Coachella Valley & Joshua Tree Hiking: Compare 38 Trails
Compare desert and mountain hikes, find the right trailhead and plan your next outing.
Compare 38 hikes across the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and the nearby San Jacinto Mountains. Search by name or area, compare distance and climbing, then open the trail map and arrival guide.
- 38 outings to compare: from shaded boardwalks and palm-oasis loops to steep mountain trails.
- Know the arrival details: entrances, admission, dog rules and shorter alternatives for every hike.
- Explore one regional map: published trail lines from BLM, NPS, US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap, with route-specific coverage notes.
Find an outing that fits your day
Choose the whole outing you want to walk, then compare the details that matter to you. Open a route’s arrival guide for parking, the trail start and a shorter alternative.
Coachella Valley · Palm Springs · Nearby parks
Compare the trails
38 desert and mountain outings, from short nature walks to demanding climbs. Select up to three to compare.
0 of 3 selected
Compare the whole outing, side by side.
Randall Henderson
Loop
No dogs
The Cross
Out and back
Leashed dogs on this route
Art Smith: First Oasis
Out and back
No dogs
Bear Creek Oasis
Out and back
No dogs
Boo Hoff Loop
Lollipop loop
No dogs on the Cove-to-Lake section
Bighorn Overlook
Out and back
Leashed dogs; check signs
Chuckwalla Loop
Connected loop
Leashed dogs; check signs
Bump & Grind Loop
Loop
A familiar local workout with big valley views.
No dogs
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail
Out and back
Leashed dogs allowed
East Indio Hills Badlands
Loop
Leashed dogs allowed
Cove-to-Lake
Out and back
No dogs
Tahquitz Canyon
Loop
A waterfall canyon close to downtown Palm Springs.
No pets
Andreas Canyon Loop
Loop
A short palm-oasis loop with creekside scenery.
No pets
Murray Canyon & Coffman Loop
Loop
A longer canyon outing with a waterfall destination.
No pets
Palm Canyon & Victor Loop
Loop
Palm-oasis scenery paired with an open ridge.
No pets
Whitewater Preserve scenery
Whitewater Canyon View Loop
Loop
A ridge-and-river setting at the western end of the valley.
Leashed dogs permitted
October 20 roadwork notice: check reopening before visiting.
Big Morongo Marsh Trail
Loop
An easy boardwalk option for birding and slower exploring.
No dogs
Ladder & Painted Canyon Loop
Loop
A distinctive slot-canyon outing with ladder climbs.
Leave dogs home; ladders are unsuitable
Ryan Mountain
Out and back
A steep summit hike for wide national-park views.
No pets
Barker Dam
Loop
No pets
Cap Rock
Loop
No pets
Ryan Ranch
Out and back
No pets
Skull Rock
Loop
No pets
Lost Horse Mine
Out and back
No pets
Mastodon Peak Loop
Loop
No pets
Fortynine Palms Oasis
Out and back
No pets
Lost Palms Oasis
Out and back
No pets
Araby — Berns junction
Out and back
Hillside views of Palm Springs and its architecture.
No dogs
North Lykken — picnic tables
Out and back
A substantial climb close to downtown.
Check posted dog restrictions
South Lykken — south picnic tables
Out and back
A shorter workout with a clear turnaround.
Check posted dog restrictions
Museum Trail — picnic tables
Out and back
Downtown access to an elevated valley view.
No dogs
Long Canyon — lower canyon outing
Out and back
A quieter canyon option on the valley’s north side.
No dogs on this outing; it enters Joshua Tree National Park
Mission Creek — Stone House
Out and back
An approachable preserve walk with painted hills and canyon scenery.
Leashed dogs allowed
Desert View Trail — tramway
Loop
Forest walking and overlooks reached by tram.
No dogs; tramway and state wilderness restrictions apply
Round Valley Meadow — tramway
Out and back
A longer forest outing without a summit commitment.
No dogs; tramway and state wilderness restrictions apply
Devil’s Slide — Saddle Junction
Out and back
A sustained forest climb to a major mountain trail junction.
Check posted dog restrictions
Suicide Rock via Deer Springs
Out and back
A mountain-town hike with a dramatic rock viewpoint.
Check posted dog restrictions
¹ Climbing figures retain the source’s definition; elevation change is not necessarily cumulative ascent. Rancho Mirage sources describe different route extents. Open each arrival guide for the full measurement notes. Exposure varies from open desert to shaded boardwalks and high-elevation forest. Check each arrival guide for terrain and weather considerations.
