There's no better way to soak up the sun while staying in Palm Desert vacation homes than by exploring the plentiful hiking and biking trails in the area. From your Palm Desert home, you have access to some of the most beautiful countryside in California.
Trails to Hike or Bike
The ¾ mile long Mike Schuler trail is located on Painters Path behind the Target store and gives you access to a myriad of hiking and biking choices. From this starting point, head northwest to connect with the moderately steep Mirage trail, also referred to as Bump and Grind for its switchback turns. Continue going southeast and you'll join up with the more intense Herb Jeffries trail that leads to higher elevations.
Another alternative to arrive at Herb Jeffries and loop back via Mirage is to head southwest along Hopalong Cassidy, one of the more popular trails. This relatively easy ascent will take you across the Palm Desert foothills and offers ample spots to stop along the way. Roughly a quarter of the way along the 11 mile stretch you'll come across the trail marker for Herb Jeffries.
For the more adventurous, if you continue hiking or riding on Hopalong Cassidy you can reach the more challenging Art Smith trail, offering long or short routes through lush desert flora and palm oasis.
Hiking Trails in Palm Springs
Only 25 minutes from your vacation home you'll find Indian Canyons, home to the largest natural palm grove in Palm Springs. With three canyons to explore, take your time to enjoy the tranquility of this lush oasis. Palm Canyon is a 15 mile long expanse of trails through California fan palms, offering a remarkable contrast to the barren desert surroundings. Once you make your way down the steep path to the main area, trails range from easy to strenuous. Andreas and Murray Canyons are graced with naturally skirted palms where you'll be welcomed by a cacophony from insects and birds. If you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of a Peninsula Big Horn Sheep or a Least Bells Vireo, both endangered species, while roaming the trails in Murray Canyon.
Bike Routes
Located close to the Palm Desert Visitor Center is the 4 mile El Paseo loop, making for an easy ride up scenic San Pablo Avenue, where you can continue for an additional 6 miles around the Civic Center. The Desert Willow loop is an easy 4 mile cycle, circling the golf course and connecting on Frank Sinatra Drive to the Thousand Palms loop; an 18 mile moderately difficult route that brings you back to the golf course via Country Club Drive. If you're looking for a good workout with a more strenuous cycle, try the Cove Communities loop. Begin your ride at the visitor center following San Pablo Avenue north to Gerald Ford Drive and enjoy a 21 mile trek skirting the city that returns you back to your starting point. Maps of the routes are available at the visitor center.
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