Thermal, California
Looking for the best hiking in Thermal? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Thermal. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Thermal
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Niland, California
Exploring the Salton Sea
4.0The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, created when irrigation canals from the Colorado River broke. In the 50's and 60's the area saw a boom in resorts and recreation as new "beach front" property was available and attracted hordes of people. Those days are long gone and although the ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail
3.35 mi / 518 ft gainHidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Caramba Overlook
12.97 mi / 2779 ft gainCaramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild
5.010.09 mi / 1404 ft gainPalm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
5.1 mi / 974 ft gainThis 5.1 mile hike begins near the visitor center of Anza Borrego Desert State Park and gains 974 feet of elevation while climbing up a canyon to a small waterfall. It is an interesting hike as you can see the plant life change as you get closer to the waterfall. There are parts where the trail g...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Canyoneer Joshua Tree's Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
The trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon.From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a d...Read more -
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree West Side Trail
4.03.22 mi / 302 ft gainJoshua Tree West Side Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.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 -
Mountain Center, California
Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide
4.514.57 mi / 4475 ft gainMt. 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...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
5.08.31 mi / 2238 ft gainTahquitz 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...Read more -
Desert Hot Springs, California
Mission Creek Trail
15.33 mi / 1594 ft gainMission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree
4.516.12 mi / 1539 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
5.03.08 mi / 653 ft gainJust off highway 62 lies an easy 1/2 day hike with incredible views of the Morongo Valley. Though technically part of the park, the out-of-the-way-ness of the hike means you don't need to pay the $20 National Park fee. Parking is ample, and there's a pit toilet at the trailhead (beware of bees an...Read more -
Yucca Valley, California
Backpack the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree
36.97 mi / 2792 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead
11.25 mi / 4505 ft gainSan 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. ...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....Read more