Feed Your Adventure

Greater Palm Springs’ reputation as an oasis stretches back thousands of years, and hikers can see remnants of the area’s ancient past on this scenic excursion through the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains. The Ancient Lake Cahuilla Overlook is exactly that — a panoramic view of what was once a large freshwater lake teeming with fish and stretching almost 100 miles, from northern Mexico to present-day Indio.

The contrasting greens of the magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius beckon the desert-weary traveler to this lush oasis. A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek. One can still see bedrock mortars and metates used centuries ago for preparing food. This tranquil setting is excellent for photography, bird-watching, or a picnic at one of the tables along the trail.

Fitness fiends, nature lovers, and architecture buffs alike enjoy exploring Araby Trail. The 3.3-mile round-trip hike climbs into the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains, crossing into part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. With little to no shade overhead and a sharp incline, it’s best to hit the trail early in the morning, especially from May through September, and leave your bike and four-legged friend at home. You’ll soon feel the adrenaline pumping thanks to the 1,380-foot gain in elevation over steep, rocky terrain, which is blanketed in beautiful wildflowers after winter and spring rainfalls. The views alone are worth the trek — the entire valley floor unfolds below, and you can even spy Bob Hope’s famed flying saucer-shaped house perched on the mountainside, as well as Steve McQueen’s glass-and-beam midcentury modern home.

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.

This moderate, 0.9-mile loop trail —perfect for families and hikers with their four-legged friends — winds along the lower elevations of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Though it's considered an "in town" trail, the route seems a world away from the luxe ambiance of Rancho Mirage, not only immersing hikers in the peaceful and awe-inspiring landscape but also treating them to scenic views.

The Boo Hoff Panorama leads hikers away from the quaint streets of La Quinta and into the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Mountains, where fields of yellow and purple wildflowers blanket the mountainside, bighorn sheep peak out from rocky crevices, and spindly cholla cacti dot the sandy landscape. Many describe the trail, which departs from the top of La Quinta Cove and traverses 7.2 miles out and back, as nothing short of magical.

Wellness and natural wonder go hand in hand in Greater Palm Springs — so it's no surprise that the Bump & Grind Loop, a moderate 3-mile hike that scales the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains, is one of the destination's most popular outings for those with exercise on the mind. On any given day, you’ll see hikers, runners, and even cyclists traversing the steep trail, which climbs approximately 960 feet and intersects several other routes along the way.

Feel the burn on this seasonal variation of the Bump & Grind Trail, one of Greater Palm Springs’ most popular outings for those with exercise on the mind. Hikers, runners, and even cyclists frequent the main 3-mile loop trail, which traverses the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, but there’s an optional hike midway through that offers better views of the surrounding landscape, scales an additional 200 feet, and totals approximately 4.1 miles.
(closed Feb. 1 thru April 30)

Greater Palm Springs entices all who visit to escape the daily cares of civilization and embrace the great outdoors — and with several trails departing directly from some of the neighborhoods, such as Cathedral Canyon Trail, reconnecting with nature is easier than ever.

Perched along the foothills of the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains, hikers have postcard-worthy views of this palm tree-filled oasis (and if you time it right and head out before dawn, you can watch as the surrounding mountains glow orange and yellow with the rising sun).

The Cove Oasis Loop, nestled at the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains in La Quinta, is an easy, 1.8-mile stroll perfect for families and their four-legged friends. The mostly flat, gravel path (you’ll gain 161 feet total) begins at the top of the levee, a few steps into the Cove Oasis, a 114-acre open space set aside by the city. Turn right, and you’ll find a beautifully landscaped date palm oasis with pergolas and picnic tables. Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Mountain bikers getting ready to set out on one of the bike-friendly trails or just returning from a trek can also take the path to the picnic area for a rest or some shade. Several other trails, some more strenuous, embark from the area, which offers free parking in a lot at the corner of Avenida Bermudas and Calle Tecate.

The Cove to Lake Trail departs from the La Quinta Cove Oasis and leads hikers through an enchanting landscape of mountain, water, and sky.

Springtime treats travelers to a host of beautiful wildflowers speckling the mountainside, and some hikers are even lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep grazing on the emerald green fairways of the Quarry Golf Course, which runs parallel to part of the hike.