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Coachella Valley & nearby · 38 hikes
Choose your trail
Select a hike above or tap a colored trail. Then use its arrival guide to check parking and the exact outing.
Satellite mode shows aerial imagery, not live conditions. Arrows indicate the initial outbound direction only, not a one-way rule or a complete loop itinerary. Source lines may extend beyond the outing in the card. This is a planning map, not a verified GPS recording or live closure service.
Arrival guides
Open a route for the parking landmark, trail start, full measurement notes and a shorter alternative. Entrance map links locate the named starting place; they are not verified hiking tracks. Photographs show scenery and landmarks, not parking layouts.
Palm DesertRandall Henderson Wash Loop
- Climbing
- 153 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy wash, steps and a low ridge. Mostly exposed; no dependable shade.
- Dogs
- No dogs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- First trailhead parking area after turning into the National Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 Highway 74.
- From the car to the trail
- Find the Randall Henderson kiosk. The named Wash Loop uses the stairs and signpost 6; take the two right turns described in the Friends route guide.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee; check trailhead gate hours.
- A shorter alternative
- Ed Hastey Garden Trail at the visitor center: a 0.2-mile paved interpretive walk. Check current access before travelling.
This is the short Wash Loop, not the full Randall Henderson system. Longer loops carry different mileage and climbing figures.
Route source / current trail informationPalm DesertThe Cross — direct route
- Climbing
- 622 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sustained uphill dirt trail; loose sections. Open hillside with little shade.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs on this route. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Homme-Adams Park trailhead parking near Calle de los Campesinos; approach via Thrush Road from Highway 74.
- From the car to the trail
- Start up Homestead Trail, then follow the signed Hopalong Cassidy connection toward the Cross. Stay on this defined route with a dog.
- Admission / access
- Public trailhead; follow posted parking restrictions.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back on Homestead before the upper climb. Choose your own turnaround; it is still a hillside walk.
The direct out-and-back is different from the 3.3-mile Cross Loop. Dog permission does not extend to the whole mountain trail network.
Route source / current trail informationPalm DesertArt Smith — First Oasis
- Climbing
- 809 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky climbing trail and desert washes. Long exposed approach; palms are not continuous shade.
- Dogs
- No dogs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Separate Art Smith trailhead lot on the southwest side of Highway 74, just beyond the visitor center driveway.
- From the car to the trail
- Use the Art Smith lot, not the Randall Henderson lot. From the right end of the lot, stay on Art Smith when Hopalong Cassidy branches away.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee; use designated parking.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose an early turnaround on Art Smith, or use the short Randall Henderson Wash Loop at its separate trailhead.
The first oasis is the turnaround for this outing. The full Art Smith Trail continues much farther; do not use its one-way distance as your day-hike total.
Route source / current trail informationLa QuintaCove-to-Lake — return to the Cove
- Climbing
- Varies with start and turnaround; no standardized figure used here
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy wash, rocky trail and rolling ground. Predominantly open desert.
- Dogs
- No dogs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Cove-to-Lake trailhead parking on Calle Tecate, near Avenida Bermudas. Use the signed trail entrance at the top of the Cove.
- From the car to the trail
- From the parking area, follow the signed Cove-to-Lake trail to Lake Cahuilla. Turn around at the lake-side trail entrance and retrace the same trail to your car; this is not the longer Boo Hoff loop.
- Admission / access
- Cove-side trail access; Lake Cahuilla park entry and parking are separate. Check Riverside County fees if entering the park.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk a short portion of the signed lower route, then retrace it. Set a turnaround time before starting.
Friends of the Desert Mountains lists a 6.4-mile outing; Desert Recreation District lists 6.6 miles. Your parking spot and lake-side turnaround affect the total. Return by the same trail.
Route source / current trail informationLa QuintaBear Creek Oasis — mountain hike
- Climbing
- 1,989 ft published elevation change; not cumulative ascent
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy approach, then steep rocky mountain trail. Long exposed climb; limited shade at the destination.
- Dogs
- No dogs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Cove Oasis trailhead at the south end of Avenida Madero, near 54990 Avenida Madero. Continue past the first parking area to the lot by the bend.
- From the car to the trail
- Start through the Cove Oasis Trails gate, take the right and then the quick left, and pass the oasis picnic area. Follow the wash approach to the signed Bear Creek Oasis mountain trail.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee for the Cove-side approach; check current access.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn around on the lower approach before committing to the mountain climb. This is not a shortened route to the oasis.
Our planning estimate doubles the Forest Service’s listed 4.5-mile trail length for a return trip. This is not the urban Bear Creek multi-use path; route recordings may measure differently.
