Only this past fall and winter did I discover Palm Springs as a prime hiking area. I guess I (and many others) think of Palm Springs as this hot oasis, where all you want to do is sit in a pool with an iced drink in on
e hand and a good book in the other. But as temperatures finally dropped in October I discovered all these – not even hidden – hiking spots. There are a number of trails in Palm Springs you can access right from the center of downtown (this isn’t one of them).
Araby Trail winds its way through the mountains and this hike will meet Araby Trail. This hike can be as easy or difficult as you like it to be. Ok, it will be always be a little difficult as it involves mountains…
Here is the low-down on Araby Trail
I joined the trail to the left of Vons Supermarket on Hwy 111. There is on-street parking right at the foot of the trail. The trail is a wide fire-road-type trail and starts off with a decent climb. But eventually it levels off and starts to be rolling hills.
The trail offers great views of the Coachella Valley and if you make it to about 2-2.5 miles you’ll see downtown Palm Springs. It seems like creative hikers turn rocks into art:
As I mentioned earlier, you can make the hike as long or as short as you like. It’s an out-and-back trail unless you follow the trail and come down off the mountain in a different location. I did a 5-mile hike which was about 1000 feet elevation gain.
There are plenty of smaller trails off the main trail, which look worth exploring. One went down to an oasis. I will have to check this one out during my next visit.
Araby Trail Hike Details
Hike: Out-and-back
Length: Any length you want
Park: Left behind Vons Supermarket on Hwy 111
When to go: Early morning before it gets too hot. Not recommended during the summer months.
Tip: If you go in December and January you may get great views of the snow-capped mountains all around.
Don’t forget: water, sunscreen, a hat, your camera
