South Lykken Trail
![South Lykken Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-South-Lykken-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The South Lykken Trail is a punishing but rewarding hike that never fails to impress. The scenery en route, punctuated with possible bighorn sheep sightings, adds to the wonderment of this adventure! Expect some switchbacks, great views, and no shade. Bring lots of water and snacks (and sunscreen).
Route Description for South Lykken Trail
The South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs, CA, packs everything you need in a hike: a good workout, phenomenal views and scenery, and possible wildlife sightings. It’s best to complete this hike between October and May when temperatures aren’t unbearable. If you dare to attempt this journey in the summer, set out at dawn before the heat spikes. Either way, pack sunscreen, lots of water, and a hat!
Setting out from your car, the South Lykken Trail immediately kicks into gear. Expect some switchbacks before the more gradual middle section. Then, it gets steep again at the end as the trail heads down to South Canyon Drive, the other starting point. Once you get here, turn around and head back the way you came.
Getting to the South Lykken Trail Trailhead
To get to the start of the South Lykken Trail, head to South Palm Canyon, but you can also start along the north end: West Mesquite Avenue. Our route begins along West Mesquite Avenue, near the Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Centre.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
October-May
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
South Lykken Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Berns Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Berns Trail
Palm Springs
![North Lykken Trail to Palm Springs Art Museum](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-North-Lykken-Trail-to-Palm-Springs-Art-Museum-1709x633-1.jpg)
North Lykken Trail to Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs
![Cahuilla Canyon Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cahuilla Canyon Trail
Palm Springs
![Murray Hill Loop Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Murray-Hill-Loop-Hike-1709x633-1.jpg)
Murray Hill Loop Hike
Palm Springs
![Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint via South Lykken Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Simonetta-Kennett-Viewpoint-via-South-Lykken-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
![Garstin Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Garstin Loop Trail
Palm Springs
![Earl Henderson Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Earl Henderson Trail
Palm Springs
![Palm Springs Museum and North Lykken Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Palm-Springs-Museum-and-North-Lykken-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Palm Springs Museum and North Lykken Trail
Palm Springs
![Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Skyline-Trail-to-Aerial-Tramway-Top-Station-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
Palm Springs
![Araby Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Araby-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Araby Trail
Palm Springs
![Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CA-Palm-Springs-Tahquitz-Canyon-Loop-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail
Palm Springs
![Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Image-1709x633-2.jpg)
Skyline Trail: Cactus to Clouds
Palm Springs