Palm Springs Hike: Scenic Oasis and Desert Views
4.9
102 Ratings
Palm Springs
Experience the best of Palm Springs hiking with scenic views of the Coachella Valley, a hidden Palm tree oasis, and close-up encounters with desert vegetation. Join us for a memorable adventure!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • QGM4+V3 Palm Springs - Enjoy a guided loop hike on some of the best Palm Springs hiking trails on unmarked trails known mainly by locals, so not nearly as busy as other hiking trails in Palm Springs. From these hills we’ll have amazing views of the desert valley floor all the way up to the majestic mountains that surround Palm Springs. I’ll point out & talk about the plants & how the Cahuilla people used them for medicine.

We’ll stop and visit my favorite viewpoints along the way & enjoy some of the best views of the Coachella Valley, perfect for taking pictures.

We’ll see the windmills, Joshua Tree National Park, the San Jacinto Mtns, Mt San Gorgonio (the tallest mtn. in So Cal at 11,503 ft.), Palm Springs & other desert cities that make up the Coachella Valley. Next we’ll head downhill into a small hidden Palm tree oasis that’s in a canyon, not in Indian Canyons. (See my other hike that’s in Indian Canyons). During the winter the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep come down to the desert to give birth, hopefully we’ll see some if you’re here then, I’ve seen them here many times before.

To do this or my other hike on a certain date/time contact me.

What's Included
  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Clean & sanitized backpack provided if needed
What's Not Included
  • Bring an electrolyte drink if it’s a warm/hot day to replace electrolytes lost from sweating
  • Bring a salty snack if it’s a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen.
  • Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks..
  • Check & dress for the weather forecast so you’ll be comfortable.
  • Bring tissue during the winter. The cooler weather makes for runny noses on everyone I’ve noticed
Additional Information

I offer water, a nutrition bar, and a clean, sanitized backpack to each trekker if required. The Cahuilla tribe has climbed these hills overlooking Palm Springs for hundreds of years, using smoke signals to communicate with neighbouring tribes they conducted trade with. As these trails are unmarked, they are primarily familiar and used by the residents, and don’t see as much footfall as other local trails during the bustling winter/spring tourist period. We will be walking on territory next to the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, exploring a network of some of Palm Springs’ premier hiking trails. Experience the best of Palm Springs’ hiking, offering plentiful panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and a journey into a secluded palm oasis. I’m well-acquainted with these trails and the most picturesque lookout points along them, assuring some of the best views of Palm Springs and beyond. You’ll get a close look at desert flora, with vistas stretching from the desert valley base to the stunning nearby mountain peaks, all while enjoying a fantastic physical workout.

