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
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert
4 mi / 830 ft gainOpen from March until October - but I would not particularly recommend this hike in the summer months, unless you started in the wee almost dark hours. This is the desert and it gets hot early and quickly.This is a former calcite mine with slot canyons, great rock formations and some shady areas ...Read more -
Pioneertown, California
Pioneertown to Big Bear via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02
18.8 mi / 3287 ft gainThe Pioneertown to Big Bear trail via Burns Canyon Road and 2N02 is a unique hiking route in Pioneertown, California. This trail is known for its diverse terrain and stunning views. The trail starts in the historic Pioneertown and winds its way up to Big Bear, a popular mountain resort. The tra...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 -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Gorgonio
4.717 mi / 5840 ft gainA hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
The Slot
4.72.2 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 -
Temecula, California
Dripping Springs Trail
4.013.68 mi / 3287 ft gainThe trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak
17.83 mi / 5627 ft gainVivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground
5.04.4 mi / 718 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 -
Aguanga, California
Vail Lake Loop
4.07.25 mi / 922 ft gainVail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop
3.04 mi / 900 ft gainPalomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest.The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be compl...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to French Valley
5.03.8 mi / 450 ft gainWhen it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail
11.3 mi / 449 ft gainSouth Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.Read more -
Landers, California
Explore Giant Rock
This is an adventure that my wife and me have been wanting to do for a while now. We finally decided to make the 30 minute journey out to Landers from Yucca Valley. There are quite a few points of interest along the way, but that is a story for another adventure.Giant Rock is 5.2 miles northwest ...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
Jenks Lake
4.00.77 mi / 49 ft gainIf you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...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 -
Julian, California
Volcan Mountain Trail
4.82 mi / 1270 ft gainVolcan Mountain Trail located near Julian, California is a moderate day hike. This well-maintained trail offers beautiful views, but keep in mind there isn't too much sun protection, so be sure to pack plenty of water and coverage on sunnier days. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash.Read more
