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North Lykken Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 345 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North Lykken 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.
Popular trail with city views and a mountain backdrop, plus big-horn sheep sightings.
What runners say about North Lykken Trailhead
“Perfect little hike if you are in the area and want a great view of the valley without having to work too hard for it.”
“Not a lot of people take this route so it’s nice and quiet.”
Beautiful sunrise view at top of trail. Have to start around 45 minutes before sunrise to get full effect. Trail is almost straight up so equivalent to walking up 15 flights of stairs
The trail winds you up quickly as it positions you in a space, at some points completely, surrounded by the untouched desert mountain scape. It offers great views of the valley below but also an escape from the noise of the city. The trail was well maintained.
The trailhead has a small area for parking. The first part of the hike is multiple switchbacks, so you gain elevation rather quickly. I saw a lot of reviews that listed this as a difficult hike, my 4-year-old daughter did just fine so if you are as athletic as a small child you will be ok.
A really nice mid level hike that has great views of palm springs and some wildlife!! There are a lot of switch backs and some moderate inclines but it seems pretty doable for an average hiker. We did not do the loop as that was 10miles. We just did a down and back.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you get up the switchbacks there is a small peak that you can climb up that gives you an amazing view of the valley below.”
“Walked to the trailhead at the west end of Ramon Road from the Korakia Pensione B&B and finished at the museum parking lot.”
“Great trail but be careful to not try and exit near or around the water station (big gravel hill).”
“Not a lot of people take this route so it’s nice and quiet.”
“Great trail but be careful to not try and exit near or around the water station (big gravel hill).”
Plan your run at North Lykken Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Phone+1 760-862-9984
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–4 pm |
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