A city nestled in Sonoran Desert, Southern California, Palm Springs is the ultimate travel destination. The city is flocked by tourists from around the globe throughout the year for its natural beauty. Palm Springs is known for its golf courses, luxurious hotels and resorts, and hot springs. Along with this, the city is also notable for its mid-century contemporary architecture. There are a lot of things to do that are enough to keep the travelers entertained throughout the visit. But, if you love being in the outdoors, then, here is a list of some of the best hiking and trekking spots in Palm Springs, California.
1. South Lykken Trailhead
Loved by adventure enthusiasts and fitness lovers from all over, South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs boasts breathtaking scenery of the oasis. The trail is covered with yellow and purple wildflowers and is usually seen during the wet season which is from November through April. Visitors will also get to see a family of cacti that sprout from the mini boulders and also witness the rare appearances of the bighorn sheep. To start with the hike, one must access through the south trailhead which is generally open to the horseback riders and the hikers/trekkers. The trail also lands to a flat sandy region where visitors can enjoy a small picnic with the stunning backdrop of Greater Palm Springs.
South Lykken Trailhead
Address: S Lykken Trail I, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Website: South Lykken Trailhead
2. Cactus to Clouds Trail
Renowned as the C2C trail, and also considered as the fifth hardest hike in the country, Cactus to Clouds Trail starts the trail from Palm Springs and goes up to San Jacinto Peak. One of the best day-hike routes, this steeper trail takes you through the Skyline Trail, which passes through multiple other trail systems. The trail is approximately 32 miles long (51 km) both from desert to the peak and vice versa. The trail features a lot of wildflowers and a good space to photograph the natural landscape.
Cactus to Clouds Trail
Address: Skyline Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
3. Museum Trailhead
Although a short trail of just a 1.7-mile-long (2.7 km), Museum Trailhead is strenuous and is a tough hike for even the most experienced hikers because of its steep inclination and rocky grounds. The trail is situated at the back corner of the parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum. As you start with the hike, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the San Jacinto Mountains. The hike also includes a beautiful resting point featuring picnic tables with surrounding views of windmills, palm tree canopies, and golf courses. It is also not advisable to bring along the pets with you because of the difficult climb. After you descend from the hike, get your energy back by heading to any of the restaurants and coffee shops that line the streets.
Museum Trailhead
Address: N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Website: Museum Trailhead
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Araby Trail
If you want to soak in the natural beauty of Coachella Valley, then taking the Araby Trail seems the best option. This is a fairly easy hike of a 3.3-mile-long (5.3 km) round trip and non-experienced hikers would enjoy it. The trail is enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts, architectural lovers, and nature buffs. The location is also covered in beautiful wildflowers that bloom post-winter and the wet season. Along with this, the views of the valley also opens up the moment you hike up through the trail. As you complete your hike at Araby Trail past Bob Hope’s House, and if you are feeling even more adventurous, you can continue hiking up to trails including Henderson, Berns, and Garstin. The Araby Trail can be accessed from multiple points, one of which is the entrance from the Southridge.
Araby Trail
Address: Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Website: Araby Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Frank Bogert Trailhead
An easy trail offering incredible views of the valley, Frank Bogert Trailhead in Palm Springs rarely sees hikers, making this a perfect location if you are looking for a serene escape. This single trail leads you to many other trails in the region such as Berns Trail, Araby Trail, Goat Trail, and Wild Horse Trail among others.
Frank Bogert Trailhead
Address: Andreas Hills Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
6. Indian Canyons
Located in Palm Springs, Indian Canyons comprises Andreas Canyon, Palm Canyon, and Murray Canyon. Andreas Canyon provides hikers with more of a tranquil, scenic route, perfect for birdwatchers and photographers. Palm Canyon is a moderate hike that takes hikers to the stream which enables as a perfect picnic spot. And Murray Canyon is a comparatively easy trail than the other two and boasts ample wildlife less crowd.
Indian Canyons
Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Website: Indian Canyons
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
7. Burgess Access Trail
Located near Goat Trails in Palm Springs, Burgess Access Trail is a 2.7-mile-long (4.3) trail, which is surrounded by stunning scenery. Hikers can take multiple trails along the way. The trail is also blanketed by colorful wildflowers that bloom during the wet season and winter. If you want to catch beautiful sunrise or sunsets, this is the best place to do so, while also soaking in the breathtaking landscape.
Burgess Access Trail
Address: Goat Trails, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Earl Henderson Trail
A 2.9-mile-long (4.6 km) trail located near Palm Springs, Earl Henderson Trail is a trail not taken by many people, although it is an easy one. Because of its level of easiness, this trail is mostly used for activities including nature trips, horseriding, birdwatching, and hiking among others. And if you can’t leave your furry kids alone at home, you can bring them along to join you for this trail. After you reach the endpoint, you can either descend back all the way down or take other area trails such as Shannon Trail, Garstin Trail, or Araby Trail.
Earl Henderson Trail
Address: Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
9. Tahquitz Canyon
A 2-mile (3.2 km) loop leading to Tahquitz Falls, Tahquitz Canyon is a steep and rocky trail that has a lot of steps to climb, which is made of rock. Along with the 60-feet (18 meters) waterfall, the trail also features native plants and wildlife, rock art, and early irrigation canals. At the entrance towards the canyon, visitors can also explore the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center that features multiple cultural and educational exhibits. But, do keep in mind that the trail has little to no shade, so apply loads of sunscreen, and carry hats, and good hiking shoes.
Tahquitz Canyon
Address: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, California, USA
Website: Tahquitz Canyon
10. Clara Burgess Trail
Situated near Palm Springs, California, Clara Burgess Trail takes visitors to the conical peak of the magnificent Murray Hill. And to get to this trail, there are several other trails one must take, which requires an additional set of elevations. It can be approached either through Fern Canyon Trails or the Garstin Trails. This trail features beautiful wildflowers throughout. Make sure you have a map, or a good GPS because while descending or ascending to Clara Burgess Trail, it might seem a little confusing and could end up getting lost.
Clara Burgess Trail
Address: Goat Trails, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Website: Clara Burgess Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Enjoy the outdoorsy life in Palm Springs
The city in the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs comprises multiple adventure activities in the heart of nature. You could be a non-experienced hiker or the experienced one, rest assured, you will have the utmost fun. You can choose any of the trails on the list that can either be too easy, comfortable or too extreme.
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