Thermal, California

Top Spots in and near Thermal

  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Split Rock Loop

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 220 ft gain
    Starting out at the Split Rock Trail parking lot, you'll see Split Rock, which might be the most visited boulder in the park. Everyone makes a visit to it and while it is absolutely amazing, it's great to take the hour or two to wander around to more amazing scenery.  Immediately upon starting t...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree

    Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, t...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree

    4.8
    Joshua Tree National Park is known for its world class rock climbing, out of this world landscapes, and some of the darkest skies around. Having a base camp inside of the park is incredibly important as it's quite massive and I found that Hidden Valley Campground is strategically placed smack dab...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    South Carl Lykken Trail - North Section

    3.42 mi / 1076 ft gain
    South Carl Lykken Trail - North Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    South Lykken Trail to Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint

    3.6
    6.45 mi / 1654 ft gain
    The South Lykken Trail is the south half of the 9.5-mile Carl Lykken Trail, which weaves along a series of mountain ridges above downtown Palm Springs. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This section of the trail runs 3.2 miles one-way. You will gain just over 1600ft of elevation at the high...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock

    5.0
    0.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    Park your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area.  The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north.  As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination.  Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Wall Street Mill

    4.0
    2.43 mi / 131 ft gain
    Hike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play a...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Barker Dam

    1.28 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Desert Queen Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House

    3.41 mi / 656 ft gain
    This is a great trail and arguably, entering the mines is the coolest part. Bring a headlamp so you can see down tunnels. As you go past the giant boulders on the right, you enter a nice microclimate of cooler air and scrubby oak trees. Don't forget to look up - you'll see lots of erosion on the ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Museum Trail

    1.52 mi / 860 ft gain
    The Museum Trail is a very steep climb with a 1,000 feet elevation gain in just one mile but has some great views of downtown Palm Springs. The hike starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. This trail can also access the Cactus to Clouds Trail that goes all the way to the top of Mt. San Jacinto...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station

    5.0
    9.41 mi / 8238 ft gain
    The Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive

    1.67 mi / 906 ft gain
    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • San Diego County, California

    Hike Sheep Canyon

    5.0
    3 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.  The canyon is nam...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Covington Crest Trail

    4.2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Accessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Willow Hole Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

    6.8 mi / 341 ft gain
    The Willow Hole hike begins at Boy Scout trailhead and winds past and through the Wonderland of Rocks to a marshy stand of willows. The trail is flat, but with little shade so be sure to bring lots of water! As you leave the parking lot you'll enter an expansive stand of Joshua Trees that grows...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Tour Keys Desert Queen Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park

    Joshua Tree National Park flawlessly combines otherworldly landscapes, incredible recreational opportunities, and a colorful, wild-west history. Before it was a national park, Joshua Tree was home to cattle rustlers, gunslingers, miners, and rugged homesteaders.   One of the most quirky characte...
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