1. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree is known for its high-energy vortex and beautiful hiking trails. A magical wonderland where you can feel the vibrations of its expansive horizons. You will encounter granite monoliths and voluptuous rock formations that will engulf you in the depth of mother nature.  With nearly 800,000 acres of mystical beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly one of the world’s most incredible natural desert treasures. The park offers wonder to spiritual seekers, eco-travelers, outdoor adventurists, and naturalists for wellness.

Two large ecosystems come together to form this sacred land. Its unique flora and fauna have been carved by extremes in climate, from wind to rain to an ever-present, relentless sun. Evidence of many diverse forms of plant life from creosote and ocotillo are found everywhere, but none as unique or prevalent as the park’s namesake: the Joshua tree, standing majestically across the vast topography in addition to its diverse animal life. Entering Joshua Tree National Park requires a pass that can be purchased at the park entrance. For hiking trails, fees, and park passes: visit https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm.

2. PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY HIKING

This is a unique and awe-inspiring experience to enjoy the magical desert’s landscape and beauty. Ascend 8,000 ft in the world’s largest rotating tramcars. It is forty degrees colder at the top and a completely different universe as you soar through four different temperate zones. At the summit, you will find great hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.  Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails located within a 14,000-acre  pristine wilderness, one of the last in California. After your hike, enjoy the remarkable amenities, including restaurants, observation decks, and a natural history museum.

3. PALM CANYON TRAIL AT INDIAN CANYONS

Fifteen miles long, Palm Canyon is one of the areas of outstanding beauty in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, which the Cahuilla people so expertly used, and its abundant Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) are breathtaking contrasts to the stark rocky gorges and barren desert lands beyond. A moderately graded footpath winds down into the canyon for picnicking near the stream, meditation, exploring, hiking, or horseback riding. While in Palm Canyon, visit the Trading Post for hiking maps, refreshments, Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets, weaving, and conversational cultural lore.  

4. ARABY TRAIL

 The Araby Trail is one of the more popular hikes in Palm Springs. You’ll experience the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains and glimpses of iconic old Hollywood homes and their mid-century architecture.  The trail is moderate to challenging; the 3.3-mile round-trip hike climbs into the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains, with little to no shade overhead and a sharp incline; it’s best to hit the trail early in the morning, especially from May through September. The views alone are worth the trek — the entire desert valley floor unfolds below.

5. BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE

Nestled among the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the Sand to Snow National Monument, the desert oasis at Big Morongo Canyon is one of the ten most giant cottonwood and riparian willow habitats in California.  The upstream end of the canyon lies in the Mojave Desert, while its downstream portion opens into the Colorado Desert. There are numerous trails to walk and hike, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the marsh and riparian habitats. At 31,000 acres with elevations ranging from 600 feet on the canyon floor to 3000 feet at the top of the ridge, this diverse landscape has been an essential part of the Morongo Basin’s natural and cultural history for almost two billion years.

6. LA QUINTA COVE TO LAKE CAHUILLA

Discover this 6.6-mile round-trip hike near Old Town La Quinta. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of three hours to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. One of the best trails at La Quinta Cove goes through the golf course, Morrow Trail, and finally, to Lake Cahuilla. The trail surface is loose gravel, so you may want to wear sturdy shoes.  

Before or after your hike, refuel with a coffee or a green smoothie in the nearby charming old town. Nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Old Town is La Quinta’s unique gathering place for locals.  Here you will discover unique cafes, shops, boutiques, salons, and services in a setting treasured for its architectural charm and village atmosphere. And if you happen to be there on a Sunday, you will experience one of the best organic certified farmers’ markets in Greater Palm Springs.

7.  MURRAY CANYON TRAIL AT INDIAN CANYONS

Murray Canyon has its hidden beauty. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike south of Andreas Canyon. Foot and equestrian trails take visitors to beautiful recreation areas featuring an oasis with lush clusters of palm trees.  Fortunate visitors may catch glimpses of a Peninsular Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer, or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. The endangered Least Bells Vireo bird is also known to nest here. This is a popular trail in Indian Canyons with a bit of a variation to explore two separate trails in one hike. Murray Canyon Trail is well known for ending at the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

8. PALM SPRINGS MUSEUM TRAIL 

This trail offers breathtaking views of the desert— from the palm tree canopies to the iconic windmills, extending to bright green golf courses. This trail is a steep incline and is rated as moderate to difficult.  It’s a short hike of 1.1 miles to the summit.  As long as you follow the white dots, you’re on the right path.   This trail is best to hike from October through March. The course begins at the back corner of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Refuel after your climb at one of the many restaurants and buzzing coffee shops that line downtown palm springs streets.

9. THOUSAND PALMS OASIS PRESERVE

The Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve has 880 acres and is contiguous with other conserved areas collectively known as the Coachella Valley Preserve System. Tucked into the northern edge of the Indio Hills, the Preserve offers sweeping views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park.

10. WHITEWATER CANYON PRESERVE

Whitewater Preserve is a Wildlands Conservancy nature preserve consisting of 2,851 acres in Riverside County, California. It features the perennial Whitewater River flowing through a desert canyon. The preserve is located within the San Bernardino Mountains and is part of the Sand to Snow National Monument. The Canyon View Loop trail crosses the river and intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers can continue south or north on the PCT to the Red Dome.  Red Dome is a pockmarked rock and is one of the few shady spots along the trail. The overlook provides a view of Whitewater Canyon and San Gorgonio Mountain.

COME TO THE DESERT TO HEAL

Island Tribe Wellness has curated experiences for connecting with the desert's high vibration and its healing vastness in a supportive, safe, restorative sanctuary away from the stressful demands of everyday life. The high frequency of the desert vortex will foster relaxation, enabling you to unwind physically, mentally, and emotionally. Island Tribe Wellness welcomes you to the desert to heal. Join our healing experiences, workshops, and retreats; see more here. For further inquiries, contact us at: reservations@islandtribewellness.com.

Credit/Source:

Visit Greater Palm Springs

Indian Canyon Palm Springs