For a fun family outing in the great outdoors, venture to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the most popular attractions in Greater Palm Springs, and embark on the easy Desert View Loop Trail. The mostly flat 1.7-mile path meanders through the pristine pine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park and features several scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding wilderness.

Everything you need for a day hike is close at hand, including restrooms and picnic tables. Though closed in winter, the trail offers the perfect escape during the summer months, with temperatures often 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor, and a unique alpine adventure all winter long, with snowshoes available for rent from the Adventure Center.

Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on the easy yet enchanting Ed Hastey Loop. The mostly flat path, which is wheelchair-accessible and perfect for all ages (as well as hikers with pups), begins at the national monument’s visitor center, located off Highway 74 in Palm Desert, and meanders for 0.2 miles through it’s very own oasis — lush gardens brim with desert lavender, creosote, brittlebush, and dozens of other species you’re likely to encounter in the area, and bird-watchers always have a pair of binoculars in hand.

Not sure what you’re admiring? Check the many signs sprinkled along the nature trail. Upon returning to the visitor center — where parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are available — venture inside to learn more about the native wildlife, as well as the area’s indigenous history, through special exhibits and trail guides.

If you’re new to hiking, or simply want to enjoy an easy stroll in the open air with the pup, start with the Edgehill Trail in Palm Desert. Spanning less than a mile, the one-way walk begins at the intersection of Painter’s Path and Edgehill Drive, next to the Desert Crossing shopping center. Locals tend to park at the intersection before crossing the bridge over to the other side of the wash. From here, turn left onto the wide dirt path, which skirts the base of the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains all the way to Cahuilla Hills Park, where 26 acres of undeveloped open space offer a serene escape and access to several other trail systems that scale the adjacent hills. You’ll find restrooms and tables scattered beneath shade trees, as well as tennis and pickleball courts — so pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors before returning to your car via the same route.

Named after the fictional cowboy character Hopalong Cassidy (who was portrayed by actor and Palm Desert resident William Boyd in the 1930s and ’40s), this 9.6-mile one-way path tackles some of the tougher climbs in the Palm Desert trail system. The 3,082-foot elevation gain challenges even experienced hikers and cyclists, who are advised to pack plenty of water and wear sunscreen.

A scenic 5-mile loop showing various faces of the desert and rare vistas of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is adjacent to the Coachella Valley Canal and future site of Indio’s Posse Park. The trail winds through canyons and leads up to the crest of the mud hills that feature rare views looking into the Coachella Valley and at its surrounding mountain ranges. The hike is described as moderate because there are a handful of steeper climbs, but they're mostly short and eased by switchbacks. It's commonly referred to as Indio Hills Badlands Trail, the East Indio Hills Trail, and the Golf Center Trail. Dogs and non-motorized bikes are allowed.

The Kim Nicol Loop, named after Kim Nicol, who dedicated her life to protecting endangered species and open spaces in Greater Palm Springs, is one of the region’s newest hiking trails — and offers some of the most breathtaking views, with snowcapped mountains, spinning windmills, and wide-open desert stretching in all directions.

Nestled in the Indio Hills just outside of Desert Hot Springs, the moderate 4.8-mile trail is mostly sand and gradually climbs almost 1,200 feet, which can be a challenge for some hikers, cyclists, and equestrians who are more accustomed to switchbacks and steep, rocky inclines.

Since there is practically no shade on the trail, pack plenty of sunscreen and water (especially if you’re bringing your four-legged friend along).

With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, Mount San Jacinto State Park is the perfect starting point for discovering Greater Palm Springs’ diverse wildlife and landscape. The Long Valley Discovery Loop, also known as the Discover Nature Trail, is an easy 1-mile loop path that introduces hikers to the park's flora and fauna.

Departing from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station, perched more than 8,000 feet up in the San Jacinto Mountains, the trail envelops hikers in birdsong and woodlands, with the seasonal Long Valley Creek flowing nearby and, depending on the time of year, vibrant wildflowers in full bloom. With restrooms and picnic tables nearby, many visitors pack their own picnic lunch and linger a bit before or after their hike.

Murray Canyon is an easy to moderate hike south from Andreas Canyon. Foot and equestrian trails take visitors to beautiful recreation areas featuring many palm trees. Fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a Peninsular Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its own secluded beauty. The endangered Least Bells Vireo bird is also known to nest here.

