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Yucca Valley, California

Yucca Valley, California offers a plethora of unique experiences for visitors to explore. From hiking the best trails to exploring the scenic desert landscape, there is something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include the Oasis of Mara and the Joshua Tree National Park. For adventurers, the Integratron and Keys View are both excellent choices. With so many activities and attractions to choose from, Yucca Valley is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get out and explore.

Top Spots in and near Yucca Valley

  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 653 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Ryan Ranch

    0.75 mi / 56 ft gain
    If you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike Ryan Mountain

    4.8
    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    One of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain

    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Hike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft. The trail is open during all se...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Catch a Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree NP

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree

    1.81 mi / 425 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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  • 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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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Pushwalla Palms Loop

    4.33 mi / 741 ft gain
    Pushwalla Palms Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Thousand Palms, California.
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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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  • Palm Springs, California

    Museum Trail

    1.52 mi / 860 ft gain
    The Museum Trail is a very steep climb with a 1,000 feet elevation gain in just one mile but has some great views of downtown Palm Springs. The hike starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. This trail can also access the Cactus to Clouds Trail that goes all the way to the top of Mt. San Jacinto...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station

    5.0
    9.41 mi / 8238 ft gain
    Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Desert Queen Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House

    3.41 mi / 656 ft gain
    This is a great trail and arguably, entering the mines is the coolest part. Bring a headlamp so you can see down tunnels. As you go past the giant boulders on the right, you enter a nice microclimate of cooler air and scrubby oak trees. Don't forget to look up - you'll see lots of erosion on the ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto

    John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike.  Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...
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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

    South Carl Lykken Trail - North Section

    3.42 mi / 1076 ft gain
    South Carl Lykken Trail - North Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Palm Springs, California.
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