Route source / current trail informationLa QuintaBoo Hoff — full loop
- Climbing
- 1,892 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Remote trail, washes and connecting sections. Long stretches without shade.
- Dogs
- No dogs on the Cove-to-Lake section. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Cove-to-Lake trailhead parking on Calle Tecate, near Avenida Bermudas. Start at the signed trail entrance at the top of the Cove.
- From the car to the trail
- Start at the Calle Tecate parking area, walk the shared approach, then follow the Boo Hoff loop counterclockwise. Descend through Devil Canyon, follow the connection by Jefferson Street and Lake Cahuilla, and return on the Cove-to-Lake trail to the same parking lot.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee; confirm access to the complete loop.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose a lower Cove out-and-back instead. Do not improvise a cross-country shortcut to close the loop.
This is the full lollipop loop: a shared approach from the parking lot, a larger loop, then the same short approach back to your car. Use the signed public trail and the roadside connection; the golf course and residential roads are not part of this route.
Route source / current trail informationRancho MirageBighorn Overlook — shelter and return
- Climbing
- 100 ft city-listed gain; older BLM outing lists 145 ft
- Underfoot and exposure
- Short, steep switchbacks. Open climb; picnic shelter at the overlook.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs; check signs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Upper parking lot at Rancho Mirage City Hall, reached from Frank Sinatra Drive west of Highway 111.
- From the car to the trail
- Use the upper lot trail access and climb to the picnic shelter. Return the same way; continuing onto Jack Rabbit changes the outing.
- Admission / access
- City Hall trail access; obey lot signage and closures.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back before the shelter if the grade is too much. For a flatter outing, use the paved paths at nearby Cancer Survivors Park.
The city lists the named trail as 0.27 mile. The approximately 0.6-mile return outing comes from the older BLM guide. Short distance does not mean a gentle grade.
Route source / current trail informationRancho MirageChuckwalla — Roadrunner connection loop
- Climbing
- 352 ft older BLM loop figure; city segment lists 200 ft
- Underfoot and exposure
- Hillside trail, connecting paths and road crossing. Mostly exposed foothills.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs; check signs. Follow current posted restrictions.
- Parking / entrance
- Rancho Mirage City Hall lot off Frank Sinatra Drive; use a lawful crossing to reach the Roadrunner access.
- From the car to the trail
- The BLM loop uses Roadrunner to reach Chuckwalla. Check the city map and safe road crossing before leaving the lot; never assume a navigation pin identifies a pedestrian crossing.
- Admission / access
- City trail access; obey parking and access signs.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose the Bighorn shelter-and-return outing from the upper City Hall lot, or turn back on the approach before joining the loop.
The city’s 1.58-mile figure is the Chuckwalla trail segment. Our approximately 2.2-mile outing uses the older BLM connected-loop description, so allow for access and current routing.
Route source / current trail informationPalm DesertBump & Grind Loop
- Climbing
- 738 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Steep dirt tracks and loose descents. Open hillside with little shade.
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Parking / entrance
- Painter’s Path trailhead, behind the Highway 111 retail area. Use lawful street parking.
- From the car to the trail
- Start at the Bump & Grind sign; follow the loop’s Hopalong Cassidy, Herb Jeffries, lower Bump & Grind and Mike Schuler connections.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee; respect posted parking restrictions.
- A shorter alternative
- Take a short out-and-back on the lower approach and turn before the steep climb.
The regional comparison uses the 3.1-mile lower loop. The 4.1-mile outing includes the upper extension, which closes February 1–April 30. Check current access and posted restrictions.
Palm SpringsTahquitz Canyon
- Climbing
- 350 ft operator-listed elevation gain
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky trail and high stone steps. Little shade on much of the climb.
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, 500 W Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs.
- From the car to the trail
- Enter through the visitor center and ticket point. Follow the signed canyon trail toward Tahquitz Falls and return on the designated loop.
- Admission / access
- Paid admission; check official hours, last entry and ticket requirements.
- A shorter alternative
- Ask at the visitor center about the shortest suitable walk; turn back before committing to the steeper steps.
The operator rates the trail strenuous. The waterfall is seasonal, and this ticket is separate from Indian Canyons.
Palm SpringsAndreas Canyon Loop
- Climbing
- 200 ft operator-listed elevation gain
- Underfoot and exposure
- Uneven creekside path and a creek crossing. Palm shade along the creek; exposed portions on return.
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Andreas Canyon parking area inside the Indian Canyons entrance, reached via South Palm Canyon Drive.
