Cathedral City, California
Looking for the best hiking in Cathedral City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Cathedral City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Cathedral City
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Twentynine Palms, California
Desert Queen Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House
3.41 mi / 656 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Split Rock Loop
5.01.94 mi / 220 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Backcountry Camp in Joshua Tree
5.02 miBackcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B".At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extrem...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon
5.03 mi / 1000 ft gainSheep 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Night Hike Painted Canyon
Take Box Canyon Rd to Painted Canyon Road. Painted Canyon Road is a dirt road, so exercise caution. The road dead ends at the Painted Canyon Trailhead parking lot.Once on the trail, look out for markers and arrow rock piles pointing to the slot canyons and other trails. Some climbing is necessary...Read more -
Mecca, California
Big Painted Canyon
3.61 mi / 541 ft gainBig Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.Read more -
Mecca, California
Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop
5.04 mi / 2215 ft gainFrom Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on f...Read more -
Mecca, California
Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills
5.04.5 mi / 990 ft gainFrom Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will b...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree
4.516.12 mi / 1539 ft gainThe Boy Scout trail connects the main part of the National Park to the outer rim campground, Indian Cove Campground. All backcountry overnight trips must be registered at a registration board (free, self-registration). Start this trip at the registration board located in either Indian Cove Campgr...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Arch Rock Nature Trail
4.31.24 mi / 92 ft gainThis is a rock formation very popular with young crowds at Joshua Tree. The views from this hike are spectacular. If you hike this trail at sunset, the gorgeous colors of the ski are reflected onto the rocks. There is a plaque along the trail detailing rock formations and facts about the parks ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Joshua Tree's White Tank Campground
5.0White Tank Campground is in the perfect spot to get a taste of all that Joshua Tree has to offer. As a central location to nearby hiking and climbing, it is easy to access the various parts of the park. Removed from the border of the park, White Tank doesn't attract as many visitors as the more p...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Night Shoot at Arch Rock
4.7If you're setting up camp, be sure to check out White Tank Campground, which is home to one of the most epic rock formations. The Arch is located here. It's only about 1/2 round trip of walking to this spot. Geology Tour Road offers some flat wide open views of Joshua Trees in all directions. If ...Read more -
Pioneertown, California
Pioneertown to Big Bear via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02
18.8 mi / 3287 ft gainThe Pioneertown to Big Bear trail via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02 is a unique hiking route in Pioneertown, California. This trail is known for its diverse terrain and stunning views. The trail starts in the historic Pioneertown and winds its way up to Big Bear, a popular mountain resort. The tra...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
5.03.08 mi / 653 ft gainJust off highway 62 lies an easy 1/2 day hike with incredible views of the Morongo Valley. Though technically part of the park, the out-of-the-way-ness of the hike means you don't need to pay the $20 National Park fee. Parking is ample, and there's a pit toilet at the trailhead (beware of bees an...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Gorgonio
4.717 mi / 5840 ft gainA hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak
17.83 mi / 5627 ft gainVivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.Read more