7 Best Hiking Trails in Palm Springs

Some people prefer to go on adventures by bicycle or horseback, while some prefer to travel on a hot-air balloon, but hiking is another level of adventure. Hiking around Palm Springs will refresh your mind combined with physical training, that too with up-close explorations of the oasis’ most picturesque region. Here are the best hikes in Palm Springs recommendations:

Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons:

Among the most unique in the region is a casual two-mile hike on Palm Springs's historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians tribal lands. The adjacent stream of the Andreas Canyon Trail is a part of the Indian Canyon’s 60 miles of hiking trails. Discover a circular route that takes an average of 28 minutes to complete hiking and you probably run into other tourists while exploring.  It produces abundant flora and fauna that contrasts sharply with the Canyon’s rocky path.

• Length: The length of the hiking trail is approx. 1.6 miles.
• Highlights: Oasis, palm trees and a stream.
• Ideal time: October through May are ideal for exploring this trail.
   

Murray trail at Indian Canyon:

Murray Canyon is a moderately steep climb to the South, the hiking trail gives visitors some cool refreshing vibes as the trail is lined by palm trees which enhances the beauty, the tourist may catch sight of some endangered species like a peninsular big horn sheep, wild animals or mule deer roaming around and adding up to the adventure. There’s a hidden beauty in Murray Canyon which is less visited, which is a nesting of Least Bell’s Vireo bird (an endangered species).

• Length: the hiking trail is around 4 miles
• Highlights: Palm trees, waterfalls, and diverse plant life.
   

Hiking at Palm Canyon:

It is among the most breathtakingly beautiful places to enjoy hiking around Palm Springs, which has unique rock formations contrasting desert plains and native flora and wildlife to offer and a footpath that winds down into the canyon offering opportunity for thrill seekers to explore, hike, meditate, horse-ride and picnic by the stream and discover their trading post for some books, hiking maps, baskets, snacks, ceramics, jewelry and their beautiful Indian art and artifacts.

• Length: it ranges about 15 miles in length.
• Highlights: Washingtonia filfera (California Fan Palm), native wildlife, and trading post.
   

Hiking Trail at Tahquitz Canyon:

It is one of the most stunning and culturally significant parts of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian, Tahquitz Canyon serves as one of the best hiking trails in Palm Springs, it offers a 60-foot seasonal waterfall, historic irrigation systems, rock art, natural wildlife, and some vegetation may also be found in Tahquitz Canyon, their visitors center may exhibit both cultural and educational aspects, featuring an artifacts display, an observation deck and a theatre where visitors may watch the video regarding Tahquitz.

• Length: It is approximately 2 miles in length.
• Highlights: Rock formations, seasonal waterfall, and cultural significance.
   

North and South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs:

While offering a shorter hike, the Palm Spring’s North Lykken trail starts from the end of Ramon Road, the 2.8-mile moderate climb winds its way up the canyon for about 1000 feet, passing through boulders, rocky outcrops, seasonal purple and yellow wildflowers creating a stunning natural backdrop whereas the South Lykken trail in Palm springs is one of the favorite options of hiking in Palm Springs, as tourists, adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts love to hike around this area.

It gives immense pleasure to the thrill seekers to hike this trail and enjoy breathtakingly stunning views by climbing up 756 feet to a level sandy area with picnic tables.

• Length: ranging from 2.8 miles to approximately 7 miles.
• Highlights: Scenic views of Coachella Valley, stunning Jacinto Mountains with breathtaking views of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert.
   

Palm Springs Museum Trail:

This scenic Palm Springs Museum trail is a free, 2-mile hike, located behind the north parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum, offering a 900-foot elevation gain, climaxing in an exceptional picnic-tabled- view of the serene valley below. An ideal spot for aesthetic lovers who love to take sunrise and sunset walks and offers the possibility of good photos.

• Length: it is around 1.5 to 2 miles
• Highlights: Offers views of the desert landscape and overlooks Palm Springs.
   

Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve:

The Coachella Valley preserve, which is home to the beautiful Thousand Palm Oasis, contains over 25 miles of hiking trails and it’s a true and special palm grove, nurtured by the waters that flow from the San Andreas Fault, nestled in the north of Indio Hills, where you can try a 4.5-mile loop of Willis Palms trail hike.

• Length: about 2 miles round trip.
• Highlights: views of Palm woodland Oasis, freshwater aquatic life, dunes, and desert Riparian.