Bump and Grind Trail Guide (Palm Desert)

4 miles - Moderate Effort
Or: 3 Miles Without Trip to Summit
2 Hours (Total)
1,430 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,280 feet
No Dogs Allowed

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 lot of fun. You'll get the incredible scenery of the desert foothills, a challenging but doable climb, a visit to a refuge for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, and views of the two high peaks of Southern California, Mt San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. For the best experience, leave at sunrise or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat. This guide will show you how to navigate the Bump and Grind Trail and have a great time.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Bump and Grind Trail Directions
Where to Park for the Hike
Maps and Insider Tips

Quick Links: Palm Desert Parks & Recreation - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Dec 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Bump and Grind Trail Address

The Bump and Grind Trail starts behind the Desert Crossing Shopping Center in Palm Desert, CA. It always amazes me that, although you are right behind a mall, you feel like you are a world away. Use this address:
72440 Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA, 92260

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 3 — There is plenty of parking along the street. The closest parking is just past the trailhead, but you can also park further down the street. Locals park further down in the shade when temps go up.

Parking is free.

Gear for the Hike

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 1 — Local hikers have left a cache of water along the trail for the unprepared. Make sure you aren't the one who has to use this.

You don't need hardcore hiking gear to do the Bump and Grind Trail, but you do need to be prepared. Although steps away from the mall's air-conditioned world, this is a desert hike, and people need to get rescued relatively often.

First off, bring plenty of water, at least 1.5 L (like a Smart-water bottle) for the loop hike.
Watch the weather for Palm Desert and avoid the hike if it's going to be hot out. Most locals do this hike at sunrise in cooler months.
Trekking poles help on the steep terrain.
Good footwear such as trail runners or hiking shoes will serve you best.
You can get away with fitness clothes or light hiking gear.
Don't forget about sun protection.

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Bump and Grind Trail Maps

This hike follows the Bump and Grind Trail loop's popular clockwise routing. It has a steeper climb on the way up and the more gradual, knee-saving, and slip-avoiding trail back down. The course has markers along the way to help you confirm that you're in the right place (more in the directions below).

There are several unofficial "cut-off" trails along the way. If you are not on a well-worn path, you've left the official trail.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

Bump And Grind Trail Elevation — There's no getting around it; you have to "bump and grind" your way to the top on the first half of the hike. But you're rewarded with views and a long and easy descent on the second half of the hike.

3D Map

Bighorn On the Bump and Grind Trail

Pennisular Bighorn Sheep — Keep your eyes open for Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, an endangered species that frequent the hills here. Photo USFWS

There has been controversy around the Bump and Grind Trail and the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep. Regular bighorn, which inhabits the higher mountains, are not endangered, but the peninsular bighorn, found in the lower desert between Palm Springs and Baja, Mexico, is endangered. There are only about 3,000 left in the world. The upper sections of this hike pass through an area where the peninsular bighorn often raise their young (lambs).

Conservationists wanted to close the whole area to humans; community leaders realized that this hike is a major attraction and wanted to keep the space open. The two parties were able to compromise, and now the upper "out and back" portion of the hike is closed for three months a year to give the bighorn space to raise their young.

We saw a herd of Bighorn Sheep, which was amazing! TripAdvisor Reviewer

You can still do the hike if the upper portion is closed. The distance will be 3 miles instead of 4 and still offers a good workout and lots of natural beauty.

Bump Grind Closure Dates — The upper portion of the trail is closed from February 1 to April 30.

Bump and Grind Trail Directions

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Bump And Grind Trail Directions 5 — There are trail signs at the junction by the start. Ignore the sign pointing you to the right, and head left.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 4 — Here's another view. Go left (clockwise) from the signs at the beginning.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 6 — Start heading uphill on the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, also marked as the Bump and Grind Loop.

Hopalong Cassidy was a fictional cowboy character that first came to life in 1904 through short stories, then on films, and then on a popular television show in the 1950s. The television character was played by William Boyd, who retired to Palm Desert. His widow and the city named the trail after him and his famous character.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 7 — You'll see the trail stretch in front of you as you climb gradually up.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 8 — The climb has nice views into Palm Desert.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 9 — After you round the first corner you'll once again see the trail winding and climbing in front of you.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 10 — Avoid a few small side trails to the left which connect other parking areas with the main trail.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 11 — Soon you'll reach the top of the first part of the climb, and you'll see the zig-zag switchbacks in the distance. That's the hardest part of the hike.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 12 — When you get to the intersection before the switchbacks, make the left and then the right. You can also go straight. Pick your poison, it all goes up to the same place.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 13 — Head up to the switchbacks.

You're now on the Herb Jeffries Trail. Herb Jeffries was another Palm Desert resident, cowboy hero, and singer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. His mixed ethnicity and the dynamics of American racism make his story an interesting read.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 14 — The switchbacks "bump and grind" their way straight up the hillside. Take your time climbing up.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 15 — At the top the trail levels off and follows the side of the ridge.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 16 — You'll round the ridge and get some great views into Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 17 — At the next junction you'll reach the gate that protects the bighorn area. If it's open, make the left and head uphill. If not, you'll be doing a 3 mile loop, so just go right and downhill.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 18 — Pass through the gate and start climbing. And FYI, we're now officially on the Bump and Grind Trail.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 19 — The trail winds around and soon you'll be able to see the viewpoint and end of the trail in the distance.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 20 — When you get to the top, make the right at the split.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 21 — As you crest the hill you'll have incredible views of Mount San Jacinto on the left, and San Gorgonio on the right, which is the highest point in Southern California at 11,503 feet. You can hike to both, but if you're in the Palm Springs area, a hike to San Jacinto from the tram is a classic must-do.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 22 — On the other side of the top loop you'll see a fence blocking off access to trails into the bighorn area. Please give them the space that they need and respect the boundary.

Head back downhill after the loop, back to the gate that you came through.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 23 — When you get to the gate, make the hard right to continue downhill.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 24 — The trail is wide and winds downhill.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 25 — Avoid the use trails to the right and keep left on the wider trail.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 26 — You'll be able to see the trail stretch out beneath you. We'll be hiking around the loop and to the right at the bottom.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 27 — When you get to the junction, keep right and heading downhill.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 28 — Continue to head downhill. You'll see the trail stretch out beneath you. And we're now on the Mike Schuler Trail, named after the local resident and trail builder. Mike built many of the trails we were on today, and even some sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 29 — There's a small uphill as you round the bend.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 30 — And then you'll descend a series of tight switchbacks to the parking area on Painters Path, where you started the hike.

Bump And Grind Trail Directions 31 — And before you know it, you're back at the start. That's the hike!

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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