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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Twentynine Palms, California
Canyoneer Joshua Tree's Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
The trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon.From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a d...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Lion Peak Trail
9.39 mi / 1722 ft gainLion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.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 -
Forest Falls, California
Mt. San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek
4.717.83 mi / 5627 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 -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...Read more -
La Quinta, California
Boo Hoff Trail
12.7 mi / 2323 ft gainBoo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Dunn Road
15.55 mi / 994 ft gainDunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
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
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 -
Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail
11.3 mi / 2999 ft gainSouth Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Joshua Tree's Jumbo Rocks
4.8Set your tent up next to a wall of tall boulders. This campground can offer a little shade, which is key especially during the warmer months. At the campground, there are 124 first-come, first-serve sites for $10 per night. Each campsite comes available with a picnic table and fire ring. The camp...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Skull Rock Trail at Joshua Tree National Park
5.01.7 mi / 131 ft gainYou can park at the Jumbo Rocks Campground to start this quick hike. There are two parking locations for this campground and it will be easiest if you use the first one you see, rather than going farther off the road and right next to the campsites. To start the hike, start going north and immedi...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 -
Angelus Oaks, California
Jenks Lake
4.00.77 mi / 49 ft gainIf you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...Read more -
Landers, California
Explore Giant Rock
This is an adventure that my wife and me have been wanting to do for a while now. We finally decided to make the 30 minute journey out to Landers from Yucca Valley. There are quite a few points of interest along the way, but that is a story for another adventure.Giant Rock is 5.2 miles northwest ...Read more
