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La Quinta, California

La Quinta, California, is a top spot for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Bear Creek Trailhead. This moderate difficulty trail offers scenic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the Coachella Valley. The trail is also home to various bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching. Another highlight is the Cove to Lake Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that leads to the beautiful Lake Cahuilla. The trail features unique rock formations and diverse desert vegetation. For those interested in mountain biking, the Boo Hoff Trail is a challenging ride with stunning desert landscapes. Near La Quinta, Joshua Tree National Park offers rock climbing, camping, and star gazing. These outdoor activities make La Quinta a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near La Quinta

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Palm Springs, California

    Indian Canyon West Fork Trail

    5.3 mi / 1545 ft gain
    Indian Canyon West Fork Trail is a strenuous out-and-back trail located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Palm Canyon Trail

    4.5
    1.94 mi / 308 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Indian Potrero Loop Trail

    8.67 mi / 1247 ft gain
    Indian Potrero Loop Trail is a strenuous loop trail located near Palm Springs, 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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  • Palm Springs, California

    Murray Hill Loop

    8.16 mi / 2260 ft gain
    Murray Hill Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Coffman Trail from Andreas Canyon Rd

    3.56 mi / 525 ft gain
    Coffman Trail, located in Palm Springs, California, is a popular hiking destination. The trail is approximately 3.56 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty. It begins at Andreas Canyon Road and winds its way up the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landsc...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Andreas Canyon

    5.0
    1.03 mi / 154 ft gain
    Andreas 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 ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail

    4.01 mi / 587 ft gain
    A 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 ...
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Camping and Lodging in La Quinta

Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
Mountain Center, California

Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Riverside County, California

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday

Fern Basin
Riverside County, California

Fern Basin

Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
Black Mountain Truck Trail

Black Mountain (San Bernardino)

Boulder Basin
Black Mountain Trail

Boulder Basin

Guides, Insights and Stories from La Quinta

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

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Aaron Rickel Jones

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