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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Twentynine Palms, California
Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
2.51 mi / 430 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree West Side Trail
4.03.22 mi / 302 ft gainJoshua Tree West Side Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.Read more -
Yucca Valley, California
California Riding and Hiking Trail
36.97 mi / 2792 ft gainThe starting point for this hike is at the Black Rock campground, 5 miles from the town of Yucca Valley. You'll need to self register for a free backcountry permit before starting. The first section of the trail follows a wash then the trail narrows and, after only a mile or two, you'll begin cl...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide
4.514.57 mi / 4475 ft gainMt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
5.08.31 mi / 2238 ft gainTahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail is a moderately trafficked 8+ mile out and back trail located near Idyllwild, California. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area that features a fire lookout tower at the peak and amazing views of the valley below. At an elevation...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 -
Twentynine Palms, California
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 -
San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon
5.02.71 mi / 732 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 na...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Fonts Point
4.58.02 mi / 551 ft gainThe best time to go to Fonts point is right before the sun sets. It is located in the desert, so be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket or two. In order to get to Fonts Point, you'll have to drive through roughly 4 miles of sand and rocks (8-miles roundtrip). 4x4 is strongly recommended, bu...Read more -
Riverside County, California
San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead
11.25 mi / 4505 ft gainSan Jacinto Peak is the second highest peak in Southern California which sits at 10,833'. There are several trails to summit San Jacinto, but Marion Mountain is the shortest but also a tough one. You will start the hike at an elevation of 6300' and continuously climb 4500' in less than 6 miles. ...Read more -
Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
11.65 mi / 1401 ft gainBig Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert
4 mi / 830 ft gainOpen from March until October - but I would not particularly recommend this hike in the summer months, unless you started in the wee almost dark hours. This is the desert and it gets hot early and quickly.This is a former calcite mine with slot canyons, great rock formations and some shady areas ...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 -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.05.4 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
