Joshua Tree, California
One of the top outdoor adventures in Joshua Tree, California is hiking along the Ryan Mountain Trail. This moderate difficulty trail is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and unique rock formations. It's a 3-mile round trip hike to the summit where you can enjoy scenic vistas of the park. Another best trail is the Barker Dam Nature Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that features a lake and is perfect for all skill levels. For rock climbing enthusiasts, Joshua Tree is a popular destination with over 8,000 climbing routes. Nearby, you can also explore the Cholla Cactus Garden, a dense concentration of cholla cacti. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Joshua Tree.
Top Spots in and near Joshua Tree
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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, 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 -
Palm Springs, California
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
5.09.41 mi / 8238 ft gainSkyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 1293 ft gainAraby and Berns Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill via Araby Trail
5.08.85 mi / 2844 ft gainMurray 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby Trail
4.58 mi / 1545 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
South 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
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 -
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 -
Palm Springs, California
Earl Henderson and Shannon Trail Loop
4.31 mi / 1257 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto
John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike. Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram
5.08 mi / 2400 ft gainIntermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Scramble Cornell Peak
3.5 mi / 1000 ft gainEntering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area. Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill Loop
8.16 mi / 2260 ft gainMurray Hill Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail
3.35 mi / 518 ft gainHidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Caramba Overlook
12.97 mi / 2779 ft gainCaramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.Read more