Hemet, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Hemet, California offer a variety of scenic adventures. The Simpson Park Trail is a top pick for hikers, providing a moderate difficulty level with a 6.5-mile loop. The trail offers stunning views of rock formations, a diverse array of flora, and panoramic vistas of the city. Diamond Valley Lake, near Hemet, is a must-visit for fishing and boating. This man-made reservoir is surrounded by a 21.8-mile trail, perfect for biking or walking. For bird watching, the Western Science Center's grounds are home to numerous species. These outdoor adventures in and near Hemet are perfect for those seeking an active getaway.
Top Spots in and near Hemet
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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 -
Lake Elsinore, California
Explore Walker Canyon
4.3Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip. While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road. The trail begins at the corner of L...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail
4.01 mi / 587 ft gainA very scenic 4-mile round trip with a rewarding waterfall after a 2.5-mile hike/stroll. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Andreas Canyon
5.01.03 mi / 154 ft gainAndreas Canyon in Indian Canyons is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It is one of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a waterfall (Seven Falls) or stay ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Maynard Mine Trail
5.82 mi / 2487 ft gainMaynard Mine Trail is a good choice if you're looking for decent elevation gain to get the hear rate up. The trailhead is at Andreas Canyon (in the Indian Canyons). The trail has a rapid elevation gain of 2300' in the first 2.5 miles. The entire trail, out and back, is about 6 miles. The actua...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
South Lykken Trail to Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint
3.66.45 mi / 1654 ft gainThe South Lykken Trail is the south half of the 9.5-mile Carl Lykken Trail, which weaves along a series of mountain ridges above downtown Palm Springs. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This section of the trail runs 3.2 miles one-way. You will gain just over 1600ft of elevation at the high...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House
12.38 mi / 1588 ft gainThe Pacific Crest Trail section from Whitewater Preserve to Stone House offers a challenging 12.4-mile out-and-back trek through the dramatic desert landscape of Southern California. Starting from the scenic Whitewater Preserve at 2,700 feet elevation, this trail section provides hikers with an...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)
10.19 mi / 1775 ft gainThe San Gorgonio Overlook trail via PCT is a challenging 10.2-mile out-and-back hike starting from the Whitewater Preserve in Southern California. This scenic trek offers spectacular views of Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak, while traversing through the diverse landscapes...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainThe Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood Trailhead via PCT is an epic 7.8-mile point-to-point trek through the San Gorgonio Wilderness of Southern California. This demanding trail segment offers PCT thru-hikers and adventurous day hikers a dramatic transition from desert landscapes to alpine...Read more -
Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon
6.3 mi / 1112 ft gainRainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Whitewater, California
Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail
4.3 mi / 387 ft gainRed Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, CaliforniaSouth Carl Lykken Trail - North Section
3.42 mi / 1076 ft gainSouth Carl Lykken Trail - North Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trailhead
5.04.47 mi / 784 ft gainSan Mateo Peak, standing at an elevation of 3,591 feet, is the highest summit in the Elsinore Mountains, a subrange of the Santa Ana Mountains in Southern California. The peak offers hikers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is accessible via the Morgan Trail. Hours of Operation...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
9.41 mi / 8238 ft gainThe Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Museum Trail
1.52 mi / 860 ft gainThe 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...Read more
