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Palm Springs Hike: Scenic Oasis and Desert Views
4.9
104 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
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- QGM4+V3 Palm Springs - Experience a guided loop hike and excellent exercise on some of Palm Springs’ best-kept secret hiking trails. These trails are known primarily to locals for their tranquility and are much less crowded than the easily accessible Palm Springs hiking paths. Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert valley and surrounding mountains…
- QGM4+V3 Palm Springs - Experience a guided loop hike and excellent exercise on some of Palm Springs’ best-kept secret hiking trails. These trails are known primarily to locals for their tranquility and are much less crowded than the easily accessible Palm Springs hiking paths. Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert valley and surrounding mountains while learning about the native plants and their traditional uses by the Cahuilla tribe.
Discover the best viewpoints from these hills to capture stunning 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 continues downhill into a small hidden palm tree oasis nestled in a canyon (not in Indian Canyons; see the Indian Canyons hike or inquire about it), offering a unique and peaceful contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. In the winter, keep an eye out for the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, who descend to the desert to give birth. Hopefully, some will be spotted, as they have been seen here many times before.
Please refer to the Additional Info section for important physical and trail information. To schedule a hike on a date or 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 everyone. For centuries, members of the Cahuilla tribe have hiked to these hilltops overlooking the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to nearby tribes with whom they traded. The trails are unnamed, making them primarily known and used by locals, and they are not as crowded as the…
Bottled water, a snack bar, and a clean backpack are provided for everyone. For centuries, members of the Cahuilla tribe have hiked to these hilltops overlooking the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to nearby tribes with whom they traded. The trails are unnamed, making them primarily known and used by locals, and they are not as crowded as the easily accessible hiking trails in Palm Springs during the busy winter and spring tourism seasons, offering a more tranquil hiking experience. These are some of the finest hiking trails in Palm Springs, featuring numerous scenic views of the Coachella Valley and a hike into a hidden palm tree oasis. The operator is familiar with these trails and the most picturesque viewpoints along the way. 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 exercise. Please refer to the Additional Info section for important physical and trail information.
- Everyone needs to be at least moderately fit & able to walk at a moderate pace. The hike is a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 850 feet & trail sections that’re rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours at a moderate pace with most people, but I’ve done it in about 1.5 hours with very fit/ experienced people & it’s taken just over 2.5 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 comfort. 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 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 please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their ability. 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 called Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe, so navigate there, 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(104 Ratings)
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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
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
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