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Oswit Canyon
4.5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Oswit Canyon'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.
What runners say about Oswit Canyon
“Well marked, beautiful, lots of birds, 3 big horn sheep, easy”
Great hike up Oswit Canyon to the waterfall with the Great Outdoors Palm Springs group. A must in the area. Great views, varied trail terrain, the scrambling was fun. Very little waterfall this time of year but a cool place to rest before turning around. While trails are marked, easy to get off track.
This is an incredible hike to a hidden cool desert oasis, waterfall and cold pool in the spring. When it has rained the wildflowers up into this place are absolutely incredible, blooming from every cactus and plant you can see.
Excellent morning trip for someone visiting PS looking for some nature without too many people around. Gorgeous trail with lots to see. Loved it! The trail is not marked well at the South Lykken trail head entry - you have to search off to the south and in about 50 yards to see the first marker for the Oswit Trail.
This is a magical place with amazing flora and fauna. Fantastic hiking to the waterfall with panoramic views back towards Palm Springs. Oswit Canyon must be saved for future generations to enjoy!
Trail conditions & character
“Pretty pools, trickle waterfalls, lots of flora and some fauna- today there were tadpoles, pond skimmers, and bright orange dragonflies.”
“The kind of hiking trail with quick roadside parking and access, easy loop, or connect to long range trails, and great desert flora and geology.”
“There is a bit of elevation gain, but the one mile loop makes it completely do-able.”
“The kind of hiking trail with quick roadside parking and access, easy loop, or connect to long range trails, and great desert flora and geology.”
“The trail is not marked well at the South Lykken trail head entry - you have to search off to the south and in about 50 yards to see the first marker for the Oswit Trail.”
Plan your run at Oswit Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websiteoswitlandtrust.org
- Phone(760) 209-6902
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
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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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