Get a birds-eye view (and prime photos!) of Greater Palm Springs from the top of Murray Hill, a pyramid-shaped peak that protrudes from the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Springs. Named after the Scottish rancher Welwood Murray, who founded the Palm Springs Hotel in 1887, the climb promises panoramic views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains for hikers, bikers, and horses brave enough to tackle the steep, exposed trail. The trail system that leads to Murray Hill spans 6.7 miles total and gains more than 1,800 feet.

The Museum Trail in Palm Springs may only be 1.7 miles out-and-back and climb less than 1,000 feet, but this hard, uphill hike tests even experienced explorers with its steep incline and rocky ground (thus the strict no-dog, no-bike, and no-horse policy).

The trail begins at the back corner of the Palm Springs Art Museum parking lot and scales approximately 0.87 miles up the side of the San Jacinto Mountains — with breathtaking views of the city unfolding just 10 minutes in (we mean it when we say it’s steep!). The path levels off at a nice resting point with picnic tables, where the beauty of Greater Palm Springs — from the palm tree canopies to the windmills to the bright green golf courses — opens up in all directions. Though you’ll be tempted to park at the museum, that lot is only for museum visitors; there are plenty of spaces in the free parking garage across the street or along the paved roads themselves.

The North Lykken Trail in Palm Springs follows the same route as the North Lykken Loop but offers a shorter, out-and-back sojourn.

Stop and soak in the sweeping views of Greater Palm Springs — from the palm tree lined streets of downtown, to the emerald green fairways of the O’Donnell Golf Club, to the windmills in the distance. (pack plenty of water if you’ll be hiking mid-day!)

The North Lykken Loop Trail combines fitness with phenomenal views of Greater Palm Springs. The 3.6-mile round-trip hike begins at the end of Ramon Road in Palm Springs (where hikers are welcome to park in an unpaved lot) and climbs more than 1,140 feet up a secluded canyon.

The trail, which is mostly switchbacks at the start and not suitable for dogs, horses, or bikes, winds its way through rocky terrain until reaching the ridgeline of the lower San Jacinto Mountains.

For the perfect blend of distance, difficulty, and dramatic mountain backdrop, embark on the Randall Henderson Canyon Loop, a moderate 2.5-mile trail that traverses the sandy washes and canyons of the lower Santa Rosa Mountains. The main Randall Henderson Trailhead, located off Highway 74 near the visitor center for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, offers a trio of loop hikes; the Canyon Loop, the longest of the three, is open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians of all ages and gradually scales about 500 feet.

The wet season (November thru April) rewards travelers with a kaleidoscope of colorful wildflowers in full bloom, scattered among the cacti, mesquite trees, and desert scrub.

Wildlife sightings are also common along this trail; learn more about some of the local species, such as the bighorn sheep and desert tortoise, at the visitor center, where you’ll also find exhibits on the monument’s trails and indigenous history, as well as free parking, maps, and restrooms.

From the main Randall Henderson Trailhead, located off Highway 74 near the visitor center for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, hikers encounter a trio of exhilarating and awe-inspiring hikes. The Randall Henderson Cholla Loop, the middle route, traverses 1.8 miles through the sandy washes and canyons of the lower Santa Rosa Mountains and scales less than 400 feet total, making it a great outing for families, as well as hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

When you reach the starting point, you’ll turn left about 0.6 miles in, where the landscape — speckled with shrubby cholla cacti and, in the winter and spring, beautiful wildflowers — unfurls in all directions. The views from up here are spectacular, as is the wildlife; some hikers happen upon bighorn sheep and desert tortoise while on the trail.

Learn more about some of Greater Palm Springs’ native flora and fauna at the visitor center, where you’ll also find exhibits on the monument’s trails and indigenous history, as well as free parking, maps, and restrooms.

The Randall Henderson Wash Loop, the shortest of three hikes that depart from the main Randall Henderson Trailhead off Highway 74, immerses hikers in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, which encompasses more than 280,000 acres across Greater Palm Springs.

The easy 1.1-mile loop only gains approximately 200 feet in elevation and is great for family nature walks, with fields of wildflowers blanketing the sandy landscape in winter and spring and native wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and desert tortoises, occasionally making an appearance along the trail.

You can learn more about native wildlife at the monument's visitor center, where free parking, restrooms, and trail maps are available.

