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 and all the views that they offer, but you'll also get to go by some iconic architecture in a gated community that you wouldn't otherwise be able to see. And while the trail is challenging, you'll be heading uphill for about 1.7 miles; it's not a big mountain hike and is doable by most folks with a reasonable level of fitness.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions To Hike the Araby Trail
While it's not a long hike, the Araby Trail is an exposed desert hike and has all of the normal dangers that the desert does. It gets very hot in the summer, so it's best done at sunrise or sunset, or when the high temperatures are cooler. . Bring at least 1L of water, and good hiking footwear is recommended.
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The Araby Trail is easy to follow, but some unofficial side trails branch off into residential areas. If you follow the directions below, you'll be fine.
"Araby" is a romantic term for the Middle East, and the trail was named Araby because it reminded an early visitor, J. Smeaton Chase, of the Middle East. Chase was an Englishman who explored and wrote about the natural wonders of California in the early 1900s. He was also an early visitor who documented the wonders of Yosemite.
Well, at least when they come down from Mars they’ll know where to go.Bob Hope on the Lautner House
From here, just turn around and head back the way you came up. And that's the hike!
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When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.