Looking for good hikes in Palm Springs? You’ve come to the perfect desert playground! At APEK Rentals, we know this area like the back of our hands.
Palm Springs has trails for every skill level. From shaded routes through fan palms to seasonal waterfall adventures, these hikes will show you why we love calling this desert home.
What You’ll Find in This Blog
Amazing Hiking Trails in Palm Springs
1. Andreas Canyon Trail
This gentle one-mile loop takes you through a secret garden of towering fan palms. The bubbling stream alongside the main path creates an oasis-like charm that feels worlds apart from urban areas.
With more than 150 plant species, we believe this trail is perfect for families and offers plenty of shade on hot desert days.
Rating: 4.9/5 stars with 907 reviews
Price Level: $12 per adult entrance fee
Location: S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Andreas Canyon Trail
2. Murray Canyon Trail
A four-mile loop that follows a perennial stream through a vast canyon. Cottonwoods line the water, and the air feels cooler thanks to the flowing creek.
This dog-friendly trail leads to the Seven Sisters Waterfall and offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Many of our guests who visit with their dogs say it’s a wonderful way to enjoy nature together without having to leave their pets behind.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars with 101 reviews
Price Level: $12 per adult entrance fee
Location: 2019 E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Murray Canyon Trail
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14676011579241393433
3. South Lykken Trail
This moderate trail offers jaw-dropping views of Palm Springs and the surrounding valley.
The switchbacks take you up desert ridges where you might spot bighorn sheep. At sunrise or sunset, the sky drenches the valley in pinks and golds, making this workout well worth it!
Rating: 4.8/5 stars with 204 reviews
Price Level: Free
Location: S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Learn more about South Lykken Trail
4. Art Smith Trail
Stretching up to 15 miles but easily shortened, this shaded canyon features the world’s largest stand of California fan palms. The trail offers millions of wildflowers in spring, including ocotillo and brittlebush blooms.
After years of hosting in the valley, we have found that this trail is just right for moderate hikes with beautiful views of snowy mountain peaks.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars with 134 reviews
Price Level: Free
Location: Roy Wilson Memorial Hwy, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Opening Hours: Open daily
Learn more about the Art Smith Trail
5. Palm Desert Cross Trail
This 2.6-mile loop offers perfect viewpoints of the entire Coachella Valley. Many evening hikes enjoy this trail with headlamps just as the sun sets behind the mountains, and the cross lights up the night sky.
It’s a dog-friendly trail with steady uphill paths. We suggest bringing large dogs only.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars with 276 reviews
Price Level: Free
Location: Palm Desert, CA 92260
Learn more about Palmthe Desert Cross Trail.
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=5157399943051878398
6. North Lykken Trail
This moderate 2.8-mile hike climbs about 1,000 feet up the canyon, where rocky outcrops, granite spires, and seasonal purple and yellow wildflowers create a beautiful natural backdrop.
The trail offers spectacular views and is perfect for morning wellness walks.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars with 331 reviews
Price Level: Free
Location: 799 W Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Open daily
Learn more about North Lykken Trail
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3521467256369933598
7. Mission Creek Preserve Trail
This trail near Desert Hot Springs offers cooler mountain air and shaded routes perfect for wildlife spotting.
The preserve features boardwalks and sandy paths that wind through hidden springs fed by the San Andreas Fault. It’s ideal for guided tours and birding.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars with 215 reviews
Price Level: Free
Location: 60550 Mission Creek Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Contact: +1760-369-7105
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Mission Creek Preserve Trail
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14907646564197577961
Easy Hikes in Palm Springs
Some mornings in Palm Springs feel like easy-hike days.
These are the trails we recommend to people when they want to talk as they walk, pause for photos, listen to running water or birdsong, and still be back in time for a slow, relaxed afternoon.
-
Andreas Canyon Trail – A short one-mile loop with mostly gentle terrain, abundant shade from towering fan palms, and a clear path that follows a bubbling stream, making it very approachable for hikers of all ages.
-
Murray Canyon Trail – A longer but still friendly outing where the elevation gain is gradual and the path meanders beside a creek, so it feels more like a peaceful nature walk than a strenuous climb.
-
Mission Creek Preserve Trail – Wide, mostly gentle paths, cooler mountain air, and shaded stretches along the water make this an easy choice for relaxed exploring and casual wildlife watching.
-
Palm Desert Cross Trail – A relatively short loop with a steady but not overwhelming climb; the well-used path and sweeping valley views at the top make it a comfortable “easy-plus” option for those ready for a mild workout and memorable scenery.
Want more hiking inspiration? Check out our guide to La Quinta hiking trails for additional desert adventures.
What’s Your Perfect Palm Springs Hike?
To help you pick the best trails from this guide, we made a mind map to group them by how you feel, how much effort they need, and how much time they take:
Final Thoughts
These hikes in Palm Springs showcase everything we love about the California desert – from gentle family favorites through lush fan palm oases to challenging strenuous climbs with panoramic summit views.
Whether you choose easy walks along bubbling streams or ambitious treks up desert ridges, each trail offers its own special magic.
Ready to experience these amazing trails for yourself? Book your stay with us today and let the California desert work its magic on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prettiest hike in Palm Springs?
Andreas Canyon Trail stands out as one of the most beautiful hikes, offering a magical walk through towering fan palms alongside a bubbling stream. The lush oasis feels like a secret garden with over 150 plant species creating a stunning contrast against the desert landscape.
Are Palm Springs good for hiking?
Absolutely! Palm Springs offers incredible hiking diversity with trails within the city, 60 miles of paths in the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, and 54 miles in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
How long is the Seven Sisters Falls hike?
The hike to Seven Sisters Falls via Murray Canyon Trail is about 4-6 miles round-trip, depending on your route. This moderate adventure follows a perennial stream through a canyon lined with cottonwoods, leading to a beautiful seasonal waterfall that’s especially impressive after winter rains.
Which hiking trails allow dogs?
Many trails welcome leashed dogs, including the Palm Desert Cross Trail, South Lykken Trail, and Murray Canyon Trail. However, some locations, like certain areas of Indian Canyons, have restrictions. Our pet-friendly vacation rentals are perfect for guests traveling with their furry hiking companions.
When is the best time to hike in Palm Springs?
The ideal hiking season runs from October through April when temperatures stay comfortable in the 70s-80s. Spring months offer wildflower blooms and perfect weather, while winter provides clear skies for higher elevation adventures. Summer calls for early morning hikes or shaded canyon routes to beat the heat.
