Hiking in the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas is about far more than simply putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about moving through a living desert—where palm oases appear unexpectedly in dry canyons, sweeping ridgelines reveal the immense beauty of the valley below, and flora and fauna tell a powerful story of survival.
Each trail—from the gentle walks in the preserves to demanding mountain ascents—brings its own rewards: solitude, scenery, challenges, possible wildlife sightings, and the chance to truly connect with the desert landscape.
This is usually one of the best times of year to lace up your hiking shoes (or boots) and hit the trails. (I say “usually,” given the record-breaking heat that arrived in mid-March.) The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted a moderately hot spring, with low temperatures running in the mid-50s at night, and average daytime highs in the mid-70s to high 80s.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle nature walk or a strenuous bucket‑list climb, you’re sure to find it here in the Coachella Valley. Here are a few you should know about, if you don’t already.
Tucked within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, just off Highway 74 as you leave Palm Desert and start up the mountain road (about four miles from Highway 111, across from the Visitor Center), the Art Smith Trail delivers one of the most visually rewarding hikes in the valley. It’s especially magical in spring with all the colorful blooms—the surrounding hillsides come alive with blooming brittlebush, budding barrel cactus and bright beavertail cactus flowers. It’s not uncommon to see a herd of the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep. As the U.S. Forest Service states, it is “truly one of the signature trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.”
I couldn’t agree more. A friend and I recently did an 8-mile out-and-back on the Art Smith Trail. It was amazing! It was my longest trek since my knee surgery, and I couldn’t feel better. We started at 6:30 a.m. and were off the trail by 11:30 a.m. (I would recommend an earlier start time—there’s not much shade on this trail.)
We parked in the first parking area (on the right along Highway 74) at the end of BIGHORN Golf Club. We took a shortcut up and over the concrete levee, following the fenceline for about a half-mile to the official trailhead. From there, it’s all uphill, with an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet, but it didn’t seem so bad after the first mile or so, because the trail has subtle dips and gains as you meander along the hillsides. Around the 1.5-mile mark, you’ll go through the first of four small oasis groves. At the next mile, you’ll pass a larger oasis, with two more in the distance—a breathtaking sight against the rugged mountain backdrop. It’s worth the climb. We’re already planning our next trek on this trail to make it the full 8-plus miles to Dunn Road. From there, we’ll continue another 2-3 miles to Cathedral City Cove and make our way down to East Palm Canyon and Cathedral Canyon drives, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast or lunch at Sunshine Café.
AllTrails lists the Art Smith Trail as 15.6 hard miles with a 3,300-foot elevation gain, but I’d say it’s moderately hard due to the gradual climb. Dogs are not allowed in this area due to the sensitive desert terrain and concerns about wildlife disturbance.
For a hike that’s more moderately flat with a shorter distance—just more than 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 692 feet—try the nearby Art Smith Loop. This trail runs along the base of the hills with varied terrain and offers beautiful views. For parking, continue up Highway 74, past the small parking area and the driveway for the Visitor Center to the larger paved parking lot further south on the right, just before the curve as the road heads up the mountain. Look for the big rock that displays Art Smith Trail.
Another great hike (and personal favorite) in the same area on the other side of Highway 74, is the Randall Henderson Canyon Loop Trail. This trail is also a moderate 2.5 miles with about 450 feet of elevation gain. For parking and trailhead access, turn left off Highway 74 into the Visitor Center, across from the larger paved Art Smith lot (the south lot), and park at the bottom of the hill. The trailhead is right there. Go past the kiosk; turn left; go up the steps; and stay to the left. You’ll see beautiful blooming cacti along with other flowers this time of year, as well as sweeping scenic views.
Across the valley—to the west and just north of Coachella Valley, about 11 miles on Highway 62 from Interstate 10—is another must‑visit for this time of year: the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, where the newly repaired boardwalk is now open. This preserve offers an entirely different desert experience, with easy and accessible shaded walkways, as well as flowing water and dense vegetation that attract a remarkable variety of wildlife. I recently had the pleasure of seeing a great horned owl in a tree at the preserve as I was walking along the boardwalk. April is peak season for birdwatching here, as migratory species pass through, and resident birds become more active. The contrast between the cool, green canyon floor and the surrounding high desert makes Big Morongo an excellent option for warmer days or for hikers looking for a more relaxed, nature‑focused outing.
Thanks to milder temperatures, seasonal rains, breeding cycles and food availability, spring is the most active time of year for desert wildlife in and around the Coachella Valley. Reptiles emerge to bask in the sun; birds are nesting or migrating; and mammals are more visible during cooler daylight hours. While hiking, you may spot roadrunners darting across the trail, jackrabbits bounding through creosote flats, or desert iguanas warming themselves on rocks. Bighorn sheep are occasionally seen on higher elevation routes, especially in rugged terrain near mountain foothills.
Warmer weather also means increased snake activity. Hikers should stay alert; watch where you step; and keep dogs on a short leash. Snakes are most commonly spotted along trails at sunrise and just before sunset. Keep in mind that they, too, seek shade when you’re looking for a cool spot to rest, so be sure to carry a hiking pole and tap it against rocks to make your presence known before getting too close; always look closely around rocks before climbing. Awareness and respect for wildlife go a long way in keeping both hikers and animals safe.
April brings special significance as it aligns with Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22. Remember to show your appreciation for Mother Earth!
As always, start early; carry plenty of water (at least a liter per hour); have sun protection; and wear a brimmed hat. Remember to respect the desert and leave no trace. It’s especially beneficial this time of year to know the 10 desert hiking essentials and always have them with you when you’re out on the trails. Learn more at the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ hiking page: www.desertmountains.org/hiking.