Palm Desert, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Palm Desert, California, are a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. The Bump and Grind Trail is a top choice. This 4-mile round trip trail offers a moderate challenge and panoramic views of Coachella Valley. Natural features include a variety of desert plants and occasional sightings of bighorn sheep. For a scenic and slightly easier option, try the Art Smith Trail. This 16-mile trail showcases the unique beauty of the desert, from palm oases to rocky canyons. If you're looking to cool off, head to Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area nearby. It offers fishing, camping, and picnic spots. For a different kind of outdoor activity, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit. It's home to desert animals and plants from around the world.

Top Spots in and near Palm Desert

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
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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Desert Hot Springs, California
Pushwalla Palms Loop

4.33 mi / 741 ft gain

Pushwalla Palms Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Thousand Palms, 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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Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop

4.76 mi / 1293 ft gain

Araby and Berns Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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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
Palm Canyon Trail to Vandeventer Trail

5 mi / 840 ft gain

Palm Canyon Trail to Vandeventer Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, 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
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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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
Berns Trail

3.92 mi / 1119 ft gain

Berns Trail is a point-to-point trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.
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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
Explore the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs

5.0

1 mi / 100 ft gain

Indian Canyon is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. One of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a large waterfall or stay walk along the stream and relax ...
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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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