- From the car to the trail
- Use the trail information board north of the bridge. Follow the signed loop alongside Andreas Creek and the designated crossing.
- Admission / access
- Paid Indian Canyons admission; check the operator’s hours and access notices.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk only a short distance along the creek and return before the crossing.
An easy rating does not mean a paved or universally accessible trail. Creek conditions can change the footing.
Palm SpringsMurray Canyon & Coffman Loop
- Climbing
- 450 ft operator-listed elevation gain
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky canyon trail, creek crossings and open desert. Mixed palm shade and exposed stretches.
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Andreas Canyon parking area inside Indian Canyons.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow Murray Canyon toward Seven Sisters. On the return, use the signed Coffman connection and rejoin Murray Canyon to reach the parking area.
- Admission / access
- Paid Indian Canyons admission; allow enough time to return before the gate closes.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose the shorter Andreas Canyon Loop instead and follow its own signed trailhead directions. This is a different outing, not a shortcut on the Murray Canyon loop.
This is the operator’s 4.7-mile Murray/Coffman outing. Water flow and creek crossings vary; waterfalls are not guaranteed.
Palm SpringsPalm Canyon & Victor Loop
- Climbing
- 365 ft operator-listed elevation gain
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy palm canyon floor and a rocky ridge climb. Shade in Palm Canyon, then an exposed Victor ridge.
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Palm Canyon Trading Post parking inside Indian Canyons.
- From the car to the trail
- Descend from the Trading Post, follow Palm Canyon south, and use the signed Victor Trail connection for the ridge return.
- Admission / access
- Paid Indian Canyons admission; check hours and current trail notices.
- A shorter alternative
- Explore a short stretch of the palm-lined canyon floor and return the same way.
The operator lists 2.7 miles while its description rounds to a three-mile loop. Stay on the defined Victor return rather than extending deeper into Palm Canyon.
WhitewaterWhitewater Canyon View Loop
- Climbing
- 672 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Ridge trail, canyon paths and a road-side connection. Exposed ridge; shaded grounds near the visitor center.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs permitted
- Parking / entrance
- Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road.
- From the car to the trail
- From the preserve lot, use Canyon View / Canyon Ridge and the PCT connection; follow the current preserve map for the return near Whitewater Canyon Road.
- Admission / access
- Free preserve admission. Check road access, seasonal reservations and opening hours.
- A shorter alternative
- Stay on the short paths around the preserve grounds, subject to current access.
The operator posted a closure for October 20, 2026 because of roadwork. Check the current notice before visiting; reopening has not been confirmed.
Morongo ValleyBig Morongo Marsh Trail
- Climbing
- Low relief; no numerical gain published by the preserve
- Underfoot and exposure
- Boardwalk with viewing decks. Substantial riparian shade, with open sections.
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Parking / entrance
- Big Morongo Canyon Preserve main lot, entered from East Drive off Highway 62.
- From the car to the trail
- Begin at the parking-lot kiosk and follow Marsh Trail signs; use the current trail map to stay on the short boardwalk route.
- Admission / access
- Free entry; donations welcome. Check preserve hours and notices.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk to a nearby viewing deck and return by the same boardwalk.
The preserve describes the Marsh Trail as accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. Confirm current boardwalk condition and any closure before relying on accessibility.
MeccaLadder & Painted Canyon Loop
- Climbing
- Varies with the chosen route; no single verified gain used here
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy slots, ladders, scrambling and an exposed rim. Slot shade varies; exposed upper sections.
- Dogs
- Leave dogs home; ladders are unsuitable
- Parking / entrance
- Painted Canyon trailhead at the end of Painted Canyon Road in Mecca Hills.
- From the car to the trail
- Use a current route map to identify the Ladder Canyon branch and the Painted Canyon return. Do not follow unverified rock arrows or side canyons.
- Admission / access
- No BLM admission fee. The unpaved road can need high clearance / four-wheel drive; check current conditions.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose a short out-and-back in the main Painted Canyon wash, turning before ladders or climbing.
CalWild gives approximately 4.4 miles, varying by route. Ladder condition and placement can change. Avoid the canyons if storms threaten, including upstream.
Joshua Tree National ParkRyan Mountain
- Climbing
- 1,050 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Steep rocky trail and numerous steps. Exposed climb and summit; little shelter from wind.
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Ryan Mountain parking area on Park Boulevard between Sheep Pass and Ryan Campground.
- From the car to the trail
- Use the signed Ryan Mountain trailhead and climb the maintained route to the summit. Retrace the same trail.
