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Garstin Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 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 Garstin 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.
Steep trail leading to 360° views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains.
What runners say about Garstin Trailhead
“Accessibility is key to a trail system that offers great views, beautiful vegetation, and excellent uphill exercise.”
You can park near 3138 Barona Road. A nice loop that took us two hours was to start up the Garstin Trail, once you get near the top take the left trail down, which connects to the Earl Henderson Trail. Henderson Trail then follows the wash back to the Garstin Trailhead where you started.
Did the Garstin, Berns, Bogert Loop. A nice set of trails on this hike with the Great Outdoors Palm Springs group. First 45 mins, I would consider as moderate otherwise an easy hike. Beautiful views of the valley, even looking down on one of Bob Hope’s house. Love the trails in this area.
Really enjoyable hike. First hour climbs steadily to a high viewpoint with excellent changing views along the way. Trail winds back and around, making it in some ways more interesting than the straighter ascents up the Lykken Trails.
Carlos at Trail Ahead is a knowledgeable and very considerate hiking leader. He is punctual and paces when need be. Book with him. You won't be disappointed.
Trail conditions & character
“You can either do and out and back or do a loop with Shannon trail and get treated with a view of Bob Hope's house out in the distance.”
“They may hate you your steep elevation climb but will get over the heavy breathing once on top.”
“A nice loop that took us two hours was to start up the Garstin Trail, once you get near the top take the left trail down, which connects to the Earl Henderson Trail.”
“A go-to trailhead to get up to Big Murray and many points on the south side of the valley.”
Plan your run at Garstin Trailhead
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
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(760) 862-9984
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.
South Lykken Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 reviews
Scenic hiking site featuring steep and rocky paths, along with panoramic city views.
Earl Henderson Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 27 reviews
Scenic mountain trail covering 2.9 miles, popular for walks, nature hikes & horseback riding.
Araby Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Hiking route offers views of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains, plus Bob Hope's house.
Murray Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Hike along a creek or stream past palm trees to a waterfall, through a canyon and over rocks.
Andreas Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 985 reviews
Featuring palm trees and a stream, this hiking area offers picnic tables and a restroom.