Palm Springs and Coachella Valley
A winter wonderland of hiking options--including desert washes, canyons, ridges and multiple palm oases.
Located below sea level and about 110 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley is a renown warm winter getaway. The broad valley is nestled between mountains on almost all sides with Joshua Tree National Park to the north and the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and majestic Mount San Jacinto due west. Winter highs average about 70 degrees in December and January, 75 degrees in February and 80 degrees in March. Temperatures in the summer are regularly over 100-110 degrees. It is a long two-day drive from Seattle or a quick non-stop plane flight. Some of the better known hikes include:
- South Likken Ridge and Tahquitz Waterfall, 8.9 miles, 1800' gain, fee for Tahquitz Waterfall
- Art Smith Trail, 9 miles, 1,800' gain
- Big Morongo Canyon 9.4 miles, 1,500' gain
- Pushwalla, Horseshoe and Hidden Palm Oases Trail, 5.6 miles, 800' gain
- Moon Country Trail, 4.0 miles, 200' gain
Joshua Tree National Park about one hour north of Palm Springs is a renown rock climbing area and additionally offer many excellent day hikes and backpacking options. Multi-nights trip can also be found in the Mount San Jacinto area and the Santa Rosa Mountain to the south. These are higher elevation trips, some 6000-8000' elevation that may be cool to cold in the winter and could have snow. Check conditions prior to trip. Popular overnight trips include:
- California Riding and Hiking Trail--2-3 nights
- Ramona Trail --1 or 2 nights
- South Ridge Trail-1 night
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Climbing, Day Hiking, Naturalist, Scrambling
- Seasons: January, February, March, April, October, November, December
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: *Varies*
- Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
- Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mount San Jacinto
- Santa Rosa Mountains
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