  • Everyone needs to be at least moderately fit. The hike is a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 1100 feet & trail sections that’re rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 3 hours with most people, but I’ve done it in about 2.5 hours with experienced/fit people & it’s taken over 3.5 hours with less experienced people. Not recommended for sedentary/low fitness or very slow walkers. If anyone is having difficulties early on during the hike I’ll recommend they turn back for their safety. If you’re not sure if the hike is a good fit for you contact me. Wear shoes with good traction (no sandals). Dress for the weather forecast for comfort, layers are good, bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen even on sunny winter days the sun can be pretty strong. Take lots of pics but no long photo sessions. We’ll take mini breaks during the hike. There are no restrooms here, but I carry restroom supplies. If booking for others please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their safety. Also dogs are not allowed here.
  • Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery, or have vertigo, balance/mobility issues. If you have asthma bring your inhaler, if allergic to bees bring your EpiPen.
Location
Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe
East Palm Canyon Drive
We're meeting next to a coffee shop. For directions to the meeting spot Google.... Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe, look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla. The trails are behind the shopping center & security patrols the center that's why I like meeting/parking there.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(102 Ratings)
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Mrboomer
Mar 23, 2024
So glad we did this guided hike . - Carlos was an excellent guide. He communicated ahead of the hike to ensure we knew exactly where to meet and was happy to provide water and if needed backpacks and snacks . It was a beautiful hike and we would not have found these trails or ventured out on our own. Carlo’s told us lots about the area, the plant life , the geology and was informative about Palm Springs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christian_e
Dec 17, 2023
Great experience - As a beginner, this was a great experience thanks to an awesome guide. Would definitely recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Ninasg1476ud
Sep 26, 2023
Long yet moderate hike that is very worthwhile - This tour is SO worth it! Carlos is an amazing guide. He is very knowledgeable and friendly. He brought an extra backpack, snacks, and water. I am a pretty experienced hiker, so at first I thought it was unnecessary to do a guided hike... but I went along with it because my cousins wanted to do it. It turned out to be a GREAT decision! Carlos took us on a hike that we would not have been able to find otherwise. It is a very "local" / nontouristy experience. It was a moderate hike that was VERY enjoyable. Just long enough to feel like a great workout (3.5 hours, about 5.5 miles), but not too strenuous in terms of elevation. We got to see amazing views and explore unique terrains. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Palm Springs! Especially when the weather is cooler than average (we went at at the end of September).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go699153
May 15, 2023
Great Hike for Beginners with Scenic Views of Palm Springs - This was my first mountain hike and I absolutely loved it! Perfect weather and the views were breathtaking. Carlos was excellent sending helpful information prior and providing essentials for hydration. The hike took about 3 hours. It was fun, beautiful and challenging. My apple watch said I burned about 850 calories! We stopped periodically as he pointed out different plants, gave really interesting facts about Palm Springs and offered to take photos. I really appreciated this being there solo. If you want to enjoy nature while being active, you won't be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliamx5768iy
Apr 7, 2023
Awesome hike! - A hike with Carlos in countryside he loves and knows like the back of his hand is at the top of the must-do list in Palm Springs! We met early at the trailhead and, after making sure we had all our hiking essentials, Carlos took us out onto the unmarked trails - we’d never have managed it without him, and it certainly wouldn’t have been as much fun! This was my first trip to Palm Springs and I’m glad we did the hike at the beginning. In addition to his knowledge of the glorious landscape and local flora, Carlos also brought to life the geography, geology, history and cultural connections of the city. We’re hoping Carlos develops other hikes – a very good reason to return to Palm Springs!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandy_b
Mar 25, 2023
Carlos is a great tour... - Carlos is a great tour guide! Had a great time! Showed us different plants and some trails off the beaten path
Review provided by Viator
Heb2013
Feb 26, 2023
Amazing - Carlos, our guide , does an amazing job conducting this hike. It starts out at the trail head behind a mall . We walked steadily with some short picture breaks with magnificent views of the valley below. Carlos explains the specifics about a variety of vegetation . We viewed an oasis, Bob Hope’s home, and a variety of other things . This is a must for those visiting Palm Springs
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Toronto2424
Feb 20, 2023
Beautiful hike off the beaten path - A terrific way to experience the trails without crowds. Guide Carlos was engaging and knowledgeable of history and the mountain environment. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alma_s
Feb 5, 2023
Definitely a Hike!! - Really enjoyed the 5 mile hike! Carlos was a great tour guide and the views of Palm Springs and the neighboring cities were beautiful. Definitely for experienced hikers but would do it again for a good workout!
Review provided by Viator
Sajohn
Feb 29, 2024
Check this hike out thoroughly before booking ! - Extremely dissappointing . Booked following scrutiny of photographs showing trails on undulating upper levels with couples admiring the scenery , additional advice specifying “ I will only go as fast as the slowest person for their safety and comfort , moderate fitness ,regular mini breaks , time 2:5 to 3 hrs looking at plants , landscape “etc As a regular walker / hiker in the U.K. and Europe I looked forward in anticipation and arrived at the meeting point before 8:00am on the 10 th Feb 2024 , enjoyed a very pleasant conversation with the guide before being joined by another couple at 8:15 and headed off at a brisk pace . There were just the four of us and one of the couple soon joined the guide leaving myself and the other person to walk and chat . The first part of the hike consisted off a series of steep inclines , and the three of them soon outpaced me ,and reached the first stage to rest and admire the view . At this stage the guide said “ I always tell people that if they are finding the climb too much to head back and not be uncomfortable “ . My response was that I was “enjoying it , but please adjust the pace “ . The guide said he would , proceeded to the next two levels but didn’t slow down . By this stage I was feeling distressed , extremely embarrassed and concerned about the guides surprising lack of sensitivity to my needs and his behaviour contradicting the statement re “ I will only go as fast as the slowest person for their safety and comfort “ . I was so embarrassed that I said “ I will go back “and he smiled , took several photographs of me , advised on the return route and they left me . I had no option but to explore the area on my own , eventually joined a group of Americans , explained my position and walked with them for approximately 1 hr and then headed back to the meeting point . I was extremely disappointed and embarrassed by the experience which cost me 71 + Uber fare of 78 USD = 149USD . I contacted Viator Customer Services on Mon 12 Feb to discuss my concerns and eventually was advised to contact an Expert Advisor through a link , but to do this I would have to pay additional fees . I was appauled at this process and requirement to proceed and came of the link . A short time later I was given an interim payment of 50USD and decided to complete a review on my return home . I expect Viator to fully reimburse the costs I have incurred and to review photographs information , and the conditions for this particular hike . I would not wish anyone else to be put in danger by a guide disregarding the information . It really was extremely unpleasant and could have been a dangerous experience . . Finally , I have booked holiday experiences through Viator for many years and have enjoyed them . This was quite a traumatic experience and I have lost confidence in the organisation and brand . I trust that you respond appropriately .
Review provided by Viator