Stretching more than 40 miles across the heart of Coachella Valley, CV Link is far more than a bike path. It is a thoughtfully designed multi-use transportation corridor that connects cities, neighborhoods, parks, schools and major destinations while offering a scenic and accessible place to walk, run, bike or even travel by golf cart or low speed electric vehicle.
Built largely along the Whitewater River and surrounding washes, CV Link is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the valley’s history. CV Link is currently broken into three separated segments, with the western end at the Palm Springs Visitor Center (at Highway 111 and Tramway Road), and the eastern end at Airport Boulevard in the city of Coachella, near Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.
Along the way, the path, managed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, traverses through some of the valley’s most vibrant communities and scenic corridors, making it easy to explore multiple cities without ever getting into a car—while also getting in a great workout at the same time!
Each of the three segments offers its own atmosphere and highlights:
• The West Valley segment is 19.6 miles, delivering unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, while following the levee along the Chino Wash and Whitewater River. Starting at the Palm Springs Visitor Center, this segment ends at Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City. It also includes a scenic spur that branches off at Dinah Shore Drive and goes through Demuth Park to North Riverside Drive, along the Tahquitz Creek Channel, adding a lush contrast to the desert terrain. Riders and walkers can enjoy dramatic sunrises, golden afternoon light, wide‑open desert skies and classic Palm Springs charm.
• The Central Valley segment is just less than 5.5 miles. This route starts at the Bump and Grind trailhead, on Painters Path behind Desert Crossing Shopping Center, off Highway 111 and Fred Waring Drive. It ends at Cook Street, adjacent to Palm Desert High School. This section has a disconnect and switches between on‑street sections and pathways along the wash, linking popular community attractions, with an access point at the Palm Desert Civic Park (43900 San Pablo Ave.). It’s ideal for casual strolls, family outings and mid‑day breaks.
• The East Valley segment stretches 16 miles from Highway 111 and Washington Street in La Quinta, to Airport Boulevard in Coachella. Beginning just north of Highway 111, it goes east through Indio, mainly following the south side of Whitewater River/Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, with some sections navigating urban areas, before ultimately running parallel Interstate 10. From there, the path parallels Highway 86 to Coachella, just outside of Thermal. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this stretch is most serene. With a mix of wide desert vistas, this segment is a favorite for a long run, bike ride or peaceful walk.
Some family members visited recently, and during their visit, four of us decided to check out CV Link. They love to walk, and I like to show them new trails during their visits—and this is a trail none of us had yet experienced. We checked out the westernmost section, between the Palm Springs Visitor Center and Gene Autry Trail. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains were awesome—everyone mentioned that was their favorite aspect of the trail. We were all impressed with how beautifully designed the trail was, with such a nice wide path. My aunt and I especially liked the unpaved decomposed-granite walking/running path that runs alongside the wider paved path for bikers and mobility devices. The shade stop about a half-mile from Gene Autry Trail is nicely constructed, with signage, lovely landscaping, seating and a water station.
There were quite a few people using the trail that day; we observed bikers and walkers enjoying the beautiful day as much as we were. There was another nice shade/rest stop with an access point and street parking just east of Gene Autry Trail, at the corner of Via Escuela and Executive Drive.
Aside from shade structures, there are water stations, benches, bike racks, directional signs and solar-powered LED lights along parts of the pathway and at access points. Restroom facilities are available along CV Link at the Palm Springs Visitors Center, Esperanza Park, the Bump and Grind trailhead, Palm Desert Civic Park, North Jackson Park and Sierra Vista Park, as listed on the CV Link maps page (coachellavalleylink.com/maps).
The CV Link is open 24 hours year-round, meaning it’s a great workout at any time of the day. Dogs on leash are also welcome, but be prepared for high desert winds that could pop up at any time. (A windproof neck gaiter is always recommended.) Heat can be a problem, of course, especially during the hottest summer months; you may want to plan to be on the trail early in the morning or later in the evening. There are shade structures along the route, but beyond those, shade is minimal, so you’ll need to plan accordingly, and bring sun protection and water.
The CV Link offers myriad open-air adventures—whether you’re biking between cities, out for a run, enjoying a sunset walk or discovering new neighborhoods.
Learn more at coachellavalleylink.com.
