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  • Mountain Center
  • Mountain Center, California

    Mountain Center, California is the spot for the best trails and outdoor activities. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail, is a top pick. It offers scenic views of rock formations and the San Jacinto River. The trail is challenging, but the sight of Lake Hemet, a must-visit, is rewarding. For a less strenuous hike, the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point provides a panoramic view of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. If you're up for outdoor adventures, try horseback riding at the Garner Valley Equestrian Center. Near Mountain Center, visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a unique attraction with desert animals and plants. Enjoy the best of Mountain Center's outdoors!

    Top Spots in and near Mountain Center

    • 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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    • 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

      Lion Peak Trail

      9.39 mi / 1722 ft gain
      Lion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, 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 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

      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

      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

      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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    • 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

      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

      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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    • Mountain Center, California

      Apache Peak Trail

      9.4 mi / 2966 ft gain
      Apache Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, 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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    Camping and Lodging in Mountain Center

    Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
    Mountain Center, California

    Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg

    Fern Basin
    Riverside County, California

    Fern Basin

    Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
    Riverside County, California

    Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday

    Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
    Black Mountain Truck Trail

    Black Mountain (San Bernardino)

    Boulder Basin
    Black Mountain Trail

    Boulder Basin

    Oak Grove Campground
    Warner Springs, California

    Oak Grove Campground

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Mountain Center

    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