There are hundreds of great hiking trails within the Coachella Valley—and it’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy them.
You can do a short hike—or, on some trails, you can go as far as you wish, embarking on an all-day hiking excursion or a multi-day backpacking adventure.
AllTrails lists 69 scenic trails, including eight easy trails, in the Palm Springs area alone—and I’m sure there are more. There are 16 are listed in the Desert Hot Springs area (northwest Coachella Valley), with a few of those being in Joshua Tree National Park. Palm Desert has 15 top trails, according to AllTrails. A few are listed in the areas of La Quinta and Indio, with 19 adventurous hiking trails listed in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area.
Here is one local favorite I’ve mentioned in this space before: The Long Canyon Trail, which starts in Desert Hot Springs and heads into Joshua Tree National Park. It’s about a 10-mile stretch one-way. You can go all the way to Joshua Tree, or you can turn around at any point. The trail is sandy and rocky and has a gradual elevation gain of more than 1,200 feet. The trailhead is located on the eastern edge of Desert Hot Springs, about one mile north of the intersection of Long Canyon Road and Hacienda Avenue. Dogs are not allowed. This trail is full sun—no shade—so bring plenty of water, as you should for any hike. A general rule for out-and-backs is when your water reaches the halfway mark, that’s your turnaround point.
Another good choice: The Camille Canyon Ridge Loop, also located in Desert Hot Springs—at the end of Mission Lakes Boulevard, at Verbena Drive—is a 2.8-mile moderate loop. Keep in mind that some reviewers say it is more difficult than “moderate,” and that it is hard to follow. With an elevation gain of just less than 900 feet, this trail offers a variety of terrain, from steep uphill rocky climbs to soft sand. This hike takes about 105 minutes, on average, to complete. I recommend using hiking poles and a map.
Trail closure updates
Here are some post-Tropical Storm Hilary updates:
• Whitewater Preserve remains closed until further notice due to storm damage. However, if you want a taste of the preserve, and you’re up for a long trek—and by long, I mean a day trip or more—you can start at the beginning of Section C of the Pacific Crest Trail, which starts north of Interstate 10. To get there, take the Haugen-Lehmann Way exit off Interstate 10, and head north. Then turn left onto Tamarack Road, then right onto Cottonwood Road. After about a mile or so, stay on Cottonwood by going left (onto a thinner road) at the divide. After just 0.2 miles, you will see the PCT signpost on the right side, where you may park—or, if you have a four-wheel drive, you can continue about a half-mile to the parking lot. There will be another PCT signpost just east of the parking area.
From Cottonwood Canyon, this section travels through the San Gorgonio Wilderness area and Whitewater and goes up to Big Bear—and then all the way to the Cajon Pass at Interstate 15. From the start at Cottonwood Canyon, it’s a nice nine-miler if you go into Whitewater Preserve (18 miles out and back). This section has some rolling, grassy hills and valleys and can be a bit of a challenge at times, but the serenity and the views are beyond amazing and well worth the effort.
• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve (aka Coachella Valley Preserve) is now open. From Nov. 22 through April 30, 2024, it is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday). Simone Pond is open “when possible.” No dogs are allowed.
For more information on the hours, including the summer schedule from May-October 2024, as well as a list of facilities and other details, visit the preserve website. I strongly recommend checking the site for status updates before going—especially after storms.
Another great resource for local trail open/closure info is the Friends of the Desert Mountains website, at www.desertmountains.org/open-trails.
Upcoming events
• The Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash on Saturday, Dec. 16, in Palm Springs, is a one-of-a-kind 5k event where every participant can be Santa Claus! Each participant receives a Santa suit for the event—which is yours to keep. Participants can run, walk or stroll the 5k (3.1 mile) route. Strollers and doggies are welcome. Following the 5k, a 200-meter Elf Dash for children 10 and younger is offered. Entry for the kids’ event includes a finisher medal! Join the Greater Palm Springs Lions Club, the presenting sponsor, and get into the Christmas spirit while supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert, nonprofit that provides trained guide dogs at no cost to the blind and sight-impaired, as well as assistance dogs for those with seizures, autism or PTSD. Individual registration in advance is $45, while the Elf Dash is $15, at racewire.com. Participants can also sign up in person Thursday or Friday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the packet pickup location (visit the registration website for the address), or on the morning of the race at 7:30 a.m. at 332 W. Alejo Road, the race site. The race starts at 9 a.m.!
• Mark your calendars on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, for the Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival. It’s a 10k and a 5k (both USA Track and Field-certified runs), with a 1k fun run (free for kids under 12), along with a Fitness Expo featuring more than 100 vendors. This child- and pet-friendly event will take place at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and registration ranges from $12 to $50. Register and learn more at www.palmspringshealthrun.com.