Palm Springs Hiking Trails
Palm Springs has some great hiking trails. It's a unique spot in the desert at the foot of the highest mountains in Southern California, making it an excellent place for world-class hiking. There's something for everyone: short trails away from the crowds and epic mountain hikes (with or without the help of a tram ride). Leave the golf courses and pools behind to experience the natural beauty of Palm Springs.
All Guides
Cactus to Clouds Hike
The Cactus to Clouds hike is epic. Backpacker Magazine rated it one of the hardest day hikes in the world. You start in downtown Palm...
Hike the Suicide Rock Trail (Idyllwild)
Hiking the Suicide Rock Trail gives you the big mountain feel without climbing the big mountains. You'll have to hike uphill on the Deer Springs...
Hike the Boo Hoff Trail Loop
The Boo Hoff Trail, which follows a native path into the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, is filled with desert beauty and panoramic views....
Hike Indian Loop Trail at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve sits strategically between the high mountains and desert. It's a unique and varied landscape, and the Indian Loop Trail takes you on...
Tim's Ladder Trail
A local's favorite, the Tim's Ladder Trail offers a rugged adventure into the hills of the northern Coachella Valley. Along the way, you'll encounter a...
Palm Springs Tram Hike to San Jacinto Peak
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California's second-highest peak without putting in a considerable...
Hike Mt San Jacinto Peak on the Deer Springs Trail
The hike to Mt San Jacinto Peak on the Deer Springs Trail is one of the toughest and most beautiful hikes in Southern California. You'll...
Art Smith Trail Guide
The Art Smith Trail offers a skillfully routed hike through the desert foothills, making you feel like you are many miles away from civilization. Referenced...
East Indio Badlands Trail Guide
Just opened in 2020, the East Indio Badlands Trail hike offers a spectacular loop through a classic badland topography formed by thousands of years of...
Ladder Canyon Trail & Painted Canyon Loop Hike
Considered one of the best desert hikes in Southern California, the Ladder Canyon Trail, with a loop through Painted Canyon, is a must-do. The hike...
Bear Creek Oasis Trail Guide
The Bear Creek Oasis Trail hike in La Quinta, CA is just spectacular; there's no other way to slice and dice it. The first mile...
Murray Peak Hike (Palm Springs)
Most hikes in the Palm Springs area are up and down desert tracks in the foothills. But if you venture a little farther (7.5 miles...
McCallum Trail Hike Guide
You can't go wrong hiking the McCallum Trail in the Coachella Valley Preserve near Palm Springs. The trail starts in the Thousand Palms Oasis, making...
Pushawalla Palms Trail Loop
The hike to Pushawalla Palms in the Coachella Valley Preserve is a must-do hike in the Palm Springs area. You'll follow a ridge on top...
Museum Trail (Palm Springs)
Don't let the short distance fool you; the Museum Trail in Palm Springs is a tough one. You'll climb up a rocky and steep slope,...
Araby Trail Guide
The Araby Trail is one of the more popular hikes in Palm Springs. You not only get the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains...
Mission Creek Preserve Hike
The Mission Creek Preserve hike is a great family-friendly adventure that offers a little bit of everything in an easy package. You'll be able to...
Whitewater Preserve Hike - Canyon View Loop Trail
One of my favorite hikes, the Canyon View Loop Trail at the Whitewater Preserve, between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, offers beauty at every twist...
The Cross Hike (Palm Desert)
The Cross Hike in Palm Desert is a great out-and-back hike for all levels. You'll hike through classic desert hill terrain to reach the cross,...
Bump and Grind Trail Guide (Palm Desert)
The Bump and Grind Trail, one of the most popular in the Palm Springs area, is a short yet challenging loop hike that packs a...
Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout (Idyllwild, CA)
Located just outside of Idyllwild, CA in San Bernardino National Forest, the Black Mountain Trail hike to the fire lookout is a hidden gem. Often...
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Hike
Tucked into the foothills around Idyllwild, the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail offers backcountry beauty without heading into the big mountains. This family-friendly hike is easy...
Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail Hike
The Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail hike is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area for a reason. The scenery...