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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Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Photograph the Cholla Cactus Gardens
4.40.25 mi / 0 ft gainThe Cholla Cactus Garden is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The trail is in total about a 0.25 loop, but you are certainly free to wander around more. Plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the scenery. If you are a photographer, you will be enthralled by the light...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Pine Oak Lane Beach
Pine Oak Lane Beach, is located on the western side of Big Bear Lake. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an action-packed day on the water, this scenic beach has something for everyone. Activities: At Pine Oak Lane Beach, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swi...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 -
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 -
Redlands, California
Run the Carriage Trail
3.52.5 mi / 300 ft gainThere is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia.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 -
San Bernardino County, California
Aztec Falls
3.31.23 mi / 16 ft gainFrom Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP
The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop
5.02.3 mi / 331 ft gainThe trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed. If you plan on going to the top...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Explore Cottonwood Spring
Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you...Read more -
Temecula, California
Dripping Springs Trail
4.013.68 mi / 3287 ft gainThe trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...Read more -
Aguanga, California
Vail Lake Loop
4.07.25 mi / 922 ft gainVail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.Read more
