outdoor adventures
If you're craving wide-open spaces and desert beauty, Palm Desert is your ultimate adventure hub. Just a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park, you can hike among surreal rock formations, climb massive boulders, or catch an unforgettable desert sunrise. Closer to town, Civic Center Park offers a serene escape with walking trails, duck ponds, and shady picnic spots, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. And for a deeper connection to the land, explore the scenic trails and sacred waterfalls of Indian Canyons, rich with history and natural beauty.
Adventure Hummer Tours
2.3 MILES
Adventure Hummer Tours delivers one of the most thrilling ways to explore Palm Springs and beyond. Known for their iconic Big Yellow Hummers, featured on the Discovery Channel, this top-rated tour company has been taking guests deep into the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding desert since 1999.
Civic Center Park
5.4 MILES
Plan a fun-filled day at Palm Desert's largest park. Share a pavilion picnic. Play basketball or volleyball. Enjoy the skate park and playground. Bring your furry friend along to run around the dog park.
43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Hopalong Cassidy Trail
7.4 MILES
For those who enjoy wild bike rides, the Hopalong Cassidy Trail is your next must-ride. Named after the legendary Western actor William Boyd, one of Palm Desert’s most well-known residents, this trail blends history with heart-pumping adventure. Dedicated in 2004, the city-maintained path has become a favorite for riders looking for a smooth climb, scenic views, and a few perfect photo ops along the way. Saddle up and ride through the desert landscapes that inspired classic cowboy tales.
Art Smith Trail
10.2 MILES
Ready to level up your desert ride? The Art Smith Trail brings the heat with a more vigorous route that rewards every push of the pedal. Choose between shorter or longer stretches as you wind through lush desert foliage and pass by hidden palm oases. Feeling bold? Continue your journey deeper into the stunning Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument for even more untamed beauty.
Randall Henderson Trail
10.9 MILES
Craving a ride that blends challenge with discovery? The Randall Henderson Trail is a solid pick for bikers ready to explore desert terrain at a moderate pace. With gentle climbs, panoramic mountain views, and the chance to spot native wildlife along the way, this trail offers a true taste of the California desert. You'll cruise past a variety of desert plants and wide-open vistas, making every mile an experience worth the ride.
Biplane Rides
14.1 MILES
Biplane Rides offer a one-of-a-kind way to soar above the Coachella Valley. Guests can take in breathtaking views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, along with the striking desert landscape, all from the open cockpit of a vintage-style biplane.
This high-flying adventure delivers both heart-pounding excitement and unmatched scenic beauty, making it a must for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike. It’s an unforgettable ride that brings the magic of early aviation to life.
145 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA. 92262
Indian Canyon
15.5 MILES
Home to the Cahuilla Indians, these sacred canyons are breathtakingly rich in history. Discover ancient rock art as you hike beneath thousand-year-old palm trees.
38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Joshua Tree National Park
34.8.2 MILES
Explore this beautiful Palm Desert Park with rugged rock formations, and twisted Joshua trees. The cactus-dotted landscape offers hiking trails and scenic views.
Joshua Tree National Park, California