Let the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains inspire you while taking the Round Valley Loop Trail, a moderate 4.5-mile jaunt through Mount San Jacinto State Park. Featuring thickets of oaks and pines and views of the picturesque Round Valley, as well as short climbs that can be somewhat strenuous for those not accustomed to the higher elevation, the trail gains approximately 1,367 feet in total and is great for hikers in search of a little exercise in the fresh alpine air.

To access the trail, park at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station and pay the fare to ride the tram car to the top. From there, descend the winding concrete ramp behind the Mountain Station and turn right. You’ll need to pick up a free wilderness permit at the Long Valley Ranger Station — your last pit stop with restrooms and picnic tables — before heading out to the trailhead just to the left, which begins as a Y-intersection (you can begin your loop in either direction).

The trail is open year-round except Sept. 1 - 30, and many hikers encounter wildlife while en route, so keep your camera handy in case any deer drop by.

Fitness fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts alike enjoy South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs for its moderate yet steep switchbacks and spectacular. Even the mountainside is its own natural masterpiece; purple and yellow wildflowers blanket the cliffs in the wet season (November through April), spindly cacti sprout from the rocks, and bighorn sheep are known to make an occasional appearance along the ridgeline.

The Cross in Palm Desert has become a local landmark. Hikers, bikers, and their leashed pups make the 2.2-mile trek through the lower reaches of the Santa Rosa Mountains for Instagram-worthy pics with a giant lit-up cross, which can be seen for miles when illuminating the night sky.

The 689-foot climb features stunning vistas of the palm trees, swimming pools, and golf courses below (sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting but prepare for heavier foot traffic on the trail).

Unlike the Cross Loop Trail, which begins at Cahuilla Hills Park and clocks in at a slightly longer 2.7-mile trip, this out-and-back path sets out from nearby Homme-Adams Park, a beautiful 27-acre nature space with picnic seating and a large off-leash area for dogs.

The Cross Loop Trail in Palm Desert has become a local landmark. Hikers, bikers, and their leashed pups make the 2.7-mile trek through the lower reaches of the Santa Rosa Mountains for Instagram-worthy pics with a giant lit-up cross, which can be seen for miles when illuminating the night sky. You’ll also be treated to stunning vistas of the palm trees, swimming pools, and golf courses below (sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting but prepare for heavier foot traffic on the trail).

Though known for its views of the valley, the Cross Loop Trail only gains 600 feet in elevation and is a great day hike for families — be sure to check out the picnic tables, barbecue pits, and restrooms at Cahuilla Hills Park, where the trail system begins, for a pre- or post-hike break. The park also features pickleball and tennis courts for additional play, as well as free parking.

The Adventure Loop hiking trail at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens takes you onto a rocky desert mountain slope or bajada. You will also experience a desert wash or arroyo, and can climb to an interpretive exhibit of the San Andreas Fault with broad views of this world famous fault. This trail is about one mile on a smooth dirt path, and includes interpretive signage. With exception of the dip into the wash, it is a very gentle rise and fall as you travel the loop.

Hikers are asked to stay on the trails as they are a nature preserve and observe all posted signage. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open every day, except Christmas Day, through May 31.

Seasonal closures: June 1 - September 30
Fees: Living Desert admission

Hikers of all levels can choose one of three trails of varying degrees to enjoy nature and the beauty of the outdoors. The Discovery Loop is a brief, quarter-mile interlude, while the Adventure Loop rambles for a mile through desert wash habitat and across a rocky bajada. The Wilderness Loop offers an adventurous three-and-a-half mile hike up or down a boulder-strewn canyon and along a rocky ridgeline with stunning and far-reaching vistas.

Hikers are asked to stay on the trails as they are a nature preserve and observe all posted signage. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open every day, except Christmas Day, through May 31.

Seasonal closures: June 1 - September 30
Fees: Living Desert Admission

The Discovery Loop at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a flat, sandy trail through a palo verde and smoketree desert riparian woodland. Signage along the path will help you interpret the desert world. This 1/4 mile trail is a brief 15 minute interlude from your tour of our grounds.

Hikers are asked to stay on the trails as they are a nature preserve and observe all posted signage. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open every day, except Christmas Day, through May 31.

Seasonal closures: June 1 - September 30
Fees: Living Desert admission