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, standing 30 feet tall on the hilltop, a religious experience for some and a fun destination for all. Whatever you believe, the views from the top are great, and the workout is a good one. This hike is a local favorite for a quick hiking fix.
When you get to the park entrance and sign, make the right and drive down to the parking area.The parking lot is big. Park towards the end, which is where the trail starts.
Gear for the Hike
You don't need any special gear to do the Cross Hike, and fitness gear works well. Good footwear and trekking poles will help on the steep sections. The main thing here is the desert environment - bring at least 1L of water and avoid the day and year's hotter times. There is no shade on the hike. There is no shade on the hike.
The nice thing about this hike is that you can see the cross for most of the way, making navigating straightforward. You'll be starting on the Homestead Trail, and then heading onto the Hopalong Cassidy Trail. I'll show you how to do it later, but for now, here are the trail maps.
St Margaret's Episcopal Church, which you may have passed on your way to the trailhead, maintains the cross, and sometimes has services there.
In 1996 the current cross was erected, standing 30 feet high by 16 feet wide. Eagle Scouts laid underground wiring to light the cross.
People leave stones with inscriptions at the base. Please don't leave anything there, and if you really need to, make sure that the local endangered peninsular bighorn sheep can't eat it. Â They will eat paper, plastic, basically anything that isn't rock, and could potentially die.
The Cross Hike Directions
Look for the gap in the fence at the far end of the parking lot, and walk straight through along the well-worn path to the hillside.On the far right you'll notice a pavilion and interpretive display. The display has the Hopalong's Creed on it. We'll be hiking on the Hopalong Trail later.Here's the pavilion and water fountain.Otherwise go straight and you'll see the trail climbing up ahead to the right.As you get closer you'll see a sign for the Homestead Trail. Hike uphill to the right.Start hiking uphill.Soon you'll reach a shaded pavilion. The trail continues to the left.From the pavilion there are some short, steep switchbacks to climb.And then you reach the ridge and can see the trail stretch out in front of you.Avoid the side trails to the left and keep heading up toward the cross.You'll be able to see the cross up to your left as you hike.At the intersection, bear left to continue to the cross. You're now on the Hopalong Cassidy Trail.
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.
The trail briefly twists away from the cross.And then crests a ridge and turns back to the left towards the cross. You'll see the trail stretch in front of you.The last section to the cross is uphill but not so steep.And soon you'll see the cross in front of you.Because it's so tall, you can't really get a photo of the cross with the valley in the background, but it's easy enough to get pictures straight up at it.The base of the cross is filled with prayers and remembrances written on stones.There are great views into the valley and surrounding mountains.When you're done at the cross, just head back down the way you came up!
