Sunrise Meditation Hike Palm Springs: 1-Mile Mountain Trail

Watch the sun rise over the valley while sitting still on the mountain.

A sunrise meditation hike in Palm Springs takes you about a mile up the South Lykken trail on San Jacinto Mountains to a resting spot with views of the Coachella Valley and Indian Canyons. You'll hike through Oswitz Canyon, then sit for a guided grounding meditation led by a certified guide who helps you set an intention for the day. The hike gains 750 feet over one mile with a trail grade of 25% to 35% in some sections—moderate difficulty, though moderately challenging at points for those not regularly active. Water is provided; you can book a group hike, a private hike for your party only, or a custom option that includes a spirit animal oracle card reading.

The Experience

The hike starts at the South Lykken trailhead and climbs about a mile to the meditation spot, moving through the natural sounds of Oswitz Canyon as you go. The 750-foot elevation gain happens over steep sections, so the pace is deliberate and the work is real—this is not a flat walk. A certified guide leads the way and sets the rhythm, so you're not navigating or pacing yourself alone.

Once you reach the resting spot, you'll sit on rock facing the Coachella Valley as the sun rises over Indian Canyons. The guide leads a grounding meditation to help you set an intention for the day, speaking to your connection to the earth and the universe. The meditation is the anchor of the morning—the hike gets you there, and the stillness is where the work happens. If conditions align, you might see bighorn sheep on the mountain.

The whole experience runs about two and a half hours. Group hikes may include other parties; private hikes are your group alone. The custom option adds a spirit animal oracle card reading after the meditation. You'll walk away with photos and a clear sense of what you're carrying into the day.

What’s included

• All water needed for the hike.
• a certified guide trained in First Aid CPR AED and qualified as a Day Hike Leader.
• guided grounding meditation at the summit with views of the Coachella Valley and Indian Canyons.
• spirit animal oracle card reading on the custom hike option.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Timothy State

Is this one for you?Choose the private hike if you want the meditation and the mountain without other groups around; pick the group option if you're comfortable sharing the experience and want to meet other people starting their day the same way. The custom hike adds an oracle card reading after the meditation for those who want that layer of reflection built in.

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Top questions

How steep is the South Lykken trail in Palm Springs?

The trail gains 750 feet over one mile with a grade of 25% to 35% in some sections, making it moderately challenging even for people who hike regularly. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete it comfortably.

What happens during the guided meditation on this hike?

After you reach the resting spot with views of the Coachella Valley, the guide leads a grounding meditation to help you set an intention for the day, acknowledging your connection to the earth and the universe. You'll sit on rock, so bringing a blanket or towel is an option if hard surfaces bother you.

Can I book this hike just for my group, or will there be other people?

You can choose between a group hike that may include other parties, a private hike limited to your group alone, or a custom hike with a spirit animal oracle card reading included after the meditation.

What's included in the sunrise meditation hike?

The hike includes all the water you'll need, a certified guide trained in First Aid CPR AED, and a guided grounding meditation. The custom option adds a spirit animal oracle card reading.

Is this hike suitable for someone who isn't very fit?

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty but moderately challenging in places, and you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

What's the best time to see wildlife like bighorn sheep on this trail?

Bighorn sheep may appear on the mountain if conditions align, though sightings are not guaranteed. The early morning timing of the hike—you're on the trail at sunrise—increases your chances of encountering them.