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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Riverside County, California
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
4.41.03 mi / 164 ft gainTurn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. Af...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park
0.75 miPark at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...Read more -
Mecca, California
Camp at the Salton Sea
4.0The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is a good place to camp. It has bathrooms with running water and showers. There are 3 options for camping RV camping with hookups is $30 per night. Tent camping at New Camp (on the map to the right) or Mecca Beach is $20 per night. One can also camp at a more ...Read more -
Yucca Valley, California
Eureka Peak
5.00.47 mi / 82 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. Bring spare water and emergency tools incase of a breakdown. From Route 62 in Yucca Valley, CA take La Contenta Dr. South toward Joshua Tree. This is a backcountry entrance that does not hav...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain
2.86 mi / 1056 ft gainHike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft. The trail is open during all se...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike Ryan Mountain
4.82.86 mi / 1056 ft gainOne of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree
Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, t...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree
4.8Joshua Tree National Park is known for its world class rock climbing, out of this world landscapes, and some of the darkest skies around. Having a base camp inside of the park is incredibly important as it's quite massive and I found that Hidden Valley Campground is strategically placed smack dab...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.4 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 -
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 -
Twentynine Palms, California
Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock
5.00.5 mi / 200 ft gainPark your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures
4.6Here's a map I made that marks where most of the sculptures are (here). First, you enter the park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can't miss, so you know you're on the right path. There is nowhere to park to get to the sculptures specifically,...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Backcountry Camp in Joshua Tree
5.02 miBackcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B".At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extrem...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Wall Street Mill
4.02.43 mi / 131 ft gainHike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play a...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Joshua Tree's Jumbo Rocks
4.8Set your tent up next to a wall of tall boulders. This campground can offer a little shade, which is key especially during the warmer months. At the campground, there are 124 first-come, first-serve sites for $10 per night. Each campsite comes available with a picnic table and fire ring. The camp...Read more
