United States of America · Hiking

2-Hour Palm Springs Hiking Tour to a Canyon Oasis

2 Hours Round trip from Palm Springs Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy a guided hike on peaceful local desert trails with mountain views
02 Take in beautiful views across the Coachella Valley
03 Visit a palm tree oasis growing in a canyon
04 Learn how natives used local plants for medicinal purposes
05 Hear about endangered Peninsular Big Horn Sheep and desert wildlife

Sign up for an adventurous 2-hour hike in Palm Springs, a fantastic desert resort town known for celebrities and mid-century modern design. Follow unmarked trails used mainly by locals for a more peaceful experience, with beautiful views across the Coachella Valley from the desert floor to the mountain peaks. Along the way, learn about medicinal plants used by natives and visit a palm tree oasis growing in a canyon. In winter, you may also spot endangered Peninsular Big Horn Sheep.

Along the way, learn about medicinal plants used by natives and visit a palm tree oasis growing in a canyon.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Palm Springs

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Palm Springs Desert Hike to a Canyon Oasis

Meet your tour guide at the shopping center next to Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe in Palm Springs, where the hike begins and ends. This meeting spot is preferred because security patrols the area, and the trails are right behind the shopping center. Along the way, your guide will point out things of interest, including some great photo opportunities.
Learn about some of the plants found here and how the local tribe used them for medicine.
Take short halts along the way whenever needed.
Listen as your guide talks about the endangered Peninsular Big Horn Sheep, how they live here in the desert during the winter lambing season, and about the other animals that live in the desert.

Tour ends.

Where this trip takes you

Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, palm tree oasis growing in a canyon

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Backpacks
Water
Granola bars
English-speaking American tour guide

What's Not Included

Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring

Sturdy shoes with good traction (no sandals)
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Electrolyte drink and a salty snack, if it is warm outside
EpiPen, if allergic to bees

Know before you go

Note:
- The hike is rated as moderate, but that is, of course, highly subjective and depends on each individual's fitness level. All participants need to be at least moderately fit and able to walk at a moderate pace. The hike has about 800 feet of elevation gain/loss, and the total distance is about 4.25 miles. On average, with most people, it lasts approximately 2 hours, but I have done it with very fit people in about 1.5 hours, and it has taken about 2.5 hours with less fit people.
- The hike is not recommended for people who have vertigo or mobility issues, heart conditions, back or knee problems, are pregnant, or are recovering from any surgery. There are sections of trail that are rocky and uneven, typical of trails in the Coachella Valley.
- Make sure you dress according to the weather forecast.
- Not recommended for sedentary people, those with low fitness, or very slow walkers. If you are booking the hike for others, please make sure they are aware of the physical requirements for their safety and comfort.

Logistics