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Homestead Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Desert, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Homestead 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.
Scenic paths leading up to a lit cross atop a hillside park, plus picnic tables, parking and water fountains.
What runners say about Homestead Trailhead
“There’s a great view of Porcupine Creek Golf Club about halfway up.”
“Nice easy hike, especially if you stop at the small pavilion.”
Spent the late Sat. afternoon hiking during #CoronaQuarantine. So many people doing the same thing! Simple trail and lots of serious wash outs along the path. If you’re a bit less slight of foot you may not like the deep gouges you must hop over. But the scenery was wonderful.
DONT TAKE THE LEFT TRAIL! We took the wrong way going up lol. It was uphill of the way! I advise you to take the trail to the right from the parking lot. Will take you about 1hr or less depends on your hiking speed. A good hike for the family.
The beginning of the trail has changed. Be careful and respect others needs for space to walk. Water erosion is taking its toll on this popular trail so watch your step and always be prepared, you are hiking.
This is a really fun and easy trail, plus there are plenty of spots to get water if you forgot (the water is very hot though as a warning) and there are also plenty of spots to sit in the shade. I’m definitely planning to explore more here!
Trail conditions & character
“There’s a great view of Porcupine Creek Golf Club about halfway up.”
“We chose the Cross Loop which goes up to a lit cross on a hill above the park.”
“We chose the Cross Loop which goes up to a lit cross on a hill above the park.”
“I advise you to take the trail to the right from the parking lot.”
“Plenty of well behaved dogs but fresh dog poo on the trail was not pleasant to see.”
Plan your run at Homestead Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(760) 862-9984
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 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.
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City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park
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Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
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City of Palm Desert Ironwood Park
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This 15-acre park features a playground, trails & walking paths, picnic pavilions & restrooms.
Hopalong Cassidy Trailhead
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