Palm Springs Hiking Guide

Discover The Many Hiking Trails in Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers three main hiking areas; trails from within the City of Palm Springs, 60 miles of trails as part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and 54 miles of trails as part of the Mt San Jacinto State Park. The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation include three canyons within Indian Canyons (Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Andreas Canyon) as well as Tahquitz Canyon with a separate entrance and visitor center.

Trails within the City

Araby Trail | Moderate – 4.1 miles, 1,404 feet elevation

Moderately trafficked out and back trail. The beginning of the trail goes above a residential area for about ¼ mile, but offers great views, including Bob Hope’s house. The Araby trail can be accessed either at the entrance to the Rimcrest / Southridge development (that’s where Bob Hope’s house is… ), or via the Berns, Henderson and Garstin Trails. If starting from the Rimcrest / Southridge Road, the trail can be found on the left (east) side of the road, before you get to the guard gate. Park in the dirt on the right side of the road immediately after turning onto the Rimcrest/Southridge road.

Other trails from this trailhead include Araby West Loop (5.4 miles), Araby and Berns Trail Loop (4.8 miles), and Araby Trail to Goat Hill (11.7 miles).

Bogert to Murray Hill| Moderate – 6.8 miles, 1,853 feet elevation

The trailhead is at the end of Bogert Trail in South Palm Springs. When trails intersect stay to the right even though Murray peak doesn’t show on the sign board.

Bogert to Wildhorse | Moderate – 3.8 miles, 900 feet elevation

The trailhead is at the end fo Bogert Trail. When hiking up, stay to the left. Great views of Andreas Hills.

Goat Trails | Moderate – 3.2 miles, 770 feet elevation

The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Trailhead is located off East Palm Canyon Drive by Von’s at Rimcrest Plaza

Murray Hill Loop | Hard – 7.9 miles, 2,506 feet elevation

Follow Bogert Trail Road in South Palm Springs and turn left on Barona Road to access the trailhead. This is one trail of a number of trails on this hillside. Great panoramic views. Optional trail from this trailhead include the Garstin Loop Trail, a moderate 3.7 mile hike with a 1,108 elevation. There is also the Clara Burgess trail to Murray Hill which is 7.1 miles.

Museum Trail | Moderate – .6 miles, 377 feet elevation

This trail can be accessed from behind the Palm Springs Art Museum on N. Museum Drive right downtown. Ok for families.

North Lykken Trail | Moderate – 3.5 miles, 1,748 elevation gain

The North Lykken Trail can be accessed from the west end of Ramon Road. Follow Ramon Road till it ends at the mountain, and you will see the trailhead off to the right. Park on the side street off Ramon Road.

Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds | Hard – 17.5 miles, 10,577 feet elevation.

Level: Very Difficult

This is an epic day hike that starts in the desert behind the Palm Springs Art Museum and ends on top of Mt. San Jacinto at 10,834 feet. Do not attempt during summer or hot weather. You gain over 8,000 feet in the first 12 miles and much of this is hiking in dry arid desert conditions. If completely prepared, hikers can experience one of the most diverse hikes with incredible views unlike any others. This trail is nearly always completed by returning from the peak to the upper station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Please note that there is a fee for using the tram.

South Lykken Trail | Moderate – 7.3 miles, 2,257 feet elevation

North end of this trial is west on Mesquite Avenue. The South end would be at South Palm Canyon. It’s about a 2.5 hours hike with two stops. It is recommended you wear hiking boots instead of runners. Big horn sheep have been seen on this hike.

Trails Within Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon

Located just outside of downtown Palm Springs, this is the reservation and ancestral home to the Agua Caliente Indians. Hiking paths through the mountains range from beginning to challenging. From October – June there are free ranger led interpretive hikes or talks for families to learn more about the natural landscape and history of the Agua Caliente Indian people. There is a $9 adult entry fee to Indian Canyons.

Andreas Canyon | Easy – 1 mile, 173 feet elevation

This heavily trafficked hike includes a natural stream and a walk through one of the largest fan palm groves in the U.S.  When you enter the canyons, take the first road to the right to access the parking lot and trail.

Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Falls : Moderate – 3.7 miles, 600 feet elevation

This is part of Indian Canyons and is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that features a waterfall. The trail is primarily used for hiking and horses.

Palm Canyon Trail | Easy – 2.0 miles, 295 feet elevation

This is a great hike that provide picnicking areas near a creek.  Accessed from the trade post in Indian Canyons, this trail is shaded with a mile of fan palms along both sides of a stream. See incredible rock formations.

Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail | Easy – 1.7 miles, 291 feet elevation

This trail starts at the end of Mesquite Ave. before arriving at Tahquitz Canyon Trailhead. It is on reservation land of the Agua Caliente Indians. It features a waterfall, is a heavily trafficked loop, and good for all skill levels. There is an entry fee.

Mt. San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto stands 10,834 feet above sea level, and is the second highest mountain range in Southern California. Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers 54 miles of hiking trails located within a 13,000 acre pristine wilderness, one of the last in California. Trails can be accessed at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station.

Trail Map  

Palm Springs Interactive Hiking Map

Hiking Lower Palm Canyon Trail