Desert Treks: The Best Hiking Trails in Palm Springs and Beyond

Lace up Your Boots and Hit These 9 Trails in the Desert

Spending time outdoors in a natural setting is proven to help one’s physical and mental health. I mean, who doesn’t feel better after witnessing breathtaking views and wild animals, all while getting in a workout? Greater Palm Springs has over a hundred hiking trails to choose from, but to narrow things down, we’ve selected nine of our favorites. Here are the best hiking trails in Palm Springs and beyond.

Living Desert Wilderness Loop

Photograph Provided By: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Credit: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

For adventurers seeking a test of endurance, this lengthy trail at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers a rugged journey through rocky terrain and ascends to high vantage points with stunning views. Navigate through boulder-filled canyons as you climb, scramble, and leap, eventually reaching sweeping panoramas of the Coachella Valley that make every effort worthwhile. Typically rated as challenging, the trail takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete. A favorite among hikers and runners, you’re likely to encounter fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way. The trail is best explored from September through May, but note that dogs are not permitted on this route, so plan accordingly.

📍Location: Palm Desert
🥾Length: 5 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 736 feet
🥵Difficulty: Challenging

Bump and Grind Loop

Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs

Located in the heart of Palm Desert, the Bump and Grind Loop is guaranteed to give you a good workout! This approximately four-mile loop is more of an exercise trail as opposed to a nature walk. Hikers have the option to ascend the Bump and Grind on the left side, which is steeper and more rigorous, or on the right side, a less steep but slightly longer path. Hikers are likely to spot some fuzzy ground squirrels and scaly lizards during their trek. Although rare, bighorn sheep sometimes pop up to show off their hiking skills.

📍Location: Palm Desert
🥾Length: 4 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 960 feet
🥵Difficulty: Moderate

The Skyline Route: Cactus to Clouds

hiking in Palm Springs — Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs

For seasoned adventurers seeking a challenge, this 20.3-mile point-to-point trail near Palm Springs offers a demanding yet rewarding experience. Known for its difficulty, the route is best suited for experienced hikers who are prepared for its rugged terrain. Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, this Palm Springs hiking trail sees plenty of backpackers, campers and hikers, creating a bustling yet remote atmosphere. The ideal time to explore is from October to July when the conditions are most favorable. Keep in mind that this is a dog-free zone, so plan accordingly before setting out on this epic journey.

📍Location: Palm Springs to San Jacinto Peak
🥾Length: 20.3 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 10,715 feet
🥵Difficulty: Challenging

Ladder Canyon Trail and Painted Canyon Trail

Explore the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail near Thermal, a 4.4-mile loop known for its slot canyons, rock formations and ladder climbs. Best tackled clockwise, this moderately challenging trail offers stunning views but requires preparation for steep, sun-exposed sections. Bring plenty of water, check for seasonal closures and use a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access the trailhead. Ideal from October to April, this hike near Palm Springs is a thrilling desert adventure.

📍Location: Thermal
🥾Length: 4.4 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 866 feet
🥵Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Bear Creek Oasis Trail

Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs

Explore this 9.1-mile out-and-back trail in La Quinta, known for its challenging terrain. Completing the route typically takes around 5 hours and 3 minutes. A favorite among birdwatchers, hikers, and mountain bikers, the trail sees plenty of activity, so expect to share the path with others. Open year-round, it offers stunning scenery no matter the season, but dogs aren’t permitted, so plan accordingly.

Managed by the City of La Quinta for the initial stretch, the trail eventually transitions into the Santa Rosa Wilderness. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the southern mountains. The path starts with a relatively flat section before gradually ascending to the trail’s endpoint, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking vistas.

📍Location: La Quinta
🥾Length: 9.1 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 2,322 feet
🥵Difficulty: Challenging

Whitewater Canyon View Loop Trail

When we think of the desert, a flowing river doesn’t typically come to mind. However, the Whitewater River, located near Greater Palm Springs, is crucial to the region’s wildlife, vegetation and sustainability. This wondrous river that brings water down from the San Bernardino Mountains can be observed and hiked through on the Pacific Crest Trail Loop, which is a branch off of the PCT. (If you are unfamiliar with the PCT it is the trail that runs from the Mexican border up to the Canadian border.) The loop is almost four miles long and leads hikers across the Whitewater River, through the San Bernardino Mountains and down into the canyon itself.

📍Location: Whitewater
🥾Length: 3.8 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 666 feet
🥵Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Palm Canyon Trail to Stone Pools

The Palm Canyon Trail to Stone Pools offers a moderate yet rewarding hike within the Indian Canyons nature preserve. Access requires a $9 entrance fee, and pets are not allowed. Indian Canyons is renowned for its diverse trails, ranging from easy nature walks to steep climbs with significant elevation gains, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

For those seeking a mid-level challenge, this trail is an excellent choice. It blends distance with manageable elevation gain and showcases the beauty of the desert landscape. The hike begins at the Trading Post, following the Palm Canyon path to the Stone Pools. While water may not always fill the pools, the journey into this serene desert oasis is undeniably worth the effort.

📍Location: Palm Springs
🥾Length: 5.8 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 958 feet
🥵Difficulty: Moderate

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Clara Burgess Trail

Credit: Cobber99 Flickr

The Clara Burgess Trail offers a 7.3-mile out-and-back adventure near Palm Springs, culminating at the summit of Murray Hill, which stands at 2,320 feet above sea level. Rated as moderately challenging, this trail typically takes about 4 hours and 19 minutes to complete. It’s a favorite among hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, so expect to share the path with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Accessible year-round, the trail showcases stunning desert landscapes no matter the season. However, dogs are not permitted on this route, so plan accordingly. With its combination of scenic views and a manageable challenge, the Clara Burgess Trail is an ideal choice for those seeking an engaging hike in Palm Springs.

📍Location: Palm Springs
🥾Length: 7.3 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 2,112 feet
🥵Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

The Cross Trail

The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Desert, provides an easy to moderate hike, typically completed in just over an hour. Popular among birdwatchers, hikers and mountain bikers, this trail is popular among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Open year-round, it offers picturesque views in any season, and dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash.

Beginning at the Homestead Link, the trail connects to the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, leading past the cross as you head south. The path is well-marked and easy to navigate, with vibrant wildflowers adding color during spring. A few steep sections along the way ensure a heart-pumping adventure for all who tackle it.

📍Location: Palm Desert
🥾Length: 2.2 miles
⛰️Elevation Gain: 610 feet
🥵Difficulty: Easy to Moderate