01
Best quick escape from town
Salton Sea - Rock Hill Trail
Salton Sea State Recreation Area • Short Desert Shoreline Loop • Easy Local Favorite
A compact loop that climbs gently above the Salton Sea for big views with minimal effort.
This trail strings together crunchy desert singletrack and lakeshore views, making it a natural first choice when you want to stretch your legs without committing to an all-day outing. The climb up Rock Hill is modest but rewards you with a broad look over the Salton Sea and surrounding farm country. Go early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and softer light on the water.
02
Most surreal landscape
Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field (Mud Volcanoes)
Near Niland, East Of Calipatria • Otherworldly Geothermal Badlands • Best For Curious Explorers
A free-roaming walk among bubbling mud pots and small mud volcanoes in a stark open basin.
There is no formal loop here, which is part of the appeal: you simply wander carefully among cones, vents, and gurgling pools that feel straight out of a science-fiction set. Surfaces can be fragile and slick, so give the active vents space and watch where you step. Plan on an hour or two of slow exploring rather than a fast hike, and bring plenty of water and sun protection because there is no shade.
03
Best for wildlife and sunsets
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Trails
South End Of The Salton Sea • Flat Wetland And Shoreline Paths • Top Pick For Birding Walks
Level dikes and dirt paths that wind between fields, wetlands, and open water packed with migratory birds.
These easy walks are all about atmosphere: the combination of open sky, distant mountains, and constant bird activity makes even a short stroll feel immersive. In winter especially, you can see huge flocks of snow geese, sandhill cranes, and shorebirds from the trail edges. The terrain is simple enough for families, but the light and birdlife also make it a rewarding spot for photographers and patient solo walkers.
04
Classic desert day hike
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, West Of Calipatria • Oasis Canyon Day Hike • Best Half-Day Adventure
A rocky desert canyon walk that finishes at a cool stand of native fan palms and seasonal stream.
Starting in open, sun-baked desert, this well-marked trail gradually funnels you into a narrower canyon where boulders, palms, and running water create a genuine oasis. The footing is rocky in places but manageable for most hikers willing to take their time. It is an excellent choice when you want more elevation change and classic desert scenery than the flat Salton Sea walks can offer.
05
Biggest views for those willing to climb
Algodones Sand Dunes (Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area)
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area • Open Sand Dune Ramble • Best Winter Conditioning Hike
Leg-burning climbs up soft sand ridges that pay off with sweeping views over miles of rolling dunes.
There are no formal hiking trails here, but parking along the edge of the dunes lets you pick a ridge and start climbing. Walking in deep sand is slow and demanding, so even a short out and back can feel like a workout, especially in the heat. Visit on a cool, calm day, and consider aiming for sunrise or sunset when the dune lines and shadows are at their most dramatic.