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Indio, California

Indio, California, is a must-visit for top outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities are plentiful here, with the Coachella Valley Hiking Trail being a standout. This moderate difficulty trail spans over 20 miles and offers scenic views of the surrounding desert landscapes. Along the trail, hikers can observe unique rock formations and the Whitewater River. Another popular attraction is Lake Cahuilla, a man-made reservoir perfect for fishing and picnicking. Also worth a visit is Joshua Tree National Park, located near Indio, where you can explore the stunning desert wilderness and its diverse fauna and flora. Whether you're a hiker, angler, or simply enjoy scenic landscapes, Indio has something for you.

Top Spots in and near Indio

  • La Quinta, California

    Boo Hoff Trail

    12.7 mi / 2323 ft gain
    Boo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.
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  • La Quinta, California

    Hike to Lake Cahuilla

    4.5
    5.41 mi / 183 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Pushwalla Palms Loop

    4.33 mi / 741 ft gain
    Pushwalla Palms Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Thousand Palms, California.
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  • Mecca, California

    Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 990 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Mecca, California

    Big Painted Canyon

    3.61 mi / 541 ft gain
    Big Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Catch a Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree NP

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree

    1.81 mi / 425 ft gain
    Most 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 ...
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  • Mecca, California

    Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop

    5.0
    4 mi / 2215 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Dunn Road

    15.55 mi / 994 ft gain
    Dunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike to Lost Horse Mine

    4.09 mi / 545 ft gain
    To 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 ...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Cactus Spring Trail

    31.73 mi / 6407 ft gain
    Cactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Araby Trail

    4.58 mi / 1545 ft gain
    This hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate.  You c...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Murray Hill via Araby Trail

    5.0
    8.85 mi / 2844 ft gain
    Murray Hill is the highest point in the surrounding trail system. You can access it from Araby Trail or anyone of the others in the area. It's about 9 miles round-trip and a healthy 2,850 vertical feet gain. From the top of the Shannon Trail bear right until you reach the Wildhorse Trailhead. Go...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Araby and Berns Trail Loop

    4.76 mi / 1293 ft gain
    Araby and Berns Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Earl Henderson and Shannon Trail Loop

    4.31 mi / 1257 ft gain
    This is a short but sweet trail close to the Araby and Garstin Trails. Great views of Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. Parking area is off of Lansdale Street. From here, head down the Earl Henderson Trail and you will see where in connects with the Shannon Trail. You can choose to swit...
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Camping and Lodging in Indio

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Riverside County, California

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday

Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
Mountain Center, California

Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg

Sheep Pass Group
Unnamed Road

Sheep Pass Group

From $40 / night

Guides, Insights and Stories from Indio

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

The Outbound Collective

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

The Outbound Collective

24 Hours in Joshua Tree National Park

24 Hours in Joshua Tree National Park

Holly Mandarich

My First Trip Down to Joshua Tree National Park

My First Trip Down to Joshua Tree National Park

Benjamin Canevari

Southern California's Off-Season Gems: Mojave, Death Valley, Alabama Hills, and Joshua Tree

Southern California's Off-Season Gems: Mojave, Death Valley, Alabama Hills, and Joshua Tree

Tyler McKay

A Beginner's Climbing Guide to Joshua Tree

A Beginner's Climbing Guide to Joshua Tree

Sarah Horn