- Admission / access
- National park entrance fee or valid pass; check road and trail alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- For a gentler alternative, drive to the separate Ryan Ranch trailhead for its one-mile out-and-back. This is not a shortened Ryan Mountain climb.
NPS warns against this strenuous hike in summer or hot conditions. Mountain wind, cold and ice can also affect the outing.
IdyllwildErnie Maxwell Scenic Trail
- Climbing
- Rolling trail; return climbs toward Humber Park
- Underfoot and exposure
- Forest path Forest shade with exposed sections
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Parking / entrance
- Humber Park / Fern Valley Road trailhead. Check current Forest Service parking-pass requirements.
- From the car to the trail
- Start at the Ernie Maxwell sign near the lower end of Humber Park. The full outing retraces the trail to this higher starting point.
- Admission / access
- Check current parking, pass requirements and access notices.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn around earlier and return to Humber Park.
Official US Forest Service geometry for Ernie Maxwell. The 2.6-mile one-way outing is about 5.2 miles when retraced; mapped geometry length can differ.
Route source / current trail informationIndioEast Indio Hills Badlands
- Climbing
- 777 ft published elevation gain
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sandy washes and eroded badlands Exposed desert
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Parking / entrance
- Indio Badlands Trailhead, 42000 Golf Center Parkway at Avenue 42.
- From the car to the trail
- Start at the signed Badlands trailhead. Choose your loop using the posted map; the map here currently marks the trailhead only.
- Admission / access
- Check current parking, pass requirements and access notices.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk a shorter out-and-back on the signed approach and retrace your route. Do not improvise a shortcut across the badlands.
Trailhead reference location only. A verified full-loop line has not yet been added; do not treat the map as a route track.
Route source / current trail informationJoshua Tree National ParkBarker Dam
- Climbing
- 50 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Historic dam and desert plants Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Barker Dam parking area.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Barker Dam trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- For a shorter hike at a different trailhead, drive to Cap Rock for its 0.4-mile loop. This does not shorten the Barker Dam loop.
Joshua Tree National ParkCap Rock
- Climbing
- 20 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Boulder formations and desert plants Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Cap Rock parking at Park Boulevard and Keys View Road.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Cap Rock trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk a short out-and-back from the Cap Rock trailhead and return before completing the loop. Even this short nature walk has uneven ground.
Joshua Tree National ParkRyan Ranch
- Climbing
- 135 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Old ranch road and adobe remains Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Ryan Ranch trailhead, about half a mile east of Ryan Campground.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Ryan Ranch trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back early on the same signed path.
Joshua Tree National ParkSkull Rock
- Climbing
- 160 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Granite formations and sandy washes Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Skull Rock parking east of Jumbo Rocks Campground.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Skull Rock trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- For a shorter hike at a different trailhead, drive to Cap Rock for its 0.4-mile loop. This does not shorten the Skull Rock loop.
Joshua Tree National ParkLost Horse Mine
- Climbing
- 550 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Mining history and open desert Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Lost Horse Mine trailhead off Keys View Road.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Lost Horse Mine trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead. The NPS map layer includes the broader Lost Horse loop; this card compares only the 4-mile mine out-and-back. Stay outside fenced mine workings.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back early on the same signed path.
Joshua Tree National ParkMastodon Peak Loop
- Climbing
- 375 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky desert loop; optional summit scramble Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Cottonwood Spring parking area.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Mastodon Peak Loop trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead. The unmaintained summit scramble is optional.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- From the Cottonwood Spring parking area, choose the short walk to Cottonwood Spring and return instead of committing to the Mastodon Peak loop. Check current spring-area access.
Joshua Tree National ParkFortynine Palms Oasis
- Climbing
- 300 ft NPS-listed elevation change in both directions
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky ridges and a palm oasis Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Fortynine Palms trailhead, reached from Highway 62.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Fortynine Palms Oasis trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead. The 300-foot rise is encountered in both directions; it is not the total cumulative ascent.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back early on the same signed path.
Joshua Tree National ParkLost Palms Oasis
- Climbing
- 500 ft NPS-listed elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Long desert trail to an oasis canyon Mostly exposed; limited shade
- Dogs
- No pets
- Parking / entrance
- Cottonwood Spring parking area.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed Lost Palms Oasis trail. Check posted route and closure information before leaving the trailhead. Allow energy and water for the climb back out of the oasis canyon.
- Admission / access
- Check current national park entry requirements and alerts.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose the short Cottonwood Spring walk from the same parking area instead of the long Lost Palms Oasis outing. Check current spring-area access.
