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La Quinta, California

Looking for the best hiking in La Quinta? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around La Quinta. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near La Quinta

  • Whitewater, California

    Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail

    4.3 mi / 387 ft gain
    Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California
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  • Morongo Valley, California

    Big Morongo Canyon Trail

    11.65 mi / 1401 ft gain
    Big Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Canyoneer Joshua Tree's Rattlesnake Slot Canyon

    The 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 d...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree

    4.5
    16.12 mi / 1539 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Warner Springs, California

    Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 807 ft gain
    With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 653 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    The Slot

    4.7
    2.2 mi / 266 ft gain
    Hiking The Slot From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. You can take the trail to the right of the parking lot very briefly, but make sure or y...
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  • Pioneertown, California

    Indian Trail Loop at Pipe's Canyon

    6.16 mi / 892 ft gain
    Indian Trail Loop at Pipe's Canyon is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Pioneertown, California.
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

    5.0
    4.4 mi / 718 ft gain
    Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area.  A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes.  Dr...
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  • Pioneertown, California

    Pioneertown to Big Bear via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02

    18.8 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The Pioneertown to Big Bear trail via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02 is a unique hiking route in Pioneertown, California. This trail is known for its diverse terrain and stunning views. The trail starts in the historic Pioneertown and winds its way up to Big Bear, a popular mountain resort. The tra...
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  • Niland, California

    Exploring the Salton Sea

    4.0
    The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, created when irrigation canals from the Colorado River broke. In the 50's and 60's the area saw a boom in resorts and recreation as new "beach front" property was available and attracted hordes of people. Those days are long gone and although the ...
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  • Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Trail

    4.0
    13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

    3.0
    4 mi / 900 ft gain
    Palomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest.The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be compl...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike to French Valley

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 450 ft gain
    When it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...
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  • Aguanga, California

    Vail Lake Loop

    4.0
    7.25 mi / 922 ft gain
    Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.
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  • Julian, California

    Volcan Mountain Trail

    4.82 mi / 1270 ft gain
    Volcan Mountain Trail located near Julian, California is a moderate day hike. This well-maintained trail offers beautiful views, but keep in mind there isn't too much sun protection, so be sure to pack plenty of water and coverage on sunnier days.  Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash. 
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