springs is a natural fit for hikers. No matter the season, your fitness level, or how much time you have, there’s definitely a trail that’ll get you out into the landscape. Here’s what to know before you lace up your boots and explore the outdoors.
The Best Hikes in Greater Palm Springs
In Palm Springs, the trailheads are just minutes away from most urban areas, yet the landscapes can feel worlds apart.
Easy Walks and Family Favorites
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Andreas Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons)
Just one mile long, this loop is shaded by towering fan palms. There are also more than 150 plant species, making it more like walking through a secret garden than a wild landscape. Plus, the sound of the stream bubbling alongside the main path adds to its oasis-like charm! The casual 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. -
Thousand Palms Oasis (Coachella Valley Preserve)
Trails here range from one to four miles in length, weaving across boardwalks and sandy paths into groves of fan palms fed by hidden springs. The contrast of lush greenery against the desert often feels like stumbling into another world.
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 grove 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.
Plan Your Hike in the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
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Mission Creek Preserve Trail
This is a four-mile loop that follows a perennial stream through a vast canyon. Cottonwoods line the water, and the air here can feel cooler thanks to the flowing creek, a rare treat in the desert! Families and leashed dogs will find this hike especially welcoming.
Looking for more? Check out these family- and dog-friendly trails in the Greater Palm Springs area.
Moderate Treks
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Tahquitz Canyon Trail
This two-mile loop is all about contrasts. Listen for the unexpected rush of a 60-foot seasonal waterfall amidst the remains of early Cahuilla settlements. -
Palm Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons)
Stretching up to 15 miles, but easily shortened, this shaded canyon is lined with the world’s largest stand of California fan palms. -
Bump and Grind Trail
A four-mile workout loop, this trail zigzags up desert ridges. As you climb, the view opens to reveal the sprawl of Palm Desert against a backdrop of rugged peaks. At sunrise or sunset, the sky drenches the valley in pinks and golds, a reward that makes the workout well worth it!
For more scenic hikes with stunning views, check out this round-up from our Greater Palm Springs insiders.
Strenuous Climbs for Experienced Hikers
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Clara Burgess Trail (Murray Hill)
At nearly eight miles (out and back), the climb up Murray Hill is not for the faint-hearted. The elevation gain is steady, but the payoff is worth it. From the summit, the Coachella Valley stretches endlessly in every direction, framed by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains.
If you’re a serious hiker looking for inspiration, explore our top 10 most beautiful hikes in Greater Palm Springs.
Seasonal Highlights
Greater Palm Springs is a year-round hiking destination, but each season brings its own magic. Knowing when to go can shape your experience as much as choosing the right trail.
Spring
Wildflowers blanket the desert floor in bursts of color. It’s the best time for easy and moderate trails like the Cove to Lake Trail in La Quinta or the Randall Henderson Trail in Palm Desert. Cooler mornings make for comfortable walks and vivid views of blooming ocotillo and brittlebush. For more ideas for springtime hikes, take a look at our rundown of the best in the area.
Summer
While summer heat can be intense, shaded or higher-elevation routes offer relief. Try the Palm Desert Cross Trail at sunrise, or head up to the Fern Canyon Trail in Idyllwild for cooler mountain air. Evening hikes at the Coachella Valley Preserve are another good way to catch the desert in softer light.
Autumn
As temperatures ease, longer trails become more inviting. The Cactus to Clouds Trail in Palm Springs and the Boo Hoff Trail in La Quinta both challenge seasoned hikers with rewarding views. The air is warm but not harsh, and the shifting light makes the valley’s rock formations glow. This is also the perfect season to tackle Indian Canyon’s wider networks or work up a sweat on moderate climbs.
Winter
Cooler air and clear skies make this the best season for strenuous or scenic treks. Explore the Mission Creek Preserve Trail near Desert Hot Springs, or follow the Art Smith Trail in Palm Desert for panoramic winter views. It’s also a great time to explore higher terrain and spot snow-dusted peaks from trails around Whitewater Canyon.
Hiking in Greater Palm Springs: Know Before You Go
The desert rewards those who come prepared.
- Start early to catch cooler air and golden light. Always pack more water than you expect, at least one liter per person per hour.
- A hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes are also non-negotiable.
- Check trail rules before you set out. Some require entry fees or prohibit pets, while others welcome dogs on a lead.
- Stay on marked paths. If you’re lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep or a tortoise, enjoy the moment quietly from a distance.
Mobile reception can be patchy in the canyons, so download maps ahead of time. With a little foresight, the desert shifts from demanding to magical. Every precaution paves the way for those breathtaking ridge views and hidden oases.
