Outdoor Experiences in Palm Springs
Post card-worthy landscapes. Endless sunshine. Fresh air and room to breathe! Palm Springs is home to some of the best outdoor experiences in Southern California. Luckily, this haven for outdoor enthusiasts is only a short drive from Los Angeles. Yes, you read that right! Hike, bike or take a tour; whatever your activity preference is, it’s bound to be more enjoyable when done Palm Springs style.
Shift your adventure into high gear by exploring Palm Springs on two wheels
Predominantly level streets, 13 miles of marked bike lanes, vast mountain trails and notorious neighborhoods filled with colorful doors makes Palm Springs a true bicycler’s paradise. To kick-start your adventure, check out Bike Palm Springs for all your cycling needs. Whether you’re an avid mountain bicyclist, a road bike junkie or you’re simply looking to take a cruise through the neighborhoods, Bike Palm Springs can bring your ideal biking adventure to life.
Does all this bike talk seem like too much exercise? Don’t worry, we know just the fix! Check out Pedego Palm Springs and rent an electric bike to power you through town instead! (Cue Fleetwood Mac ‘Dreams’).
Moun-tain your distance by hitting the trails
Soak in some much-needed fresh air by enjoying a scenic hike. From easy strolls to moderate trails, to difficult terrain, there are great hiking options for all experience levels. 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.
Trails within the City – If you’re looking to check out a hike close to town, consider checking out Araby Trail. This beautiful trail is 4.1 miles out and back and offers great views including Bob Hope’s house. Some trailheads even begin downtown. How easy is that? Like the popular two-mile Palm Springs Art Museum Trail, which ascends up the mountain to picnic tables where you can sit, relax and soak in stunning valley views before heading back down.
For the more ambitious and adept hiker, take on Cactus to Clouds, which features one of the largest elevation gains in America, ascending over 10,000 feet from the base to the San Jacinto peak. This trail conveniently begins downtown behind the Palm Springs Art Museum as well. If you’re looking for a more relaxing stroll, consider checking out Goat Trails. This trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips and it is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Trails Within Indian Canyons – Located just outside of downtown Palm Springs, lies the reservation and ancestral home to the Agua Caliente Indians. Here, you can choose between four main canyons: Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Tahquitz Canyon. Hike the world’s largest naturally occurring desert palm oasis at Palm Canyon or check out Murray Canyon for a tranquil, lush valley filled with unique desert wildlife. The Andreas Canyon includes a natural stream and a walk through one of the largest fan palm groves in the U.S. And finally, if you’re looking to really ‘fall’ in love with Palm Springs, the Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a two-mile, moderately trafficked loop, which leads hikers to a 40 ft. waterfall payoff.
Trails in 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. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car, two-and-one-half miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to access to the trails in this area.
Whatever hiking adventure you choose, panoramic views and endless sunshine will be there to accompany you every step of the way. Happy trails!
Take a Tour
One of the best ways to learn more about the history that embodies Palm Springs is by taking a tour. Tours are also a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Greater Palm Springs area. Whether you’re by yourself or with your family, there’s a tour option that is sure to spark everyone’s interest.
For a great family adventure, Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours offers open-air Jeep Tours to the San Andreas Fault, Palm Springs Indian Canyons and the Painted Canyon of the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area.
Interested in hiking or biking but aren’t very familiar with the Palm Springs area? Big Wheel Tours offers Hike, Bike and Jeep tours around some of the area’s most scenic backcountry wonders.
Ever wonder about the history behind the infamous windmills that greet you as you drive into Palm Springs? The Palm Springs Windmill Tours provide the only windmill tour that goes behind the gates onto a working windmill farm. Families have the chance to explore historical exhibits of past machines and a photo gallery exploring the evolution of wind energy in the Coachella Valley.
Come rediscover Palm Springs’ wide-open spaces and VisitPalmSprings.com for more information on where to stay, play, dine, shop and experience the great outdoors.
