Four days — Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto, Joshua Tree two-day exploration, Indian Canyons palm oasis hike.
The Indian Canyons trails are 5 minutes from downtown — Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon have palm oases and year-round water in a desert environment. Good first-afternoon hike.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians manages these canyon trails — their ancestral lands. Andreas Canyon has the largest California fan palm grove in the US, with 600+ palms. Murray Canyon adds 2 more miles with a seasonal waterfall. Combined hike is 5-6 miles, moderate. $12 entry.
The Ace is the outdoor activity hub of Palm Springs — pool parties, fire pits, outdoor yoga, and the Amigo Room bar. Good for adventure travelers who want energy in the evenings. Rates $150–280/night. Book a king room with pool view.
October–April: perfect hiking weather. May and September: warm but manageable with early starts. June–August: dangerous. Temperatures above 110°F are common in summer. If you must hike in summer, start before 7 AM and be done by noon. Carry 1 liter of water per hour.
The Geology Tour Road in Joshua Tree is washboard dirt road — technically passable in a 2WD sedan but miserable. Rent a Jeep or SUV for the day trip to Joshua Tree. Enterprise PSP has the best rates.
Take the first tram up (opens 10 AM, earlier on weekends). The Long Valley to San Jacinto Peak round trip is 11 miles and 2,300 feet of elevation — serious day hike. Or take the easier 2-mile round trip to Round Valley. The summit at 10,834 feet gives views to the Salton Sea.
Full day in Joshua Tree. Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile dirt road through the backcountry — bring water, a full tank, and a high-clearance vehicle. Hidden Valley is the classic 1-mile loop at the boulders. The Skull Rock Trail is worth adding. Sunrise is best — book a campsite or arrive by 7 AM.
The brunch spot in Palm Springs — the bacon flight (five preparations of bacon including cotton candy bacon) is the signature. Line out the door on weekends; arrive before 9 AM or after 1 PM. Also open for dinner.
Last morning — the Palm Canyon Scenic Drive through Aqua Caliente Indian land has good roadside Joshua trees and desert wash views. Thermal springs at the Indian Canyons hot spring pool are open some days. Check the schedule in advance.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “Palm Springs Adventure: Desert Hiking and Joshua Tree” and access the full block library.
Join free — become a WandererNo credit card required
Flights, stays, and experiences — find the best options for your dates.
Compare hundreds of airlines. See the cheapest dates and book directly — no markup.
Search flightsPowered by Travel Payouts
Bundle your flight and hotel to unlock package savings — usually cheaper than booking separately.
Powered by Expedia
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels, resorts, and rentals — free cancellation on most.
Search hotelsPowered by Expedia
Museum tickets, guided tours, and day trips — skip-the-line access, most with free cancellation.
Browse experiencesPowered by Tiqets
Pre-book a private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing.
Book a transferPowered by Welcome Pickups
Compare rental cars from top agencies — pickup at airports, hotels, and city centers.
Compare ratesPowered by Expedia
Whole homes, cabins, and condos — more space, full kitchens, and local neighborhoods.
Browse rentalsPowered by Expedia
Trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation — get a free quote in minutes.
Get a free quotePowered by Travelex