Local directory

Hiking trails in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs sits at the west end of the Coachella Valley, under Mount San Jacinto. It is known for mid-century modern homes, the shops and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive, and the Aerial Tramway up the mountain. Locals and seasonal residents keep a steady stream of work going for contractors, salons, restaurants and service pros all year.

Public trails across the valley: palm oases in the Indian Canyons, National Monument trails above Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage, the La Quinta Cove, and high-country hikes from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Some charge admission and some close seasonally or in summer heat.

9 hiking trails are listed in Palm Springs right now, including Andreas Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons), Long Valley Loop Trail and Murray Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons). Each one has its own page with the location, details and a link to the official site.

Hiking trails
Photo: David Balmer, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hiking trails · Palm Springs

Long Valley Loop Trail

Easy 1.2-mile loop at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, with overlooks of the whole valley out to the Salton Sea. Tram ticket required. Cooler than the desert floor.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

Museum Trail

Steep, rocky climb from behind the Palm Springs Art Museum to picnic tables with views over downtown. Free. Connects to the North Lykken Trail.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

North Lykken Trail

Hard climb of about 4.5 miles round trip from the west end of Ramon Road, ending at the Art Museum where it meets the Museum Trail. No shade. Free.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

Palm Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons)

The largest fan palm oasis in North America, on Agua Caliente tribal land. Walk the main oasis and return on the Victor Trail for a 1 to 2 hour hike, or follow Palm Canyon for miles. Admission fee at the Indian Canyons toll gate.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

San Jacinto Peak via the Tramway

The easiest route to the 10,834-foot summit: about 11 miles round trip and 2,500 feet of climb from the Tram's Mountain Station. Strenuous. Get a free wilderness permit at the state park ranger station.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

South Lykken Trail

Long ridge trail of about 7 miles between Mesquite Avenue and South Palm Canyon Drive, with big views over Palm Springs. Free.

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Hiking trails · Palm Springs

Tahquitz Canyon Trail

1.8-mile strenuous loop to a waterfall on Agua Caliente tribal land, with ranger-led hikes. Admission fee; open daily 7:30 AM to 5 PM Oct. 1 to July 5, then Fri to Sun only. Bring water; there's little shade.

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