Hiking in Palm Desert (The Best Hikes, Guides, and Trail Maps)
Palm Desert offers a variety of trails for hiking enthusiasts, those who love the outdoors, and those who want to engage with the rich history of the area. The trails of Palm Desert offer dramatic mountain vistas, waterfalls, natural streams, rugged gorges, and unusual rock formations.
Rather you’re hiking the tranquil and intimate Andreas Canyon, the secluded and drifting Murray Canyon, or approaching the forty foot waterfall of Tahquitz Canyon, hikers are recommended to take the following steps of caution.
Some of Palm Desert’s most beloved trails include: Andreas Canyon Trail Located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, this trail transports hikers back to a time when the Cabuilla Indians made this area their home. The trail features larger-than-life rock formations, streams, palm oases, and serves as a sanctuary for local birds. Bump & Grind Trail If you’re looking to sweat outdoors, head to Palm Desert to get your heart rate up on this popular trail. While the path on the right offers an easier route, hikers who choose the path to the left will get their hearts pumping on switchbacks and steep inclines. Herb Jeffries Trail Committed on April 2,2005 to Herb Jeffries, the infamous “Bronze Buckaroo” who was one of the early African American cowboy heroes and a former Palm Desert residentHomestead Trail This hike is worth timing around the sunset. Not only do you get to watch the sky turn pink against the mountains as you ascend, once you make it to the peak you can also watch the twinkling lights of Greater Palm Springs below. Hopalong Cassidy Trail The Trail was committed on January 31,2004 in memory of Bill Boyd, who played Hopalong Cassidy. Boyd’s widow, Grace Bradley Boyd, mentioned that “Hoppy and Topper might have adored the path and encouraged everyone to enjoy it and practice path safety.” McCallum Trail Randall Henderson Trail The Trail was dedicated on Feb 5, 2005, by the family of Randall Henderson, who was instrumental in the development of Pam Wasteland. Skyline Trail This nearly 19-mile trek is the ultimate test of your hiking prowess. Starting on the desert floor and climbing more than 10,000 feet than the summit, the trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of San Jacinto Peak and Greater Palm Springs. At the end of the trail, hikers can hitch a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Tahquitz Canyon Trail Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, this romantic trail offers views of incredible rock formations and the sound of running water. At the end of the trail is a romantic, sixty foot waterfall, which can act as the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Whitewater Canyon Loop Trail Located directly outside of Palm Spring, this dog-friendly trail offers stunning views of the desert’s natural landscape in addition to river views and seasonal springtime wildflowers. For those seeking simple hikes with short distances in the area, we recommend:
For those seeking moderate hikes in the area, we recommend:
For those seeking strenuous hikes in the area, we recommend:
Other popular trails in the area include Art Smith, Connector, Dunn Road, Eisenhower Mountain, Gabby Hayes, Mike Schuler. |