Palm SpringsAraby — Berns junction
- Climbing
- 927 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Steep, winding dirt trail; loose rock. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Parking / entrance
- Signed Araby access near Highway 111 and Rim Road / Southridge Drive. Use legal parking and keep residential access clear.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow Araby uphill to its junction with Berns Trail, then retrace your route.
- Admission / access
- Check posted access rules and parking restrictions. No admission claim is made here.
- A shorter alternative
- Make an earlier turnaround on Araby.
This is the Berns-junction outing, not a longer loop through the surrounding trail network.
Route source / current trail informationPalm SpringsNorth Lykken — picnic tables
- Climbing
- 886 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky uphill switchbacks. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- Check posted dog restrictions
- Parking / entrance
- West Ramon Road at La Mirada Road. Observe street parking signs and do not obstruct driveways.
- From the car to the trail
- Climb North Lykken from Ramon Road. At the Museum Trail junction, follow the signed route toward the picnic tables, then return.
- Admission / access
- Check posted access rules and parking restrictions. No admission claim is made here.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back earlier on the same trail.
The compared route starts at Ramon Road. It is separate from the longer downtown loop and northern approaches.
Route source / current trail informationPalm SpringsSouth Lykken — south picnic tables
- Climbing
- 643 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Rocky switchbacks and uneven footing. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- Check posted dog restrictions
- Parking / entrance
- Southern South Lykken trailhead off South Palm Canyon Drive. This outing does not start at Mesquite Avenue.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the southern approach uphill to the picnic tables and return the same way.
- Admission / access
- Check posted access rules and parking restrictions. No admission claim is made here.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn back before the tables if the climb is too much.
Different South Lykken entrances produce different distances. Use the southern entrance for these figures.
Route source / current trail informationPalm SpringsMuseum Trail — picnic tables
- Climbing
- 982 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Steep rocky climb and loose footing. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Parking / entrance
- Use public parking near the Palm Springs Art Museum; its private lot is reserved for museum visitors. Read current garage and street signs.
- From the car to the trail
- Walk to the signed trail at the rear of the museum parking area. Climb to the picnic-table viewpoint and retrace your steps.
- Admission / access
- Check posted access rules and parking restrictions. No admission claim is made here.
- A shorter alternative
- Turn around earlier; even the opening section is steep.
Stop at the viewpoint. Continuing onto Skyline is a very different, demanding mountain undertaking.
Route source / current trail informationDesert Hot SpringsLong Canyon — lower canyon outing
- Climbing
- Varies with turnaround; no fixed gain used
- Underfoot and exposure
- Desert wash, sandy and rocky stretches. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- No dogs on this outing; it enters Joshua Tree National Park
- Parking / entrance
- Long Canyon Trailhead on Long Canyon Road, north of Hacienda Avenue. Approach using posted public access.
- From the car to the trail
- Follow the signed canyon trail approximately two miles, then return on the same route. Track your distance; the wider trail continues much farther.
- Admission / access
- Check posted access rules and parking restrictions. No admission claim is made here.
- A shorter alternative
- Walk one mile out and return for about two miles total.
Four miles is the selected return outing. Published descriptions of the full Long Canyon corridor use different endpoints; do not double or substitute those figures.
Route source / current trail informationDesert Hot SpringsMission Creek — Stone House
- Climbing
- Gentle rise; no verified total gain used
- Underfoot and exposure
- Broad unpaved preserve road. Exposed desert; little dependable shade
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Parking / entrance
- Main gate parking area at Mission Creek Preserve, 60550 Mission Creek Road. Check the dirt access road before travelling.
- From the car to the trail
- Walk the preserve road roughly 1.5 miles from the main gate to the Stone House area, then return. Driving through the gate requires advance permission.
- Admission / access
- Free preserve admission. Check hours and road conditions; Stone House vehicle access requires permission.
- A shorter alternative
- Take a shorter out-and-back from the gate.
The PCT lies farther beyond the Stone House and is not included in this three-mile outing.
Route source / current trail informationSan Jacinto / TramwayDesert View Trail — tramway
- Climbing
- 50 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Forest path with rocky sections; steep paved station approach. Mountain weather; sun, cold and seasonal snow or ice
- Dogs
- No dogs; tramway and state wilderness restrictions apply
- Parking / entrance
- Park at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station, then ride to Mountain Station. Tram tickets and parking arrangements are separate from hiking.
- From the car to the trail
- Descend the steep paved walkway into Long Valley, then follow signed Desert View Trail loop markers. Return up the walkway for your tram.
