01
Best desert peak views
Big Maria Mountains Wilderness
North Of Blythe Off Highway 95 • Remote Desert Wilderness • Best For Seasoned Hikers
A rugged swath of desert mountains just north of town with big views over the Colorado River valley.
From primitive pullouts off Highway 95, you can follow sandy washes and old two-tracks toward the ridgelines of the Big Marias. The hiking quickly feels remote, with steep, sometimes off-trail climbs through rock, cactus, and wide-open basins. It’s a great choice for confident hikers who want solitude, big-sky scenery, and don’t mind navigating their own route.
02
Most unique local history hike
Blythe Intaglios (Geoglyphs)
Northwest Of Blythe Along Us-95 • Archaeological Desert Viewpoint • Best For History-Minded Walkers
Short desert walks lead to overlooks above enormous human and animal figures scraped into the desert floor.
A graded dirt road off US-95 brings you to small parking areas and fenced viewpoints over the Blythe Intaglios. Simple paths and pullouts let you stretch your legs, circle the overlooks, and take in the scale of these ancient geoglyphs without trampling the fragile site. Go early or late in the day for softer light on the surrounding mesas and a more contemplative feel.
03
Best close-to-town stroll
Mayflower Regional Park
West Of Blythe Along The Colorado River • Riverside County Park • Best For Relaxed Walks
Easy paths and campground loops follow the Colorado River, offering breezy walks just a short drive from central Blythe.
Mayflower Regional Park is where locals go when they want a walk with shade trees, river views, and minimal logistics. You can wander paved and gravel lanes between campsites, drop down toward sandy river edges, and make your outing as short or long as you like. It’s a mellow spot to log some steps at sunset or pair a light hike with a picnic or day by the water.
04
Best full-day adventure
Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree Np – Cottonwood Area • Classic National Park Desert Hike • Best Full-Day Adventure From Blythe
A longer out-and-back hike through rolling desert to a secluded canyon packed with fan palms in southern Joshua Tree.
Starting from the Cottonwood area, the Lost Palms Oasis Trail crosses gentle ridges and sandy washes with wide-open views before dropping toward a palm-filled canyon. The mileage and exposure make it a more committed outing, but the combination of rock formations, quiet desert, and the surprise of a lush oasis feels rewarding. Plan for an early start from Blythe, pack plenty of water, and treat it as a full-day trip with the scenic drive included.
05
Best winter hike across the border
Palm Canyon, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Kofa Wildlife Refuge Near Quartzsite • Rugged Arizona Canyon Hike • Best Winter Hike Across The State Line
A short, rocky hike up a desert wash into a dramatic canyon that hides a cluster of native palms high on a shaded wall.
South of Quartzsite, a dirt road leads toward the Kofa Mountains and the Palm Canyon trailhead, where a signed path follows a stony wash into narrowing cliffs. The hiking is never technical but does involve uneven rock and a bit of scrambling as you work up to the side ravine that frames the palms. It’s an ideal cool-season outing from Blythe, with big scenery packed into a relatively modest distance.