Location: Palm Springs
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Top 10 Hiking Trails in Palm Springs, California (CA)
Looking to relax in the sun? Palm Springs, with 354 days of sunshine per year, might be the place for you. Relax poolside or visit one of the many area spas… or tour some fantastic examples of mid-century modern architecture.
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1. Willis Palms Trail
2. Murray Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Located in the Indian Canyons, this trail passes some uniquely amazing desert vegetation, such as the yellow creosote flowers.
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
We hiked. It was fun. There were also people coming with horses as well. We preferred hiking. Every time we passed an oasis, we had to cross the water. Sometimes it was quite funny. We cross at least several oasis. Later we had to climb a mountain and we didn't see the seven sisters. They were there. We had to go at the left side and we could see the waterfalls. P.S. We had to come back through the oasis. We had fun!
3. Cactus to Clouds
4. Palm Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
This moderate-to-strenuous hiking trail has an elevation gain of 1,165 feet.
Reviewed By vagabond_dreams - Alberta, Canada
We hiked the Victor Loop, which consists of the Palm Canyon Trail in one direction and the Vector Trail back to the trailhead (or vice versa) - 4.5 km total. Of all the hiking we did over 2 days in Joshua Tree National Park and 2 days Palm Springs, this trail was one of our favourites. You pay to get in to the Indian Canyons, but it's well worth it. We arrived in the early afternoon and had time to do both this trail and the Andreas Canyon, a short 1.6 km loop which is also beautiful. Both trails are easy and also easily accessible from Palm Springs. Highly recommended.
5. Indian Canyons Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By kfromnyc - New York City, United States
Went to Indian Canyons for a day hike with friends while visiting Palm Springs ~3 hour hike via Palm Canyon trail, cut off at the Victor Beautiful scenery - palm trees, mountains, creek. Well worth the $9 adult admission fee! Highly recommend!
6. North Lykken Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By chilcotin1
This is really a great hike, you need to have a camera and good hiking boots, it can be slippery with smoother shoes
7. Palm Springs Museum Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By RoscoeBest
I spent a couple of hours and walked up to the peak of the trail where you can see the entire Valley. It was a nice day warm clear and I enjoyed the hike very much! It is a strenuous hike and I was glad that I was well prepared and brought extra water along because the trail is steep and you will burn a lot of calories walking up this mountain.
8. Garstin Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Hemingwayhero - Cathedral City, United States
Some of the greatest experiences encountered in my life have come when I was alone. Last Saturday I took to the mountains, hiking, again —this time by myself. Solitarily pursuing one’s goals, in accomplishing the daily round, or in the achievement of much loftier plans, provides one with the fodder for unfettered fulfillment —for in the company of others, discretion and compromise are the rule and any chance at seizing the opportunity for adventure, or following the promptings of your own wild inspiration(s), are considerably curtailed. Long solitary walks in nature stretch and strengthen the body and mind —nourishing the spirit in the process by connecting us with the natural environment and broadening the mind’s landscape. Walking with a partner has its place and purpose, deepening relationships and motivating the resolve to exercise, but for my money, the solitary path is to be preferred. Setting out for a short jaunt from the trailhead off of Bogert Trail road, my plan of only traversing the Garstin Loop —a moderate to strenuous hike of about 3.7 miles rising gently up Smoketree Mountain over a series of broad switchbacks and sociable paths above the Canyon Club area, turned into a trek to Murray Hill when I realized upon reaching the plateau connecting with the Shannon, Berns, Wild Horse, and Eagle Canyon Trails that it was certainly doable. The Garstin Loop takes little more than an hour to complete, depending upon one’s inclination to stop and take in the sweeping views of the valley this path affords, and has an elevation gain of about 1470 feet. Although a weekend, and the weather gorgeous, traffic on the trail was minimal —even eventful; a sense of peaceful cameraderie prevailed present in the acknowledging smiles and words of encouragement from others along. My decision to venture onward up to Murray Hill (2210 ft.), the highest peak in the immediate vicinity, added another two hours (and 6 mi.) to the hike, but was well worth it — the panoramic vistas up there are spectacular! Keeping to the left at the junction of Wild Horse and Fern Canyon Trails, I was feeling my oats heading up the path —rewarded with the brisk spring mountain breeze and 360 degree panoramic views of the Coachella Valley on the way to the peak, which were of (literally) breathing proportions. Hiking requires a sure-footedness which, like riding a motorcycle, summons the senses to be attuned to the surroundings and safety of one’s passage —while on the lookout for an imminent change in the environment (like a rattler crossing the path!), and enjoying a time- transcending heightened state of awareness. However, a deeper, more profound understanding of the beauty in that natural setting fell over me on the trail among the desert stone, sand and cerulean sky last weekend —an occurrence of that keen knowledge and undeniable feeling of oneness that you are a part of something larger than yourself. This expansion of identity (and with it a concern for the well being of all) intuitively felt when we’re in tune with our natural surroundings is, I believe, Nature’s greatest gift —the seemingly elusive grail quest of all hikers made manifest. It is my intent to seek out that solitary encounter with Nature once again. I encourage others to do likewise.
