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
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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 -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild
5.010.09 mi / 1404 ft gainPalm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
4.09 mi / 545 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...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 -
San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon
5.03 mi / 1000 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 nam...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Ryan Ranch
0.75 mi / 56 ft gainIf you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...Read more -
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 -
Riverside County, California
Hike the Covington Crest Trail
4.2 mi / 200 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...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 -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Mission Creek Trail
15.33 mi / 1594 ft gainMission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.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 -
Borrego Springs, California
Catch a Sunset at Fonts Point
4.04 miThe 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. 4x4 is strongly recommended, but keep an eye on road ...Read more
