Desert Hot Springs, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Desert Hot Springs, California, offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures for all fitness levels. The Pushawalla Palms Loop Trail is a top pick for hikers. This moderate 4.4-mile trail features a river and stunning rock formations. For a more challenging hike, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers a 6-mile trek with bird-watching opportunities and unique desert vegetation. Nearby, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit with its iconic Joshua Trees and starry night skies. For a relaxing day, head to the Desert Hot Springs Spa, with its hot mineral water pools. Don't forget to visit the Cabot's Pueblo Museum for a slice of local history. Enjoy these outdoor activities and attractions in and near Desert Hot Springs.

Top Spots in and near Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs, California
Mission Creek Trail

15.33 mi / 1594 ft gain

Mission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.
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Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail

11.65 mi / 1401 ft gain

Big Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.
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9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT

7.79 mi / 1421 ft gain

Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Whitewater, California.
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Whitewater, California
Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail

4.3 mi / 387 ft gain

Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California
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Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon

6.3 mi / 1112 ft gain

Rainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California
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9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)

10.19 mi / 1775 ft gain

San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater) is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California.
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9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House

12.38 mi / 1588 ft gain

Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.
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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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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

Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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Yucca Valley, California
Eureka Peak

5.0

0.47 mi / 82 ft gain

Accessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. Bring spare water and emergency tools incase of a breakdown. From Route 62 in Yucca Valley, CA take La Contenta Dr. South toward Joshua Tree. This is a backcountry entrance that does not hav...
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Yucca Valley, California
Backpack the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree

36.97 mi / 2792 ft gain

The starting point for this hike is at the Black Rock campground, 5 miles from the town of Yucca Valley. You'll need to self register for a free backcountry permit before starting. The first section of the trail follows a wash then the trail narrows and, after only a mile or two, you'll begin cl...
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Palm Springs, California
Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto

John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike. Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...
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Palm Springs, California
Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram

5.0

8 mi / 2400 ft gain

Intermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...
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Palm Springs, California
Scramble Cornell Peak

3.5 mi / 1000 ft gain

Entering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area. Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...
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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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