Hiking In Palm Springs, California

Mountain vistas, rocky gorges, palm oases, unusual rock formations and desert canyons are what Palm Springs offers the hiking enthusiast. Trails are abundant in this area and range from easy hikes for the beginner to more challenging trails for the experienced hiker.

Beginner Trails

Novice hikers are best suited to flat or slightly sloped trails with few obstacles. Andreas Canyon and Palm Springs trails in Indian Canyons are fun hikes that feature views of rocky gorges and palm oases. Big Morongo Canyon Reserve offers a set of trails that you can adapt to your skill and fitness levels. For example, when hiking Desert Willow Trail, you can choose to join Yucca Ridge Trail for a more challenging hike. The most common injuries while hiking are sprains and strains caused by falls or overuse. Make sure you wear comfortable, sturdy footwear, step safely and don't push yourself too hard.

Intermediate

Palm Springs offers many trails suited to the intermediate hiker who has completed five or more increasingly difficult hikes. Araby Trail is an uphill climb that leads you to the house of Bob Hope and often is referred to as the “trail to Bob Hope's house." This trail connects to other paths, including the Berns, Garstin and Clara Burgess trails--all of which are strenuous, uphill treks. Located behind the Palm Springs Art Museum, you will find the 1.5-mile Museum Trail, which leads to an outlook over Palm Springs. Rancho Mirage's 2-mile Bump and Grind trail is popular with the locals and offers a good cardio workout that starts at the valley floor.

Challenging

An experienced hiker is capable of accepting the challenges offered by the more difficult hiking trails in Palm Springs. The Maynard Mine trail is a 5-mile hike that begins in Murray Canyon, climbs 2,200 feet and leads to an old tungsten mine. The unusual, rose-, red-, purple- and green-hued Mecca Hills are an excellent hiking destination. For a moderately strenuous hike, remain in the main canyon. You should schedule four hours to complete the 4.5-mile ladder climb loop. This trail will take you to the top of the hills through a series of ladders where you will be treated to views of the valley and Salton Sea.

Expert

According to Backpacker Magazine, the Cactus to Clouds Trail at Mount San Jacinto State Park ranks as the fifth hardest day hike in America, and its 10,700-foot climb is “comparable to doing more than a thousand flights of stairs.” This is a grueling 23-mile hike that necessitates a pre-dawn start to avoid increasing desert temperatures. On a clear day, from the summit, you can see all the way to the coast.

Considerations

Always carry more water than you think you'll need--at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking. Know the terrain you will be hiking and choose the appropriate gear and equipment. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear made specifically for hiking. Use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Hike with a buddy. Fire officials recommend that you stay on clearly marked trails, carry a map, compass, cell phone and emergency items such as a space blanket, lighter, matches or a flint bar.