Thermal, California
Top Spots in and near Thermal
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Riverside County, California
Night Hike Painted Canyon
Take Box Canyon Rd to Painted Canyon Road. Painted Canyon Road is a dirt road, so exercise caution. The road dead ends at the Painted Canyon Trailhead parking lot.Once on the trail, look out for markers and arrow rock piles pointing to the slot canyons and other trails. Some climbing is necessary...Read more -
Mecca, California
Big Painted Canyon
3.61 mi / 541 ft gainBig Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.Read more -
Mecca, California
Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop
5.04 mi / 2215 ft gainFrom Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on f...Read more -
Mecca, California
Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills
5.04.5 mi / 990 ft gainFrom Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will b...Read more -
La Quinta, California
Boo Hoff Trail
12.7 mi / 2323 ft gainBoo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Mecca, California
Camp at the Salton Sea
4.0The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is a good place to camp. It has bathrooms with running water and showers. There are 3 options for camping RV camping with hookups is $30 per night. Tent camping at New Camp (on the map to the right) or Mecca Beach is $20 per night. One can also camp at a more ...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Pushwalla Palms Loop
4.33 mi / 741 ft gainPushwalla Palms Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Thousand Palms, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Dunn Road
15.55 mi / 994 ft gainDunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Catch a Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree NP
5.0This is a great place to watch the sunset, perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and is well worth the 20-minute drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road. The views reach as far south as Salton Sea and on some clear days...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree
1.81 mi / 425 ft gainMost 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 ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Explore Cottonwood Spring
Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP
The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop
5.02.3 mi / 331 ft gainThe trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed. If you plan on going to the top...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
4.09 mi / 545 ft gainTo 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 ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Thermal
Mountain Center, California
Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
Overview
Ribbonwood is an ideal mountain escape for equestrian campers. The campground overlooks Palm Desert and the Salton Sea in southe...
Riverside County, California
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Hollywood's biggest names have long retreated to this desert oasis in Southern California's Coachella Valley. You'll feel like a star you...