Hikes in Palm Springs

Palm Springs hikes are a spectacular pastime, even if it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the sizzling desert oasis that is Palm Springs. It tends to be more of a golf and sit-by-the-pool destination, but whenever your feet grow restless, you’ll find a network of trails worth exploring. Some cut through mountainscapes and others take you deep into a palm tree wonderland, but one thing is certain, setting out on any number of incredible Palm Springs Hikes will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your companions!

Some of the best regions to go hiking around Palm Springs are Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, which boasts the incredible Tahquitz Canyon. There’s also the Aerial Tramway area, which includes one of the toughest adventures in the USA—Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds. Discover more amazing Palm Springs hikes below!

What’s New in 2026

• The best canyon hikes are on tribal land, and they charge admission. Tahquitz Canyon and the Indian Canyons, which take in Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, Fern Canyon and the Victor Trail, are managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Entry to the Indian Canyons costs about $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and $6 for children, with an annual pass available; Tahquitz Canyon is around $12.50 for adults and $6 for children. Buy tickets at the tollgate or the Palm Springs Visitor Center.
• Those canyons close midweek in summer, so plan around it. From 1 October to 4 July they open daily, roughly 8am to 5pm at the Indian Canyons and 7:30am to 5pm at Tahquitz Canyon, with the last hiker allowed onto the Tahquitz trail at 3:30pm. From 5 July to 30 September both open Friday to Sunday only, with the last vehicle admitted at 4pm. No animals are allowed in either area, so this is not the place to bring a dog, and the canyons occasionally close for tribal events.
• The heat is the real hazard here, not the terrain. Summer highs in the valley regularly pass 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ridge trails above town, including Lykken, Araby, Garstin and Berns, have no shade and no water. The comfortable hiking season runs October to March. If you do hike in the warmer months, start at first light, turn round early, carry far more water than feels necessary, and simply skip the exposed climbs when a heat warning is in force.
• The mountain routes need permits. A San Jacinto Wilderness day-use permit is required for the trails above Idyllwild, including Devil’s Slide up to Tahquitz Peak, and Devil’s Slide permits are quota-limited on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, issued stamped for a specific date. Parking at Humber Park also needs an Adventure Pass. On the Skyline route, a free self-issue wilderness permit is filled out at the Long Valley ranger station once you reach the top.

The Best Hiking Routes in Palm Springs

Looking for amazing hikes in Palm Springs? We’ve got you covered. The hikes below detail our favorite walking adventures, all replete with stunning scenery, whether you’re chasing after mountain views or desert imagery.

1. Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail - Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail packs a punch for a short hike. Bring the kids along and explore a trail flanked by boulders before surmounting to a valley view at the highest point. You’ll also pass a waterfall! Note that the waterfall dries in the summer months, so you have a better chance of catching it at its actual velocity come winter.
2. Tahquitz Peak via Devil’s Slide Trail - Looking for a challenging half-day excursion? Tahquitz Peak via Devil’s Slide Trail will fulfill your need! Enjoy a trail lined with trees as you wind to the top, where the Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout awaits. Bask in the layers of mountain peaks before turning around and heading back the way you came. You can bring your dog along on this adventure!
3. Palm Canyon Trail - The Palm Canyon Trail is a fantastic hiking adventure for the entire family! Let your imagination run wild as you explore a palm tree wonderland set against a dry desert backdrop. It’s hard not to love this short, rewarding excursion.
4. Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds - The Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds sits atop experienced hikers’ bucket lists across the United States. You can’t complete this insane hike without training for it first! At the top, you can relax knowing you can skip walking down what you just walked up and take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway instead.
5. Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Falls - The Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Falls is a kid-friendly, easy-going trail that boasts a highlight reel of scenery: boulders, a 20-foot waterfall, and a hilly background. Enjoy the palm trees bordering the path, too! If you want to catch the water flowing, it’s best to tackle this hike in winter or spring.
6. Garstin Loop Trail - The Garstin Loop Trail is a Palm Springs gem! If you’re looking for a workout paired with outstanding scenery, the Garstin Loop Trail doesn’t fail to provide one. Revel in the views of Palm Springs sprawled across the valley below.
7. Fern Canyon Trail - Dedicate a couple of hours to exploring the stunning sandy wash along the Fern Canyon Trail. The entire trail brims with beauty punctuated by cacti lining the path, but the real beauty comes when you reach the canyon decorated with palms and ferns. This track is a Palm Springs gem!
8. Victor Loop Trail - Victor Loop Trail unveils a highlight reel of Palm Springs in one remarkable adventure! Encounter a palm tree wonderland, a mountain background, and a sprawling valley below. This is an excellent hike to try with kids—just be sure to brush up on rattlesnake safety before you go.
9. Araby Trail - Explore the desert and fit a decent workout in? Araby Trail knows how to simultaneously elevate heart rates through its enchanting scenery and intense incline. Walk by cacti, exciting rock formations, and mountain scenery as you make your way to the sweeping Palm Springs view.
10. South Lykken Trail - Looking for a long, challenging hike in Palm Springs? The South Lykken Trail is a taxing but rewarding adventure that keeps you entertained, thanks to possible bighorn sheep glimpses. Don’t expect shade, though—bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks!

