Our guests are always curious to know about the best hiking trails in our area, so we’ve compiled a list of the five best trails near Palm Springs. The Coachella Valley provides unique terrain and beautiful views unlike any other place in the world. Whether you’re looking for a great cardio workout or just some family fun, we have it all in the desert!
#5 – Palm Springs Aerial Tram/Mt. San Jacinto State Park
After riding the Aerial Tram up nearly 6,000 feet you will be able to access 54 miles of pristine hiking trails. These trails are a great option for hiking during the summer because the weather at the top of the tram, in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, is much cooler than the desert floor (30 degree difference). The trails are great for exploring and allow you to see amazing views of granite formations, pine forests and large meadows. The most popular hike is to the San Jacinto Peak, the second highest peak in southern California. On clear days hikers are able to see Catalina Island or even the lights of Las Vegas at night.
Difficulty: easy-hard
Directions: Right on Bob Hope Drive, left on Ramon, right on Gene Autry Trail, left on Vista Chino, right on Palm Canyon, left on Tramway Road. Thirty minute drive from Rancho Las Palmas.
#4 – Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons are well known for being some of the most beautiful trails inthe area. Most of the trails follow running streams and have a wealth of wildlife and vegetation. There are multiple trails to explore with incredible scenery inside the park. The most famous of all the trails is the Palm Canyon Trail to the Stone Pools. This six mile hike takes you to scenic waterfalls, plunging cliffs and shimmering pools fed by crystal clear water.
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Directions: Left on Bob Hope Drive, Right on Hwy 111, left on South Palm Canyon to the end of the road. Twenty-five minute drive from Rancho Las Palmas.
#3 – Coachella Valley Preserve
This diverse trail leads hikers on raised planks over picturesque vegetation and marshes, through desert scapes with the endangered Fringe-Toed Lizard and into an oasis with a series of palm-lined springs and ponds filled with the endangered Desert Pupfish. On hot days the temperatures of these oases are known to be almost 20 degrees lower than the surrounding areas, which make for a great family hike.
Difficulty: easy
Directions: Right on Bob Hope Drive, right on Country Club Drive, left on Washington, right on Thousand Palms. Fifteen minute drive from Rancho Las Palmas
#2 – Painted Canyon/Ladder Canyon
This hike ascends approximately 450 feet over a five mile span with amazing views of the huge slot canyon walls and rock formations. This trail provides two levels of hiking: the Big Painted Canyon for beginning hikers and the Ladder Canyon for more experienced hikers who want to scale boulders and climb steep rock faces.
Difficulty: moderate-hard
Directions: Left onto Bob Hope Drive, left onto Hwy 111, continue on and then right on Hwy 111. Left onto 4th st, right onto Hammond Rd, left on 66th Ave, continue on Box Canyon Rd, left onto Painted Canyon Rd. Follow dirt road for three miles until trail head. Fifty-five minute drive from Rancho Las Palmas.
#1 – Bump and Grind Trail
The closest of all five trails to Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, the 3.4 mile Bump and Grind Trail is a gradual 1,000 foot climb via switchbacks to a large clearing. This clearing provides an incredible view of the valley and nearby mountains. This hike is frequented by locals because of its beautiful lookout points, desert vegetation and spring wildflowers. The Bump and Grind Trail is well maintained and can provide for a great cardio workout.
Difficulty: moderate
Directions: Left onto Bob Hope Drive, left onto Hwy 111, park behind Target on the right side of the street. Three minute drive from the Rancho Las Palmas.