- Admission / access
- Tram fare and applicable parking charges. No wilderness permit is required for this loop; check current operations.
- A shorter alternative
- Choose a shorter Long Valley walk, allowing for the climb back to the tram.
The listed 1.5 miles describes the trail loop. The station approach adds walking and about 100 feet of descent that must be regained.
Route source / current trail informationSan Jacinto / TramwayRound Valley Meadow — tramway
- Climbing
- 700 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- High-elevation forest path; rocky stretches. Mountain weather; sun, cold and seasonal snow or ice
- Dogs
- No dogs; tramway and state wilderness restrictions apply
- Parking / entrance
- Use the tramway Valley Station parking and ride to Mountain Station. Confirm tram hours and the last descent before starting.
- From the car to the trail
- Descend to Long Valley, obtain the required wilderness permit at the ranger station, and follow the signed Round Valley route to the meadow. Retrace the same route.
- Admission / access
- Tram fare and applicable parking charges; free day-use wilderness permit required.
- A shorter alternative
- Stay on a shorter Long Valley trail instead.
This is the State Parks 4.2-mile meadow out-and-back, not the 4-mile loop or a summit hike. Station access adds walking; preserve time for the return tram.
Route source / current trail informationIdyllwildDevil’s Slide — Saddle Junction
- Climbing
- Sustained mountain ascent; gain not standardized here
- Underfoot and exposure
- Mountain switchbacks, roots and rocky footing. Mountain weather; sun, cold and seasonal snow or ice
- Dogs
- Check posted dog restrictions
- Parking / entrance
- Humber Park at the end of Fern Valley Road. Check current Forest Service parking-pass requirements.
- From the car to the trail
- Use the signed Devil’s Slide trailhead. Climb about 2.5 miles to Saddle Junction and retrace your route.
- Admission / access
- Wilderness permit required. Ask the ranger station about current Devil’s Slide quotas and parking passes.
- A shorter alternative
- For a gentler alternative, start Ernie Maxwell at its separate signed trailhead in Humber Park. This is a different outing, not a shortened route to Saddle Junction.
Saddle Junction is the turnaround here. Trails continuing to Tahquitz Peak, Wellman Divide or San Jacinto Peak are separate outings.
Route source / current trail informationIdyllwildSuicide Rock via Deer Springs
- Climbing
- 1,900 ft published elevation change
- Underfoot and exposure
- Sustained forest climb and exposed rock viewpoint. Mountain weather; sun, cold and seasonal snow or ice
- Dogs
- Check posted dog restrictions
- Parking / entrance
- Deer Springs trailhead on Highway 243, about one mile north of Idyllwild. Park only where permitted and take care beside the highway.
- From the car to the trail
- Climb Deer Springs Trail and take the signed Suicide Rock branch. Return by the same route; stay back from the exposed rock edge.
- Admission / access
- Free wilderness permit required. Confirm current access and parking rules with the ranger station.
- A shorter alternative
- Make an earlier turnaround on Deer Springs.
The outing ends at Suicide Rock, not San Jacinto Peak. Stay on the signed hiking approach rather than climbers’ access paths.
Route source / current trail informationBefore you head out
Check the land manager’s current alerts, weather and posted access rules before setting out. Save an offline map before leaving service, carry enough water, and leave your route and return time with someone. The interactive map is for planning; our downloadable PDF is not available yet. Joshua Tree conditions · BLM visitor information
Go deeper in each city
- Palm Desert hiking guide — route choices and local context.
- La Quinta Cove hiking guide — understand the three longer Cove options.
- Rancho Mirage hiking guide — short foothill trails and their connections.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the shortest hike in this comparison?
Cap Rock is the shortest complete outing in this comparison: a 0.4-mile loop in Joshua Tree National Park. Big Morongo’s 0.65-mile Marsh Trail offers a gentler boardwalk setting. Bighorn Overlook is about 0.6 mile out and back, but its short distance includes a steep climb.
Can I bring my dog?
Use the dog filter and read the route’s rules. Whitewater allows leashed dogs, as do the specified Cross and Rancho Mirage outings. Many protected canyon and national-park trails do not allow pets. For Ladder Canyon, leave dogs home because of the ladder sections; that is a suitability recommendation, not a claim of a general area-wide ban.
Why do other maps show different distances?
A named trail segment, a connected loop and an out-and-back measure different things. Starting lots and turnaround points also vary. This comparison labels complete outing estimates and preserves source differences rather than presenting them as identical GPS measurements.
Do the map buttons show the hiking route?
