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Palm Springs Hike: Scenic Oasis and Desert Views
4.9
106 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!
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:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- QGM4+V3 Palm Springs - Experience a guided hike and excellent exercise on some of Palm Springs’ best-kept secret trails. These paths are cherished by locals for their tranquility and are far less crowded than the more popular Palm Springs trails. The hike will be at a moderate pace, offering views of the desert valley and nearby mountains, while…
- QGM4+V3 Palm Springs - Experience a guided hike and excellent exercise on some of Palm Springs’ best-kept secret trails. These paths are cherished by locals for their tranquility and are far less crowded than the more popular Palm Springs trails. The hike will be at a moderate pace, offering views of the desert valley and nearby mountains, while learning about the native plants and their traditional uses by the Cahuilla tribe.
Discover the finest viewpoints from these hills to capture breathtaking views and photos of the Coachella Valley, including sights of the windmills, Joshua Tree National Park, the San Jacinto Mountains, Mt. Gorgonio (the tallest mountain in Southern California), and the city of Palm Springs. The hike descends into a small, hidden palm tree oasis in a canyon (not in Indian Canyons; if interested in Indian Canyons, please inquire), providing a unique and serene contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
In winter, watch for the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, which descend to the desert to give birth. Hopefully, they will be spotted, as they have been seen here before.
Please review all tabs of the Additional Info for essential physical/trail information.
For hiking on a date/time not listed, please contact the operator.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Clean & sanitized backpack provided if needed
- 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.
- Even in winter the sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen.
- Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks..
- Check & dress for…
- 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.
- Even in winter the sun can be strong, so 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
Bottled water, a snack bar, and a clean backpack are provided for each participant. For centuries, members of the Cahuilla tribe have trekked to these hilltops overlooking the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to neighboring tribes with whom they traded. These trails remain unnamed, making them primarily known and used by locals, thus avoiding the…
Bottled water, a snack bar, and a clean backpack are provided for each participant. For centuries, members of the Cahuilla tribe have trekked to these hilltops overlooking the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to neighboring tribes with whom they traded. These trails remain unnamed, making them primarily known and used by locals, thus avoiding the crowds that flock to the more accessible hiking paths in Palm Springs during the bustling winter and spring tourist seasons. This results in a more tranquil hiking experience. These trails are among the finest in Palm Springs, offering numerous scenic views of the Coachella Valley and a journey into a hidden palm tree oasis. The operator is familiar with these trails and knows the most picturesque viewpoints along the route. Hikers will encounter desert vegetation up close and enjoy views of the desert valley floor extending to the stunning nearby mountain peaks, all while engaging in excellent physical activity. Please review all tabs in the Additional Info section for essential physical and trail details.
- Everyone must be at least moderately fit for hiking on hilly terrain & able to walk at a moderate pace. The hike is hilly & a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 800 feet & trail sections that’re rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes at a moderate pace with most people, but I’ve done it in about 1 hour 45 minutes with very fit/experienced people & it’s taken about 3 hours with less experienced people. Not recommended for sedentary/low fitness or very slow walkers. If anyone’s having difficulties early on I’ll advise they turn back for their own good. If you’re not sure if the hike is a good fit for you contact me. Wear shoes with good traction only (no sandals). Dress for the weather forecast for the time we’ll be hiking, layers are good, if sunny bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen even during the winter on sunny days the sun can be pretty strong. Take lots of pics but no long photo sessions. Please don’t be in a hurry to get the hike over with cause you have plans after & no talking about politics/polarizing topics. We’ll take mini breaks during the hike. There are no restrooms here, but I carry restroom supplies. If booking for others you must please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their ability so it doesn’t turn into torture for them. Also dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails in Palm Springs.
- Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery/injury, 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
For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference, we’re meeting in the parking lot next to it look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla in the parking lot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(106 Ratings)
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Jimmydoe
Apr 23, 2025
palm oasis at Anza Borrego State Park - This pertains to the Palm Oasis at Anza Borrego State Park. We were there in mid April and the temperature was 90 degrees. Bring water, a candy bar or snack. The trail is supposed to be 3 miles round trip but it felt more like 3.5 to 4 miles. It seems to have been a lot farther than when I went there 30 years ago. There was a flash flood and the parking area could have been moved farther away. The hike goes through the Mohave desert, up a rocky canyon. Once you get there it's well worth the walk. Note that part of the Oasis is blocked off. The palm grove burned in 2020 and is still recovering. Someone allegedly started a fire there. The upper reaches of the palm groves are closed. The part that is open is well worth visiting. Both of us are 72 years old. We made it without undue difficulty. Walk at a comfortable pace and don't over exert yourself. Running water, shade from the palm trees awaits you... a relief from the strong desert sun and heat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingridsi7307gf
Feb 15, 2025
we did a long hike..Carlos was very informative - Carlos was a great guide! He was very informative..we would recommend his hikes ..he was a great guide …the views were beautiful
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Julie_s
Apr 15, 2024
Challenging Scenic Hike with an Experienced Local Guide - Carlos is an excellent guide. The hike took about 3 hours and we kept a moderate pace and all of the hikers were challenged with the incline and the pace. Carlos knows the area very well and we were able to take less traveled routes so we really had the place to ourselves for most of the hike. Carlos taught us a lot about the ecosystem and the views were amazing. I am so glad I did this hike and I would definitely recommend this hike.
Review provided by Viator
Excursion09481107481
Apr 15, 2024
Fantastic Hike with Carlos and New Friends - I was not sure what to expect but wanted to do a good hike and did not want to hike alone in an unfamiliar area. Carlos was a great guide and was well prepared with light backpacks, waters, snack bars, etc. There were 2 other couples who also signed up for the hike. It was a moderate hike, definitely not for beginners. Carlos does state in the description that the hike is best suited to moderately fit hikers. The are several steep inclines which are a little challenging. It was a beautiful hike and there were very few other hikers which made it especially enjoyable. Carlos was so knowledgeable about the local area and foliage. The oasis was cool and the climb up was challenging but so worth it! I would highly recommend and would do another climb with Carlos in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Astosiar
Apr 2, 2024
Amaze Balls - Cidlaly was an amazing server and gave us many options for things to do with kids at the hotel! The private beach was amazing and the food was top tier !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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