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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9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)
10.19 mi / 1775 ft gainThe San Gorgonio Overlook trail via PCT is a challenging 10.2-mile out-and-back hike starting from the Whitewater Preserve in Southern California. This scenic trek offers spectacular views of Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak, while traversing through the diverse landscapes...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainThe Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood Trailhead via PCT is an epic 7.8-mile point-to-point trek through the San Gorgonio Wilderness of Southern California. This demanding trail segment offers PCT thru-hikers and adventurous day hikers a dramatic transition from desert landscapes to alpine...Read more -
Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon
6.3 mi / 1112 ft gainRainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Whitewater, California
Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail
4.3 mi / 387 ft gainRed Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
11.65 mi / 1401 ft gainBig Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
2.51 mi / 430 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Cabazon, California
Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
4.4For any fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure or The Wizard, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are instantly recognizable. A roadside attraction off of Hwy 10 - 90 miles east of Los Angeles - the dinosaurs, heralded as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs", are a quick adventure.To get to the dinosaurs, you’ll travel on...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree
4.516.12 mi / 1539 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Warner Springs, California
Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail
5.06.2 mi / 807 ft gainWith 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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
5.03.08 mi / 653 ft gainJust 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...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
The Slot
4.82.2 mi / 266 ft gainHiking 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...Read more -
Pioneertown, California
Historic Pioneertown
3.0Here in California we have a lot of desert to sift through. When trying to figure out how to navigate the mass, you have to know the places worth fighting the brutal heat or chilling cold. Pioneertown will lure you in regardless. You will see why as you make your way up the 4-mile winding road ...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Palomar Observatory Trail
4.35.09 mi / 768 ft gainSituated 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...Read more -
Niland, California
Night Photography at the Salton Sea
5.0Heading from the Los Angeles area, hop on the I-10 East, eventually keep righ to continue on CA-86 South signs for Brawley/El Centro/865 Expy, then a left on 195 East, then a right onto CA-111 South, shortly after you will be riding alongside the Salton Sea.You may want to arrive while there is s...Read more -
Niland, California
Exploring the Salton Sea
4.0The 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 ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Dispersed Camp at Old Dale Mining District
5.0It can be a pain to try and camp in Joshua Tree. Most of the sites get reserved way in advance and if you are looking for privacy or a quiet area, it's not going to happen. But you can camp outside the park on BLM land and there is a great place to do this, it's called Old Dale Mining district. ...Read more
