The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Palm Desert, California (CA)

July 29, 2021 Janette Largent

Relax and sight-see in this southern Californian oasis. Located in the center of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a vibrant city featuring top notch resorts, world class golfing, shopping, and entertainment that appeals to many types of consumers. Hike, bike or ride horseback through the desert trails. Or, soak in some culture with seasonal festivals, stylish art galleries, and a thriving music and nightlife scene.
Restaurants in Palm Desert

1. Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park

72500 Thrush Rd, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260 +1 760-346-0611 http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/72/940
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

I liked to hike in the desert. We see bushes. This park is perfect for dogs as well. We learn a lot on the desert. We saw bushes, sand and even flowers. We enjoyed going at the top. Naturally there was sand also and a cross.

2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-6156 +1 760-346-5694 [email protected] http://www.livingdesert.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,006 reviews

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

Reviewed By LaurieStory - Santa Monica, United States

Lovely desert gardens, fabulous model train display (huge), lots of interesting animal chats, free tram around the park, and wide selection of animals in large natural enclosures. I could happily spend several days there. Lots of places to sit in the shade and have a snack, good bathroom facilities (and plenty of them), nice combo of sunny and shady pathways. Not to be missed!

3. Bump and Grind Trail

Painters Path, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA http://www.hiking-in-ps.com/the-palm-desert-bump-n-grind-trail
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Bump and Grind Trail

Reviewed By Dandlightman

If you are looking for more of a challenging hike - at the entrance to the trail, take it to the left and it will loop you around. Pretty hard to get lost... If you happen to be sipping on a Starbucks while wearing lulu lemon, starting the trail to the right is likely the best fit for you. ???? Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, Dec-March you are likely to see some big horn sheep - while March-May you may see Chuckwallas (Big scary looking lizards).

4. Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail

South Cliffs Road, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail

Reviewed By cinarc587 - Palm Desert, United States

Good hike up the mountain. At sunset, you can see the cross light up. Great for photos. Dogs are welcome on the trail and people of all ages make the hike.

5. San Andreas Fault

Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

San Andreas Fault

Reviewed By JimF7988 - Chesterfield, United States

Was expecting this to be a drive by a crack in the ground but it was staggering. Our guide, Craig, showed us an amazing geological tour of the site and was full of factual information. Highly recommend this tour...ask for Craig.

6. Art Smith Trail

Highway 74 across from the Santa Rosa San Jacinto National Monument Visitor Center, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Art Smith Trail

Reviewed By pdxtravellover100

You don’t need to drive far from Palm Desert for this hike. It’s easy to find. We were there during covid on a Saturday and the foot traffic wasn’t bad at all. We went about 4 miles round trip. Brought a lunch and stopped to eat with amazing views. I’d recommend for adults and teens, but not smaller children. It can get steep at times. We saw some bullhorn sheep which was pretty cool!

7. Civic Center Park

43900 San Pablo Ave Intersection of Fred Waring and San Pablo, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-9312 +1 760-346-0611 http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/940
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Civic Center Park

Reviewed By cinarc587 - Palm Desert, United States

This is our favorite park in the entire Palm Springs area. Wonderful walk with water, duck, art, palm trees, baseball diamonds, etc. It is all free.

8. Randall Henderson Loop Trail

Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Randall Henderson Loop Trail

Reviewed By aventureuxOhio - La Quinta, United States

Popular trail because it is so close to the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Federal rangers staff the center and Friends of the Desert Mountains have multiple tours. This trail has no vistas/ great lookouts but it is accessible and not very difficult for any walker. I use it as a cool down walk after strenuous hikes on Art Smith which is across the street from this trail.

9. Magnesia Falls City Park

74200 Rutledge Way, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-2646 +1 760-776-6450 http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/78/940
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Magnesia Falls City Park

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

There were several children enjoying the playground. A granpa had fun with his child. The children wanted at the Magnesia Falls City Park. If you have kids at Palm Desert, this is the best for the children. Worthwhile to see!

10. Aerie Art Garden

71225 Aerie Rd, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-6351 +1 760-568-6366 http://aerieartgarden.com/
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
34%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

This lovely garden showcases the beauty of the desert and can be toured by appointment only.

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