01
Best in-town climb
Cathedral Canyon Trail
Cathedral City Foothills • Rugged Desert Canyon Route • Closest Trailhead To Town Center
A steep but rewarding climb right above Cathedral City with quick access and big mountain feel.
This trail starts at the end of a quiet residential street and wastes no time heading uphill, giving you views over Cathedral City within minutes. Expect a rocky path, loose sections, and that classic Sonoran desert mix of cholla, ocotillo, and open ridges. It is ideal when you want a real hike without committing to a long drive.
02
Classic ridge hike
Araby Trail
South Palm Springs • Steep Hillside Singletrack • Best For Sunrise Views
A popular hillside route that climbs above the valley for sweeping views and a good workout.
Just a few minutes west of Cathedral City, the Araby Trail climbs out of the wash and onto a broad ridge overlooking the entire Coachella Valley. The grade is steady and exposed, so it feels tougher than the mileage suggests, but the views of the surrounding peaks and city lights make every switchback worth it. Go early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and the best light on the mountains.
03
Big summit day
Murray Hill via Araby-area trails
Foothills Between Cathedral City And Palm Springs • Challenging Peak Ascent • Top Choice For Strong Hikers
A longer loop to one of the area’s best viewpoints, with sustained climbing and rugged desert scenery.
Murray Hill is a true objective hike, stringing together foothill trails such as Araby, Berns, or nearby connectors to reach a high ridgeline summit. The route is rocky, exposed, and demanding, but the 360-degree panorama over Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and the Santa Rosa range is hard to beat. Bring plenty of water and plan a half day so you can pace the climbs and enjoy the summit break.
04
Iconic oasis walk
Palm Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons)
Indian Canyons South Of Palm Springs • Palm-Lined Desert Oasis • Best For Classic Desert Scenery
A gently rolling trail through a deep palm oasis that feels worlds away from Highway 111.
South of Cathedral City, the Palm Canyon Trail leads you along a ribbon of native California fan palms tucked into a broad desert gorge. You can keep it easy with an out-and-back stroll under the shade of the trees or extend onto side trails for more mileage and open-desert views. There is a day-use fee to enter Indian Canyons, but the combination of water, palms, and quiet is one of the region’s signature experiences.
05
Short hike with a payoff
Tahquitz Canyon Trail
Near Downtown Palm Springs • Short Out-And-Back To Waterfall • Great Half-Day Adventure
A structured canyon trail with stone steps, interpretive stops, and a seasonal waterfall at the turnaround.
Tahquitz Canyon offers a more curated hiking experience, with a defined loop trail that follows the creek up a rocky gorge. The route is relatively short but includes stone stairs, boulders, and some uneven footing, so it still feels like a real outing. When water is flowing, the small waterfall at the head of the canyon is a standout reward, making this a good choice when you want scenery without committing to a long, exposed trek.