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
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Cabazon, California
Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
4.4For any fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure or The Wizard, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are instantly recognizable. A roadside attraction off of Hwy 10 - 90 miles east of Los Angeles - the dinosaurs, heralded as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs", are a quick adventure.To get to the dinosaurs, you’ll travel on...Read more -
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree West Side Trail
4.03.22 mi / 302 ft gainJoshua Tree West Side Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide
4.514.57 mi / 4475 ft gainMt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
5.08.31 mi / 2238 ft gainTahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail is a moderately trafficked 8+ mile out and back trail located near Idyllwild, California. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area that features a fire lookout tower at the peak and amazing views of the valley below. At an elevation...Read more -
Riverside County, California
San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead
11.25 mi / 4505 ft gainSan Jacinto Peak is the second highest peak in Southern California which sits at 10,833'. There are several trails to summit San Jacinto, but Marion Mountain is the shortest but also a tough one. You will start the hike at an elevation of 6300' and continuously climb 4500' in less than 6 miles. ...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Catch a Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree NP
5.0This is a great place to watch the sunset, perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and is well worth the 20-minute drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road. The views reach as far south as Salton Sea and on some clear days...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree
1.81 mi / 476 ft gainMost automobile-bound visitors to Joshua Tree make their way to Keys View, and why wouldn't they? It has some of the best views in the park and with it, some of the biggest, loudest crowds. Most don't realize that a short hike away is even *better* views and, if you're lucky, solitude, on top of ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Willow Hole Trail
6.8 mi / 341 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Banning, California
Lake Fulmor Loop Trail
5.00.53 mi / 89 ft gainLake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA. The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels. There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line. To fish in Lake Fulm...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park
0.75 miPark at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
4.41.03 mi / 164 ft gainTurn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. Af...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Cap Rock Nature Trail
3.00.75 mi / 161 ft gainThere are two Joshua Trees guarding the trail, which makes for a perfect photo op. There are some monzogranite rock formations (of which the park is famous for). Watch for bunnies and lizards! The trail is handicap accessible, so parents with young children in strollers or those in wheelchairs ca...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
4.09 mi / 545 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...Read more -
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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree
4.8Joshua 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...Read more
