Palm Springs is famous for its gorgeous contemporary architecture, lovely year-round weather, and abundant recreational activities. One of the city’s hidden gems is its beautiful hiking trails, offering serene experiences in California’s expansive backcountry. Here are a few local Palm Springs hiking routes worth checking out.
Desert View Trail
The 1.92-mile Desert View Trail lies in Mount San Jacinto State Park, offering a relatively easy hiking experience. To reach the trailhead, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, then walk down the steep pathway to the bottom where the trail begins. Desert View Trail offers access to several lovely overlooks and majestic forest views while featuring minimal elevation gain, making it one of the most beloved routes for hiking in Palm Springs.
Victor Loop
Located in the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians Reservation, the 2.6-mile Victor Loop offers a modest hiking experience. The loop lies one mile south of Palm Canyon Trail, which runs adjacent to Palm Canyon Creek. The hike delivers a blend of breathtaking scenery, including a natural oasis covered by palm trees and a ridge line with extensive views of the desert terrain.
Palm Springs Hiking on the Goat Trails
Goat Trails features a 3.1-mile loop route cutting through Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, delivering moderately challenging hiking in Palm Springs. To access the trail, take the 5.1-mile drive southeast of Palm Springs via East Alejo Road and North Farrell Drive. Goat Trails features an elevation gain of 771 feet, offering rewarding views of Palm Springs and nearby Cathedral City.
Murray Hill Loop
The Murray Hill Loop in the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument measures eight miles, offering a relatively arduous hiking experience. The fastest way to reach the trailhead is the dirt road up Gene Autry Trail, although several routes connect to Murray Hill Loop, including Goat Trails and Araby Trail. The picnic area at the top lies 2,200 feet above sea level, delivering epic views of Palm Springs while providing a serene space to relish a packed lunch.
Book Your Palm Springs Vacation Rental Today
Palm Springs is a California gem promising the holiday of a lifetime. As you prepare for your epic escape to this lovely desert city, look to Ryson Vacations for the best vacation rentals. We offer an extensive variety of high-end properties, ranging from one-bed options for two guests to five-bed properties for up to ten vacationers. Contact us today to secure your Palm Springs vacation rental and relish a cozy, stress-free getaway in this Golden State paradise.
