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City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Desert, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Mountainside nature space with tennis & pickleball courts, multi-use trails & picnic tables.
What runners say about City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park
“This is a steep hike, and the top of this hike provides a beautiful sunrise view of the valley.”
“It is so clear, gorgeous, peaceful, serene, every step.”
“Dog friendly too, and bathrooms at the bottom, bonus!”
I googled a place to hike and chose this place. It did not disappoint. Hiked yesterday evening before dark and 7 am this morning. It is so clear, gorgeous, peaceful, serene, every step. Trails not terribly steep but at times rocky.
Dog friendly hike. Three trails join to make this hike as long or short as you like. Gabby Hayes trail links to the Homestead Trail for a very nice 2 hour loop. Add the extension of the up and back to the Palm Desert Cross.
A hidden gem! I have lived in Palm Desert for over three years, and didn't know about this place until a neighbor mentioned it. We took the Herb Jeffries trail, cut across through Hopalong Cassidy to end up back where we started.
Nice short hike, gets a little thin and windy in places but there is a great view at the top. We did a short hike loop but there are options to go further. Dog friendly too, and bathrooms at the bottom, bonus!!
Trail conditions & character
“This is a steep hike, and the top of this hike provides a beautiful sunrise view of the valley.”
“Some people take dogs, but I've seen mostly really well trained dogs that don't need to be on leash.”
“Parking is limited, but I think one could park on a residential street, walk across the bridge to the trail head.”
“Gabby Hayes trail links to the Homestead Trail for a very nice 2 hour loop.”
“This is a steep hike, and the top of this hike provides a beautiful sunrise view of the valley.”
“It is so clear, gorgeous, peaceful, serene, every step.”
“There's a restroom at the entrance to the park, and some of the trails are open to canine companions, but check the posted signs.”
Plan your run at City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofpalmdesert.org
- Phone(760) 776-6481
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Palm Desert
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Herb Jeffries Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
Homestead Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Scenic paths leading up to a lit cross atop a hillside park, plus picnic tables, parking and water fountains.
City of Palm Desert Homme-Adams Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 180 reviews
27-acre desert destination with multi-purpose trails, picnic facilities & an off-leash dog area.
Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 289 reviews
Illuminated cross mounted on top of a hill, popular for moderate desert hikes with scenic views.
Hopalong Cassidy Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
The Bump And Grind
4.7 ★★★★★ 548 reviews
Popular, narrow hiking trail up a steep hillside offering scenic views of the valley.