Palm Springs Hike to Hidden Oasis and Desert Views

Hike to a hidden palm oasis while the Cahuilla's old signal peaks frame the valley below

A guided hike on quiet local trails in Palm Springs leads to a hidden palm tree oasis in a canyon and viewpoints overlooking the Coachella Valley, with views of Joshua Tree, the San Jacinto Mountains and Mt. Gorgonio. The guide provides water, a granola bar and a clean backpack. The hike takes about two and a half hours at a moderate pace on hilly terrain with roughly 850 feet of elevation gain. Children from age 12 are welcome, and the guide speaks English.

The experience

The trails here are unnamed and mostly used by locals, so they stay quiet even during Palm Springs' busy winter and spring season when the well-known hiking spots fill up. You'll hike at a moderate pace on rocky, uneven terrain with loose dirt typical of the area, climbing to viewpoints where the Coachella Valley spreads out below: windmills, Joshua Tree National Park, the San Jacinto Mountains and Mt. Gorgonio all visible from the hilltops. The guide knows the most scenic spots along the way and can point out the desert vegetation close up, explaining how the Cahuilla tribe used these plants for centuries.

The hike descends into a small hidden palm tree oasis tucked in a canyon, a peaceful contrast to the open desert above. In winter, you might spot endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep that come down to the desert to give birth. The guide carries water and a granola bar for each hiker, plus a clean backpack if you need one, and will take mini breaks along the way so you can rest and take photos without rushing.

What’s included

• Water and a granola bar for each hiker.
• a clean backpack for each person if needed.
• a guide who speaks English and knows the local trails and viewpoints well.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 5 Dec

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Trail Ahead

Is this one for you?This hike suits small groups or individuals who want to avoid the crowded Palm Springs trails and are comfortable with a moderate pace on rocky, hilly terrain. The quiet local routes and the hidden oasis make it a good fit for hikers who prefer a more peaceful experience over the busier, easier-to-find trails in the area.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

106 verified traveler reviews

5 ★103

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike and what should I know about the terrain?

The hike covers a few miles with about 850 feet of elevation gain on hilly, rocky and uneven ground with loose dirt and rocks. It takes roughly two and a half hours at a moderate pace, though it can be faster with very fit hikers or slower with less experienced ones. You need at least moderate fitness to walk at a steady pace on hilly terrain with full range of motion in your upper and lower body. The guide will advise anyone struggling early on to turn back for their own safety.

What views will I see from the hilltops?

From the viewpoints, you'll see the Coachella Valley floor, 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 guide knows the best spots to capture these views and take photos.

What's included in the hike?

The guide provides bottled water and a granola bar for each hiker, plus a clean backpack for each person if needed. The guide also carries restroom supplies and speaks English throughout the hike.