Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views

4.9
(106 reviews)

2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

I provide bottled water, a snack bar and a clean backpack for everyone. For centuries members of the Cahuilla tribe hiked to these hill tops that overlook the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to nearby tribes that they traded with. The trails are unnamed, so they're mostly known & used by locals & don't get nearly as busy as the other easy to find hiking trails in Palm Springs during the busy winter/spring tourism season, so it's a much more peaceful hiking area. These are some of the best Palm Springs hiking trails with lots of scenic views of the Coachella Valley & a hike into a hidden Palm tree oasis. I know these trails well & the most scenic viewpoints along the way. You'll see desert vegetation close up & views of the desert valley floor all the way up to beautiful nearby mountain peaks, while getting in some fantastic exercise.
Please see all tabs of the Additional Info section for important physical and trail information.

What's Included

I will provide a clean & sanitized backpack for each person if needed.
I'll provide a granola bar for each hiker,
I will provide bottled water for each hiker.
Bring an electrolyte drink if it's a warm/hot day to replace electrolytes lost from sweating
Bring a salty snack if it's a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating.
Even in winter the sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen.
Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks..
Check & dress for the weather forecast so you'll be comfortable.
Bring tissue during the winter. The cooler weather makes for runny noses on everyone I've noticed

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference, we’re meeting in the parking lot next to it look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla in the parking lot.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Enjoy a guided hike & great exercise on some of Palm Springs best kept secret hiking trails, known mostly to locals for being peaceful & much less crowded than the easy to find Palm Springs hiking trails. We’ll hike at a moderate pace & take in views of the desert valley & nearby mountains while learning about the native plants & their traditional uses by the Cahuilla tribe.

Enjoy the best viewpoints from these hills to capture stunning views & photos of the Coachella Valley, including sights of the windmills, Joshua Tree National Park, the San Jacinto Mountains, Mt. Gorgonio (the tallest mtn in Southern Cali), & the city of Palm Springs. The hike continues downhill into a small hidden palm tree oasis in a canyon (not in Indian Canyons if you're interested in Indian Canyons ask me), offering a unique & peaceful contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
In the winter, keep an eye out for the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, who come down to the desert to give birth. If you're here then hopefully we'll see some, I've seen them here before.
Please see all tabs of the Additional Info for important physical/trail info.
To hike on a date/time not shown contact me.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Everyone must be at least moderately fit for hiking on hilly terrain & able to walk at a moderate pace. The hike is hilly & a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 800 feet & trail sections that're rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes at a moderate pace with most people, but I've done it in about 1 hour 45 minutes with very fit/experienced people & it's taken about 3 hours with less experienced people. Not recommended for sedentary/low fitness or very slow walkers. If anyone's having difficulties early on I'll advise they turn back for their own good. If you're not sure if the hike is a good fit for you contact me. Wear shoes with good traction only (no sandals). Dress for the weather forecast for the time we'll be hiking, layers are good, if sunny bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen even during the winter on sunny days the sun can be pretty strong. Take lots of pics but no long photo sessions. Please don't be in a hurry to get the hike over with cause you have plans after & no talking about politics/polarizing topics. We'll take mini breaks during the hike. There are no restrooms here, but I carry restroom supplies. If booking for others you must please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their ability so it doesn’t turn into torture for them. Also dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails in Palm Springs.
  • Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery/injury, or have vertigo, balance/mobility issues. If you have asthma bring your inhaler, if allergic to bees bring your EpiPen.
Supplied by Trail Ahead

Tags

Hiking Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal
Small Group
Excellent Quality
DSA non-compliant

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 106 106 reviews
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