When is the Best Time to Hike in Palm Springs?

The best time to hike in Palm Springs is between October to March when the sizzling desert heat fizzles to a reasonable adventure temperature; however, it is possible to hike in the summer. Just aim to head out early to beat the exhausting afternoon heat when exploring any of the above mentioned Palm Springs hikes. Be realistic about that, though: valley temperatures routinely pass 110 degrees Fahrenheit in high summer, and the ridge trails carry no shade and no water. In those months, stick to short, early outings, or head up to the cooler San Jacinto high country instead, where the air at 8,000 ft is far kinder.

Other Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs

While Palm Springs hikes are certainly popular, golf is the activity that likely sits at the top of the list for many outdoor enthusiasts in Palm Springs. Conversely, ATVing along the miles of open desert plains can be quite the thrilling antithesis of golf. Of course, there’s also mountain biking—several hiking trails serve as mountain bike and horse riding routes!

Plan Your Trip

Palm Springs is one corner of hiking in California, and it makes a natural base for hiking in Joshua Tree National Park an hour to the east and hiking in San Bernardino National Forest in the mountains above town. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our guided tours in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Springs

Why is Palm Springs so popular?

People flock to Palm Springs for its sun, golf, and overall resort-town feel.

What is the rainiest month in Palm Springs?

You can expect the most rain in Palm Springs in February. But it doesn’t even rain a lot! Expect around 1.5 inches of precipitation.

Do you need a car in Palm Springs?

While a car grants ultimate roaming freedom, having a car in Palm Springs is optional. You’ll find that several hikes start close enough to town, too. However, a car is always a good bet if you want to venture.

Do you have to pay to hike in Palm Springs?

For some of the best trails, yes. Tahquitz Canyon and the Indian Canyons, which include Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, Fern Canyon and the Victor Trail, sit on Agua Caliente tribal land and charge admission, roughly $12 to $12.50 for adults with reduced rates for seniors, students and children. The city ridge trails such as Lykken, Araby, Garstin and Berns are free to hike. Up in the San Jacinto Mountains you need a wilderness day-use permit, and an Adventure Pass to park at Humber Park.

Can you take a dog hiking in Palm Springs?

Only on some trails. No animals are allowed in Tahquitz Canyon or the Indian Canyons, which rules out several of the most popular walks. Dogs are welcome on trails such as Tramway Road and the lower part of the Araby Trail, where a sign marks the turnaround point. Whatever the trail, remember that sand and rock get hot enough to burn paws, so stick to early mornings in the warmer months.

Find other fantastic hiking regions in California

• hiking in Death Valley
• hiking in Inyo National Forest
• hiking in Yosemite National Park
• hiking in Lassen
• hiking in North Bay
• hiking in Joshua Tree National Park