Top Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California, is a haven for outdoor lovers. With over 300 days of sunshine each year and a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, it’s no surprise that this desert oasis is a playground for recreation, relaxation, and discovery. Whether you’re into heart-pumping adventures or tranquil nature escapes, Palm Springs offers something for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors.

Here are the top outdoor activities you can enjoy in Palm Springs, whether you're a visitor or a resident soaking in the everyday beauty of this remarkable place.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Palm Springs is hiking. The city and surrounding Coachella Valley are home to miles of scenic trails that range from easy walks to challenging climbs.

Indian Canyons is located just south of downtown and offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the region. Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon each provide unique vistas, towering palms, and flowing streams. These trails not only give you the chance to exercise but also offer insight into the area's Indigenous history and native plants.

The Tahquitz Canyon Trail is another favorite, known for its dramatic rock formations and the seasonal 60-foot waterfall. For a more challenging adventure, the South Lykken Trail and North Lykken Trail provide panoramic views of the valley floor, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

For a dramatic change in scenery and altitude, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports visitors from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. In just over 10 minutes, the rotating tramcar climbs over 8,500 feet, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Once at the top, visitors can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, enjoy lunch or dinner with a view, or relax in a cooler mountain climate. During winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities in the area.

Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley are home to more than 100 golf courses, many of which are internationally renowned. With lush fairways set against mountain backdrops, golf in Palm Springs is an experience unlike any other.

Courses like Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Escena Golf Club, and Tahquitz Creek are known for their scenic beauty and playability. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious beginner, Palm Springs offers opportunities to tee off in stunning settings nearly year-round.

Palm Springs’ flat terrain and network of bike-friendly roads make cycling a popular way to explore the area. You can ride through the city’s iconic mid-century modern neighborhoods, or head toward the desert outskirts for a more rugged adventure.

The CV Link, a 40+ mile multi-use path currently in development, is designed to connect Palm Springs to other cities in the Coachella Valley, making biking an even more accessible and scenic way to travel and explore.

Mountain bikers will enjoy the nearby Goat Trails and Palm Canyon Epic Trail, both offering exhilarating rides through the desert landscape.

Just under an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit for outdoor adventurers. Known for its surreal rock formations, vast desert vistas, and namesake Joshua Trees, the park is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, photography, and stargazing.

Visitors can take easy nature walks like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, or tackle more demanding hikes like Ryan Mountain. Climbers flock to the park’s world-class bouldering and rock walls, and the park’s dark skies make it one of the best places in Southern California for observing the night sky.

Just north of Palm Springs lies Desert Hot Springs, famed for its therapeutic mineral waters. Resorts and spas throughout the region offer access to hot spring-fed pools, ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking or biking.

Whether you visit a luxury resort or a more modest day spa, soaking in these naturally heated waters provides both relaxation and rejuvenation.

For a more old-fashioned adventure, try horseback riding through Palm Springs’ desert landscapes. Several outfitters offer guided trail rides through the Indian Canyons or open desert terrain, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Riding through the desert on horseback allows you to experience the land as early settlers did, offering a unique and tranquil way to connect with the natural environment.

Located in nearby Palm Desert, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers an engaging blend of outdoor fun and wildlife education. The zoo focuses on desert species from around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs, and meerkats, as well as native California animals.

Guests can stroll through themed gardens, enjoy interactive exhibits, or take part in seasonal hiking trails. The Living Desert is a great destination for families and anyone who enjoys a combination of nature and learning.

For those craving a more adrenaline-filled outing, off-roading and jeep tours are a thrilling way to explore the rugged desert landscape. Local companies offer guided excursions through areas like the San Andreas Fault, Mecca Hills, and Painted Canyon.

These tours offer insight into the geological forces that shaped the Coachella Valley and often include stops for short hikes, fossil exploration, and cultural history lessons.

Thanks to its dry climate and low light pollution, the Palm Springs area is excellent for stargazing. Whether you’re in your backyard or at a more remote location like Joshua Tree or Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Bring a blanket, a telescope, or simply lie back and enjoy the celestial show. For a more structured experience, local astronomy groups and observatories occasionally host public stargazing nights.

Living in Palm Springs means having daily access to these incredible outdoor experiences. Whether you're an avid hiker, golfer, cyclist, or simply someone who enjoys a sunny stroll through nature, this desert paradise has something for everyone.

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