Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, California is an excellent destination for active adventurers. It offers a variety of scenic trails and activities to explore, from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Tahquitz Canyon to Indian Canyons and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. For a more thrilling experience, guided tours of the San Andreas Fault or exploring Joshua Tree National Park are great options. Meanwhile, the Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for those wishing to relax. Golf lovers will enjoy the variety of must-visit golf courses in the area, such as the Indian Canyons Golf Resort and the Escena Golf Club. With so many things to do and see in the region, Palm Springs is an ideal spot for your next outdoor getaway.
Top Spots in and near Palm Springs
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Palm Springs, California
Earl Henderson and Shannon Trail Loop
4.31 mi / 1257 ft gainThis is a short but sweet trail close to the Araby and Garstin Trails. Great views of Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. Parking area is off of Lansdale Street. From here, head down the Earl Henderson Trail and you will see where in connects with the Shannon Trail. You can choose to swit...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Andreas Canyon
5.01.03 mi / 154 ft gainAndreas Canyon in Indian Canyons is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It is one of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a waterfall (Seven Falls) or stay ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Maynard Mine Trail
5.82 mi / 2487 ft gainMaynard Mine Trail is a good choice if you're looking for decent elevation gain to get the hear rate up. The trailhead is at Andreas Canyon (in the Indian Canyons). The trail has a rapid elevation gain of 2300' in the first 2.5 miles. The entire trail, out and back, is about 6 miles. The actua...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail
4.01 mi / 587 ft gainA very scenic 4-mile round trip with a rewarding waterfall after a 2.5-mile hike/stroll. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby Trail
4.58 mi / 1545 ft gainThis hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate. You c...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 1293 ft gainThe Araby and Berns Trail Loop in Palm Springs offers a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of both urban and natural landscapes. Hikers begin by passing notable landmarks like the famous Bob Hope house before ascending into more rugged terrain with rocky single-track paths. As you cl...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill via Araby Trail
5.08.85 mi / 2844 ft gainMurray Hill is the highest point in the surrounding trail system. You can access it from Araby Trail or anyone of the others in the area. It's about 9 miles round-trip and a healthy 2,850 vertical feet gain. From the top of the Shannon Trail bear right until you reach the Wildhorse Trailhead. Go...Read more -
Palm Springs, CaliforniaSouth Carl Lykken Trail - North Section
3.42 mi / 1076 ft gainSouth Carl Lykken Trail - North Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
South Lykken Trail to Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint
3.66.45 mi / 1654 ft gainThe South Lykken Trail is the south half of the 9.5-mile Carl Lykken Trail, which weaves along a series of mountain ridges above downtown Palm Springs. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This section of the trail runs 3.2 miles one-way. You will gain just over 1600ft of elevation at the high...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Canyon Trail
4.51.94 mi / 308 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Museum Trail
1.52 mi / 860 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
9.41 mi / 8238 ft gainThe Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram
5.08 mi / 2400 ft gainIntermediate: 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Scramble Cornell Peak
3.5 mi / 1000 ft gainEntering 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...Read more -
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...Read more