The new regional map shows published trail lines from BLM, the National Park Service, US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap, with a coverage note for each hike. It is not a verified GPS recording of every exact outing. The entrance links still locate starting places rather than supplying turn-by-turn hiking directions.
Which route should I choose on a hot day?
Do not choose by mileage alone. Desert trails can be fully exposed, while the boardwalk and forest outings have different shade and weather conditions. Check the forecast, current alerts and each arrival guide; choose a cooler time or skip the hike when conditions are unsuitable. Higher mountain trails can have cold, snow or ice even when the valley is warm.
Sources and route-measurement notes
Reviewed October 20, 2026. This is a planning comparison, not a real-time closure report. Published elevation change is retained as labelled. About 9 miles for Bear Creek is a return-trip planning estimate from the listed 4.5-mile trail; Cove-to-Lake is a return hike from Calle Tecate parking to Lake Cahuilla; Friends of the Desert Mountains lists 6.4 miles and Desert Recreation District lists 6.6 miles. Rancho Mirage combines older BLM outing descriptions with current city segment figures.
- Friends of the Desert Mountains: Randall Henderson Wash Loop
- Friends: The Cross Direct Route
- Friends: Art Smith First Oasis
- Friends: Boo Hoff Loop
- Forest Service: Bear Creek Oasis Trail
- City of Rancho Mirage: parks, trails and map
- BLM: Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage trail guide (2021)
- BLM: hiking with dogs
- BLM: current monument visit information
- La Quinta: hiking information
- National Weather Service: heat safety
- National Weather Service: monsoon safety
Map line data retrieved October 20, 2026: BLM National Ground Transportation Linear Features; OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. Lines are simplified for display; gaps are retained. These datasets do not verify the precise turnaround of every named outing, current access or on-the-ground conditions.
Ten additional hikes reviewed October 20, 2026. The selection is editorial, balancing familiar routes, geography and effort; it is not a measured popularity ranking. Published figures describe specific outings. No stock or generated photographs were added.
- Indian Canyons: operator trail distances, climbing and routes
- Tahquitz Canyon: operator route and difficulty
- Big Morongo: Marsh Trail and preserve rules
- Whitewater Preserve: access and dated closure notice
- Friends of the Desert Mountains: Whitewater Canyon View Loop
- Friends: Bump & Grind Loop
- CalWild: Ladder and Painted Canyon route
- NPS: Joshua Tree hiking distances, elevation and pet rules
- National Park Service: public trail geometry
Additional map entries reviewed October 20, 2026: Ernie Maxwell uses US Forest Service public trail geometry; East Indio Hills uses the Friends of the Desert Mountains trailhead reference. Hall of Horrors, The Living Desert and Cottonwood are explicitly labelled orientation locations until full route lines are verified.
Expansion reviewed October 20, 2026: NPS published hiking distances and elevation changes; route lines from the NPS Public Trails dataset. The Lost Horse layer includes its broader loop. Ernie Maxwell and East Indio Hills also link to their existing local product guides. Reference markers are identified separately from mapped trail lines.
Additional routes reviewed October 20, 2026. Distances describe the named outing, not every mapped branch. California State Parks route table; Tramway access; Friends of the Desert Mountains route descriptions; Mission Creek operator; Museum Trail visitor information. Map lines use BLM, NPS, US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap data; coverage limitations appear with each selection.
Cove-to-Lake route repaired October 20, 2026: Friends of the Desert Mountains route description; Desert Recreation District; HikingGuy / Cris Hazzard published GPX (Cove-to-Lake section only), joined to BLM National Ground Transportation trail geometry for the lake-side approach. The trace begins at the Calle Tecate parking area; the return follows the same trail. Small survey offsets at joins were snapped together, without creating a new cross-country shortcut.
Boo Hoff loop corrected October 20, 2026 using Cris Hazzard / HikingGuy’s published Boo Hoff Loop GPX and route description. The full lollipop starts and ends at Calle Tecate parking, includes the Jefferson Street-side connection, and returns via Cove-to-Lake. The published guide calls the outing 12.8 miles; mapped-track calculations can differ. Only the closing survey offset of about 3 metres was snapped to the start.
Map route review: October 21, 2026. Route-specific tracks were checked against Cris Hazzard / HikingGuy published GPX guides, Agua Caliente Indian Canyons official route maps, Tahquitz Canyon official map, Joshua Tree National Park hiking information, and the linked land-manager and Friends of the Desert Mountains guides. Missing connections are not invented: eight outings are marked trailhead-only while their complete route is under review. Track lengths can differ from rounded guide distances. This review verifies map coverage, not current trail access.
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