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Cove To Lake Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 413 Google reviews · Running trail in La Quinta, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cove To Lake Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Cove To Lake Trailhead
“Scenic trail with varying terrain and unique overlooks that is great for both bikers and hikers.”
This is always a great hike. Start at bottom of cove and hike to coahuilla lake and back, about 7miles total. It's a moderate hike with some beautiful scenery. Go early before it gets to hot and bring some water...watch for snakes as you get closer to the lake walking in the open desert you might see big horn sheep.
Such a different hike from what I normally do! Desert conditions present a different challenge and I would advise you take more water and/or electrolytes than you think you'll need. If not for yourself someone else on the trail may need them (like in my recent visit!).
The La Quinta Cove trails are all very amazing. There are plenty of trails for the avid hiker and also for the beginner. Once you leave the parking lot, there is no facilities on the trails so pre-prepared to use them while you’re at the parking lot.
It’s such a great place for Mountain Biking and Hiking, they have restrooms at the trail head and doggie potty bags along the trails. You can’t take your dogs past a certain point because of the sheep in the area. I would definitely recommend to friends and family
Trail conditions & character
“Scenic trail with varying terrain and unique overlooks that is great for both bikers and hikers.”
“Don’t climb a mountain if your scared of heights and aren’t willing to come back down.”
“Cove to Lake is not very bike friendly but allows for Boo Hoff loop (note that top section of Boo Hoff is designed as “no bikes”, but I have seen plenty of people riding it).”
“Once you leave the parking lot, there is no facilities on the trails so pre-prepared to use them while you’re at the parking lot.”
“The trail starts flat but eventually leads to several mild climbs up to a ridge that is rocky but nothing that a moderately fit person can't handle.”
“The trail starts flat but eventually leads to several mild climbs up to a ridge that is rocky but nothing that a moderately fit person can't handle.”
Plan your run at Cove To Lake Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitedesertmountains.org
- Phone(760) 862-9984
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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