For more tips on how to make sure you’re prepared, be sure to check this summary of safety tips.
Guided Outdoor Adventures in Palm Springs
For travelers who want a deeper connection to the landscape, hiking tours are an ideal introduction. Local experts can bring the desert to life. Hear stories of the Cahuilla people, insights into the region’s geology, and gain tips for spotting wildlife.
Choose from sunrise treks, wellness walks, or challenging climbs into the San Jacinto Mountains. Each one offers a new way to see the desert. Some local hiking guides include:
- Araby Trail
- South and North Lykken Trail
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area
- Murray Canyon Trail
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking
- Palm Springs Museum Trail
- The Cross Trail
1. Araby Trail
This six-mile (up and back) hike in Palm Springs may be accessed via the Rimcrest/Southridge development. For lovers of both iconic architecture and celebrities, the greatest beauty may well prove the trail's proximity to the legendary, John Lautner-designed Bob and Delores Hope estate.
2. North and South Lykken Trail
The North Lykken Trail in Palm Springs follows the same route as the North Lykken Loop but offers a shorter, out-and-back sojourn. The 2.8-mile moderate hike begins at the end of Ramon Road (park in the unpaved lot) and snakes approximately 1,000 feet up the canyon, where rocky outcrops, boulders, and seasonal purple and yellow wildflowers paint a beautiful natural backdrop.
Fitness fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts alike enjoy South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs for its moderate yet steep switchbacks and spectacular views. The trail, which is open to hikers and horseback riders, begins just beyond the last line of homes (look for signs to point you in the right direction) and climbs 756 feet to a flat sandy area with tables — the perfect picnic spot (and great for photo ops!). Greater Palm Springs in all its glory stretches out before you; spend a few moments taking it all in (and catching your breath after the 1.1-mile hike up) before returning to your car via the same route.
3. 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.
Plan your adventure to Joshua Tree National Park
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
View Long Valley Discovery Loop
Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
7. 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.
8. 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.
Hiking in Greater Palm Springs hits all the high notes — serenity, scenery, and fitness — and there's no better way to explore the natural beauty and wonder of the oasis than on foot. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from dozens of hiking trails that crisscross all types of terrain, from wide-open sandy spaces spotted with cacti and succulents to twisted canyons encircled by fantastic rock formations to lush palm tree oases sheltering trickling streams. You can even venture to the upper elevations of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains, where walks through woodlands and wildflower-filled meadows await.
With such a diverse landscape, there’s truly an expedition for everyone. Families can enjoy the fresh air and spy cottontail rabbits, bobcats, and more than 200 species of bird in their natural wetland habitat at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, while more experienced explorers can journey all the way to the summit of Mount San Jacinto on the San Jacinto Peak Trail. And if you're looking for the perfect Instagram-worthy trek, we have plenty, whether it’s from the top of Murray Hill looking out across Greater Palm Springs or while skirting the mountainside in the middle of a super-bloom. Regardless of which journey you take, you'll find it’s easy to embrace the outdoors in Greater Palm Springs – where wildlife, wellness, and wonder collide.
Greater Palm Springs Hiking Safety Tips
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, many hikers (understandably) can’t wait to soak up some rays on their outdoor adventures, but be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water — 2 liters minimum. Once half your water is gone, it’s time to turn back. If you spy a majestic bighorn sheep or other wildlife, observe from a safe distance, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Read here for more hiking safety tips.
Hiking in Greater Palm Springs
It’s time to hit the trails! From scenic desert paths to stunning mountain views, here is your guide to some of the best hikes in Greater Palm Springs. Discover the destination’s natural beauty and get ready for your next outdoor adventure!
Download these Trail Guides
Hiking
Wind in your hair, blue sky above, dust at your feet. Finding the way on unpaved earth is a pastime proven to pacify the mind, body, and soul. And in Greater Palm Springs and surrounding areas, the hiking is as gloriously diverse as night and day. From the otherworldly terrain of Joshua Tree National Park to portions of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, to the granite spires of Mount San Jacinto State Park, and the waterfalls and canopy of palms inside the Indian Canyons, Greater Palm Springs is the epicenter of outdoor adventure. All you need is a trail and a plan. Trails featured in the segment include The Living Desert Wilderness trail, Mission Creek Preserve, Cove to Lake Trail and Vargas Palms.
Greater Palm Springs Hiking Safety Tips
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, many hikers (understandably) can’t wait to soak up some rays on their outdoor adventures, but be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water — 2 liters minimum. Once half your water is gone, it’s time to turn back. Be mindful of the environment by staying on marked trails. If you spy a majestic bighorn sheep or other wildlife, observe from a safe distance, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
