Rancho Mirage, California

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...

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...

The Pacific Crest Trail section from Whitewater Preserve to Stone House offers a challenging 12.4-mile out-and-back trek through the dramatic desert landscape of Southern California. Starting from the scenic Whitewater Preserve at 2,700 feet elevation, this trail section provides hikers with an...

The 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...

The 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...

The starting point for this hike is at the Black Rock campground, 5 miles from the town of Yucca Valley. You'll need to self register for a free backcountry permit before starting. The first section of the trail follows a wash then the trail narrows and, after only a mile or two, you'll begin cl...

Big Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.

Backcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B". At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extr...

The 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...

The 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...

South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.

The San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits.  If you choose to ...

The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...