01
Best overall pick
Mission Creek Preserve
North Of Desert Hot Springs • Wide-Open Desert Canyon Preserve • Best All-Around Day Hike
A close-to-town preserve with big desert views, year-round water, and options from short strolls to longer rambles.
From the main trailhead, a sandy path follows the wash toward the confluence with the river, with side roads and singletrack letting you tailor the distance. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing water, while cooler winter days are ideal for exploring the broader network toward Sand to Snow National Monument.
02
Lush desert escape
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Morongo Valley • Riparian Canyon And Boardwalk Network • Best For Birding And Shade
A green, bird-filled canyon where shady boardwalks and narrow singletrack feel a world away from Highway 62.
Start with the easy marsh boardwalk, then branch onto canyon trails that climb into drier hillsides and viewpoints over Morongo Valley. The mix of cottonwoods, willows, and desert slopes makes this a go-to spot when you want shade, birds, and a clear sense of seasons in the desert.
03
Mountain gateway
Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Canyon • Rugged River Canyon With Mountain Backdrops • Best For Cooler-Season Treks
A dramatic river canyon that offers everything from picnic-friendly paths to long connections with the Pacific Crest Trail.
Short riverside paths give you quick access to clear pools, while longer routes climb toward the Pacific Crest Trail with sweeping views of Mount San Gorgonio and the high country. The canyon can be windy and exposed, but the sound of the river and wide views make it a rewarding cool-weather outing.
04
In-town option
Prescott Preserve Loop
Within Desert Hot Springs • Easy Desert Loop With Gentle Grades • Best For Quick Sunrise Or Sunset Walks
An easygoing loop right in Desert Hot Springs that’s ideal for a short workout or sunset walk.
This mellow loop winds through open desert just above town, with low hills that catch big views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino ranges. It is a straightforward way to stretch your legs, get a feel for the local landscape, and still be back at the spa in time for a soak.
05
Backcountry feel
Long Canyon Trail, Sand to Snow National Monument
North Of Town, Sand To Snow National Monument • Remote Desert Canyon Route • Best For Experienced Hikers
A more remote-feeling canyon route that offers solitude and long views for hikers who want a wilder half-day.
The route follows a broad desert wash into a quiet canyon, gradually leaving signs of town behind as it approaches the fringes of Sand to Snow’s high country. There is little shade or signage, so it rewards hikers who are comfortable with navigation, carrying plenty of water, and turning around before the afternoon heat builds.