Palm Desert, California

Looking for the best hiking in Palm Desert? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Palm Desert. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Palm Desert

  • Palm Springs, California

    Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station

    9.41 mi / 8238 ft gain
    The Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive

    1.67 mi / 906 ft gain
    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Hidden Trail to Flag Mountain

    4.5 mi / 950 ft gain
    Hidden Trail to Flag Mountain is a lesser-known local trail in Desert Edge, California. The trail leads to Flag Mountain, which displays an American flag and a Canadian flag at the summit. 
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram

    5.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Intermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Scramble Cornell Peak

    3.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Entering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area.  Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail

    3.35 mi / 518 ft gain
    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Caramba Overlook

    12.97 mi / 2779 ft gain
    Caramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild

    5.0
    10.09 mi / 1404 ft gain
    Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree

    1.81 mi / 476 ft gain
    Most automobile-bound visitors to Joshua Tree make their way to Keys View, and why wouldn't they? It has some of the best views in the park and with it, some of the biggest, loudest crowds. Most don't realize that a short hike away is even *better* views and, if you're lucky, solitude, on top of ...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide

    4.5
    14.57 mi / 4475 ft gain
    Mt. 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...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail

    5.0
    8.31 mi / 2238 ft gain
    Tahquitz 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...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Mission Creek Trail

    15.33 mi / 1594 ft gain
    Mission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike to Lost Horse Mine

    4.09 mi / 545 ft gain
    To 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 ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Covington Crest Trail

    3.09 mi / 177 ft gain
    Accessing 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...
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  • Riverside County, California

    San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead

    11.25 mi / 4505 ft gain
    San 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. ...
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  • Yucca Valley, California

    Eureka Peak

    5.0
    0.47 mi / 82 ft gain
    Accessing 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...
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