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
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Riverside County, California
Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP
5.0The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree
4.5To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this clim...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Canyon Trail
4.51.94 mi / 308 ft gainThe fifteen mile long Palm Canyon, one of the Indian Canyons, is among the most beautiful natural sites in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, expertly used by the Cahuilla people, and its abundant Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) stand in breathtaking contrast to th...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 -
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
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
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 -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Hidden Trail to Flag Mountain
4.5 mi / 950 ft gainHidden Trail to Flag Mountain is a lesser-known local trail in Desert Edge, California. The trail leads to Flag Mountain, which displays an American flag and a Canadian flag at the summit.Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hall of Horrors
0.75 mi / 95 ft gainA trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite loca...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree
The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting ...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 -
Riverside County, California
Ryan Mountain
4.82.86 mi / 1056 ft gainOne of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Backcountry Camp in Joshua Tree
4.02 miBackcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B". At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extr...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 -
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
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
