Palm Desert Hikes: Loving the Desert On Foot!
Maximize your Palm Desert trip with a hike in the uniquely scenic Coachella Valley! This low desert environment is full of specialized plants, trees and animals and they’re all best appreciated up close and in slow motion. “Hiking” doesn’t have to mean difficult or special gear, think of it as a walk in nature vs crawling up a mountainside! Miles of groomed trails surround the town and wind up and around the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges and vary from accommodating easy strolls to more challenging advanced climbs.
Murray Canyon Trail
A palm tree forest in the middle of the desert might not be expected, but that’s one of the features that makes this Indian Canyons hike so special. Walk in along and across the creek to read the Seven Sisters Waterfall for your photo opportunity and to have a snack. Watch for Big Horn sheep and mule deer picking their way along the high ground and unique desert vegetation – will you see the bright yellow creosote flowers before you smell the pungent bush? This hike is rated easy to moderate and the trail is open to equestrians as well; Murray Canyon Trail is a lovely introduction to the area.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Your Ride To The Top!
Climb up Chino Canyon the easy way, with a scenic ride to the top in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and views that can not be replicated. Known as being the world’s largest rotating tram car, you’ll get 360 degree views on your 10 minute trip. Two & a half miles up gives you spectacular views into the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area and is suitable for all the members of your group. Leave some to visit the natural history museum or have a bite in one of 2 restaurants while you head off to explore over 50 miles of trails. You can make this magical trip more than once, so save some hikes for the next time!
Straight Uphill: Meet the Museum Trail
It looks so good on paper.. Just 1.7 miles out and back, heck, that’s what you do for breakfast at home, right? The thing is, the Museum Trail is a steep and rocky climb up nearly 1000 feet in about a mile, and best for more experienced hikers. But, it’s do-able and when you reach the top there is a picnic area with tables and views out over the greater Palm Springs area. This is a belt-notcher hike; do it!
