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Desert Hot Springs, California

Looking for the best hiking in Desert Hot Springs? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Desert Hot Springs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Desert Hot Springs

  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Ryan Ranch

    0.75 mi / 56 ft gain
    If you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Apache Peak Trail

    9.4 mi / 2966 ft gain
    Apache Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock

    5.0
    0.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    Park your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area.  The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north.  As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination.  Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hall of Horrors

    0.75 mi / 95 ft gain
    A trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite loca...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Barker Dam

    1.28 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Wall Street Mill

    4.0
    2.43 mi / 131 ft gain
    Hike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play a...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike Ryan Mountain

    4.8
    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    One of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain

    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Hike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft. The trail is open during all se...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Canyoneer Joshua Tree's Rattlesnake Slot Canyon

    The trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon.From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a d...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Lion Peak Trail

    9.39 mi / 1722 ft gain
    Lion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree

    4.5
    16.12 mi / 1539 ft gain
    The Boy Scout trail connects the main part of the National Park to the outer rim campground, Indian Cove Campground. All backcountry overnight trips must be registered at a registration board (free, self-registration). Start this trip at the registration board located in either Indian Cove Campgr...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Gorgonio

    4.7
    17 mi / 5840 ft gain
    A hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...
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  • Hemet, California

    Hike South Fork Trail

    5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak

    17.83 mi / 5627 ft gain
    Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.
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  • La Quinta, California

    Hike to Lake Cahuilla

    4.5
    5.41 mi / 183 ft gain
    From Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...
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  • La Quinta, California

    Boo Hoff Trail

    12.7 mi / 2323 ft gain
    Boo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.
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