When I first moved to Palm Springs in 2018 I searched for hiking trails that provide great views of the area, show me the flora and fauna, where I can learn learn about the local tribal history along with their survival techniques as well as provide good exercise. I searched for local trails that I had heard about from friends, FB and IG as well as a web search. The Araby Trail kept popping up so I decided to check it out. The Spring of 2019 was a banner time for rain and it showed the desert in FULL BLOOM . . . . . everywhere – even in vacant lots throughout the Coachella Valley. It was incredibly beautiful and I am so glad I was here to witness this rare event.
Araby Trail is located at E. Palm Canyon Drive (Hwy 111) at Rim Road. Heading east on Hwy 111 cross the bridge for the Palm Canyon Wash and turn right on Rim Road (if you drive by the car lots you went too far). There is a small parking lot to the right with an instruction board for the trail in the lot. The trail begins across from the parking lot and leads behind and above the mobile home park. Be prepared for some spectacular views of the Coachella Valley and airport activity. This trail is easy to moderate. The pictures below are a small representation of the beautiful trail with abundant bloom.
Site surprise … this trail winds around and has switchbacks that take you above and behind the infamous “Bob Hope house” – the one that looks like an alien space ship. It was being renovated and rather unsightly. (later note: It is now finished and looks fabulous.)
[Site surprise 2 … later hikes in 2020 on nearby trails revealed this trail meets up with several other trails at the top.]
I have listed at the bottom of this blog page a number of area trails that range from easy to difficult. Please check out the url (if listed) or search the web for more information on these trails.
- Indian Canyons (probably the best local hiking trails – lies withing the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and there is a fee to enter)
- Tahquitz Canyon (probably the second best local hiking trail – also part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation with a fee to enter) The story of Tahquitz and legends of the Cahuilla tribe is here.
- Murray Canyon – connect via Bureau of Land Management website (BLM)
- Joshua Tree National Park (see my later post for JTNP)
- Coachella Valley Preserve (part of the Bureau of Land Management or BLM)
- Whitewater Preserve (one of my favorites due to its ease of entry and it’s nestled in San Gorgonio)
- West Mesa Trail.
- Cactus Spring Trail (San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains)
- Indio Hills Badlands
A good app to keep on your smart phone is All Trails They have great information of most trails along with maps and directions to the site.
#iedaytripper
