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Earl Henderson Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 27 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Earl Henderson Trail'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.
Scenic mountain trail covering 2.9 miles, popular for walks, nature hikes & horseback riding.
What runners say about Earl Henderson Trail
“Relatively easy hike near downtown Palm Springs with a great view of the mountains and Palm Springs.”
“Relatively easy hike near downtown Palm Springs with a great view of the mountains and Palm Springs.”
I'm a hiking tour guide in the Palm Springs area. This is one of the trails I take people on as part of the Garstin Loop hike. You can find me by searching for, trail ahead hiking.
Hiked up Earl Henderson to Shannon to Berns and came back on the Gerstin trail, 3.6 miles with a 1000 ft gain, great hike!
Henderson Trail is a great morning hike if you're looking for something reasonably quick, not too difficult, and with pretty desert views. We saw a few people out (one trail runner, one single senior with hiking poles, and a group of 5 in the distance) on a January Wednesday morning between 8-9:30 am.
Relatively easy hike near downtown Palm Springs with a great view of the mountains and Palm Springs.
Trail conditions & character
“Henderson Trail is a great morning hike if you're looking for something reasonably quick, not too difficult, and with pretty desert views.”
“) We looked up the hike on our All Trails app and discovered that there's a parking lot on South Araby Road across from the trailhead.”
“Excellent views of the wash on the north side of the mountain, and can be used to make a loop that hits the summit.”
Plan your run at Earl Henderson Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitealltrails.com
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 |
Running trails near Palm Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Araby Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Hiking route offers views of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains, plus Bob Hope's house.
Garstin Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Steep trail leading to 360° views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains.
Araby Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
Loop or out-and-back trail with steep stretches and panoramic views of the city, valley and mountains.
South Lykken Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 reviews
Scenic hiking site featuring steep and rocky paths, along with panoramic city views.
