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Indio Hills Badlands Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 197 Google reviews · Running trail in Indio, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Indio Hills Badlands 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.
Challenging, scenic trail network featuring hilly terrain, a loop option and views from the summit.
What runners say about Indio Hills Badlands Trailhead
“The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow, and the landscape is stunning—dramatic ridges, sandy pathways, and those classic desert colors that change as the light shifts.”
“We packed snacks and plenty of water, which I definitely recommend, because the sun can get intense and there isn’t much shade along the way.”
“The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow, and the landscape is stunning—dramatic ridges, sandy pathways, and those classic desert colors that change as the light shifts.”
This hike is about 5 miles long and absolutely gorgeous. I would not recommend doing this in the summer! If you are like me looking for a winter getaway this is a great place to visit.
Great hike! Easy with a nice 360° view elevation little over 500 ft. Gets pretty busy so parking is limited. But you do have option for street parking.
GREAT place to Hike, walk or ride your bike. The trail is considered a 5 mile moderate hike, it wasn't bad, lots of walking in the sand so it's definitely a decent workout and the view is beautiful. On the downside there isn't much parking in the parking area so people park on the street at the corner.
Great trail and a pretty good workout, especially if it’s a bit warm. Bring plenty of water! Nice little parking area but there were some shady people casing the parking lot. I think they stole a guy’s hat he forgot. I wouldn’t leave any valuables in sight.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow, and the landscape is stunning—dramatic ridges, sandy pathways, and those classic desert colors that change as the light shifts.”
“If that's too daunting though the area right beside the parking lot is great section for all skill levels!”
“A fun morning hike through slot canyons and a climb to a great view of Coachella Valley.”
“A long 6 miles, as it takes way over 3hrs to do the loop, given the terrain in the mountains.”
“The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow, and the landscape is stunning—dramatic ridges, sandy pathways, and those classic desert colors that change as the light shifts.”
“The trail is considered a 5 mile moderate hike, it wasn't bad, lots of walking in the sand so it's definitely a decent workout and the view is beautiful.”
“We packed snacks and plenty of water, which I definitely recommend, because the sun can get intense and there isn’t much shade along the way.”
Plan your run at Indio Hills Badlands Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 760-568-9918
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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