It’s the perfect time of year to hike in and around Palm Springs. There are so many amazing trails, with so much nature and wildlife to see and enjoy—all while getting in a good workout and burning off a few extra holiday calories.
Among the most popular trails in the Coachella Valley are the North and South Lykken Trails, named in honor of Carl Lykken, an early pioneer who was the first postmaster of Palm Springs—and a man who had a love for hiking and riding. The combined sections of the two trails stretch about 9 miles from end to end. Both moderately challenging trails skirt the city of Palm Springs while paralleling, for the most part, Palm Canyon Drive/Highway 111 (North Lykken) and South Palm Canyon Drive (South Lykken). The trails go from just a few hundred feet above Palm Springs to more than 1,500 feet above the city, along the base of Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
South Lykken Trail, the longest of the two sections, is about a 4.5-mile stretch. The trailhead at the north end is located just south of downtown Palm Springs at the west end of Mesquite Avenue. You should be able to find parking along Mesquite Avenue, but you may need to walk a bit to the trailhead. You can drive to the end of Mesquite and park in the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center parking lot, but you’ll need to pay the fee to go on the Tahquitz Canyon Trail Loop, currently $15 ($7 for children; free for military with ID).
The Tahquitz Canyon Trail Loop is just under 2 miles and can be completed in less than an hour. It is a fairly easy walk, with some rocks and steps to navigate. This trail is perfect for beginners and appreciated by hikers of all levels, as you’ll traverse through sacred yet magical scenery that seems to be a world away—and you may get to enjoy a 60-foot refreshing waterfall (which is likely during this time of the year) before looping back to the starting point at the visitor center. The center sits on a section of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and features educational and cultural exhibits, as well as a display of artifacts. Ranger-led interpretive 2.5-hour hikes are offered daily and are free with paid admission, departing this time of year (October through June) at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Whether you take a guided tour or go on your own, you may want to first check out the theater room and view the video about the Legend of Tahquitz; it’s interesting and well worth the time. For more information, visit www.tahquitzcanyon.com/canyon.
South Lykken’s trailhead is located just before the visitor center. Starting at more than 500 feet in elevation, it can be a moderate to strenuous climb as you switchback your way to the first picnic-table area, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet. This area makes for a perfect rest stop. There are also a few places along the way where you can step off trail and take in the spectacular view while hearing the soothing sounds of the Tahquitz Canyon Falls above. If it’s your lucky day, you might see some of the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep that often hang out along this trail. If you do see bighorn sheep, please remember to be respectful by keeping adequate space; admire them from a distance so you don’t disturb them.
My friend and hiking buddy Texie Pastorok frequents this trail; she considers it one of her favorites in Palm Springs.
“Being out on the trail and experiencing the quiet of nature is like church for me,” she says. “It’s also a great workout and breakaway from life’s distractions. … One of the main things I like about this trail—aside from the 10-minute drive and being above the city in a matter of minutes—is that you can often catch a sighting of bighorn sheep. They are so beautiful and majestic. It makes my day when the bighorn sheep show themselves. I always feel very grateful and at peace during those times when I’m fortunate enough to come across them. I’ll stop and spend a few minutes watching them and thanking them for the opportunity. It’s a great way to start my day!”
Texie shared a couple of her favorite areas. One is near a bend in the trail where you can step off to see and sometimes hear the soothing water from Tahquitz Canyon Falls.
Starting at more than 500 feet in elevation, South Lykken can be a moderate to strenuous climb as you switchback your way to the first picnic-table area, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet.
“Another area I like is up at the picnic tables,” she says. “It’s a great place to spend some time overlooking the city and enjoying an excellent view of Murray Peak.”
Dogs are not allowed on any of these trails. The Lykken Trails are both sun-facing in the morning and much of the afternoon, meaning there’s little to no shade, so please remember a hat and sunscreen—and always bring more water than you think you will need, even when hiking during cooler temperatures.
You can learn more about the Lykken Trails, and starting from the south end of South Lykken, here. Have fun, and be safe—and I hope to see you on the trails!