HIKING IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS & COACHELLA VALLEY
There is no shortage of trails to explore the diverse natural beauty that is Greater Palm Springs / Coachella Valley. Greater Palm Springs offers more than 100 trails to choose from. Step-by-step using your own two feet, hiking allows you to mix fitness with up-close discoveries of the most beautiful areas of the oasis. Below is a list of 10 of our personal favorites, many locations listed on the DGTG Concierge Map -
Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons: The casual, two-mile hike amid Palm Springs' historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians tribal grounds counts among the most unique in the region. Part of the Indian Canyons' 60 miles of hiking trails, Andreas Canyon Trail's adjoining stream gives rise to bountiful vegetation which starkly contrasts the texture of the canyon's rocky routing.
Araby Trail: This six-mile (up and back) hike in Palm Springs may be accessed via the Rimcrest/Southridge development. For lovers of both iconic architecture and celebrities, the greatest beauty may well prove to be the trail's proximity to the legendary, John Lautner-designed Bob and Delores Hope estate.
North and South Lykken Trail : The North Lykken Trail in Palm Springs follows the same route as the North Lykken Loop but offers a shorter, out-and-back sojourn. The 2.8-mile moderate hike begins at the end of Ramon Road (park in the unpaved lot) and snakes approximately 1,000 feet up the canyon, where rocky outcrops, boulders, and seasonal purple and yellow wildflowers paint a beautiful natural backdrop.
Joshua Tree National Park: A sweeping array of nature and fitness treks greets guests across the 1,250-square-mile breadth of space, which makes Joshua Tree among the most popular hiking, camping and rock climbing attractions both nationally and internationally. For leisurely hikes, check out the three-mile 49 Palms Oasis hike or the four-mile Lost Horse Mine & Mountain hike, both of which are filed under Moderately Strenuous by the National Park Service.
Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area: Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, the 710-acre park at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a great outdoors family day with its easily-accessible hikes, coupled with a host of recreational selections ranging from shore fishing to horseback riding.
Murray Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons: This hike through Indian Canyons offers a slightly more enhanced challenge than Andreas Canyon. Ranging from two to six miles, the hike ascends higher into the wildlife surrounds of the San Jacinto and reaches the splendor of the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking: Ascend the 10-minute ride from the Tram's Valley Station (at 2,600-feet elevation) to the bounty of the Mountain Station (at better than 8,500-feet). Awaiting hikers at Mount San Jacinto State Park are 54 miles of trails, ranging from scenic walks to extreme tests. For a happy balance, explore the 2.5-mile hike to comely Round Valley.
Palm Springs Museum Trail: Located behind the Palm Springs Art Museum's north parking lot, this free, two-mile hike presents a 900-foot elevation gain which culminates in an exceptional, picnic tabled-view of the city and valley below.
Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve: More than 25 miles of hiking opportunities define the Coachella Valley Preserve that contains the lush Thousand Palms Oasis. Nestled into the north end of Indio Hills, the true and unique palm grove is nourished by the waters seeping from the San Andreas Fault. For a secluded hike of measured demand, try the 4.5-mile loop of the Willis Palms Trail.
The Cross Trail: This 2.6-mile loop hike offers visitors a perfect viewpoint of Greater Palm Springs. Many hikers with headlamps also enjoy this trail in the evening just when the sun is setting behind the oasis mountains and the cross lights up the night sky.
