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Palm Canyon

4.8 ★★★★★ 973 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Palm 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.

LoopScenicQuiet

Nature preserve featuring a canyon, palm trees, and pools, plus picnic areas.

What runners say about Palm Canyon

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (973 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“This area is very well maintained.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 17 mentions

“Beautiful weather and stunning views,bring water and hiking sneakers,also beware of rattlers in at morning, we went in afternoon so we didn't run into any!”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“The combination of cool, surreal landscapes and the serene beauty of the palms makes it truly unforgettable.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“Fairly easy hike with a few rock obstructions.”

This place is beautiful... perfect place to see the desert's beauty! My family and I did the Palm trail and the Andrea's trail both beautiful in their own individual way.. I lean towards the Andrea's simply because more opportunities to get wet along the hike..

★★★★★ — Jojo , Apr 2024

Absolutely breathtaking natural palm canyon. Wonderful and educational nature center at the top, there is very limited parking however. The hike can be strenuous downhill to start out, but once you are down near the natural spring, the hike is rated easy.

★★★★★ — Mary , Jan 2025

Did the hike next to the creek from the right side heading up as it is also the most shaded side. Was a hot day (well over 100, so took lots of water and sunscreen). Was nice putting our feet in the creek at the top and splashing some cool creek water onto my face. Fairly easy hike with a few rock obstructions.

★★★★★ — Rob , Jul 2025

Wow! What an unreal place. Seeing a natural palm oasis in the desert was a real treat. It is worth the small entry fee to visit this spot. We walked down a short trail from the visitor's center to the palm Grove and wandered through it a bit. Beautiful in an unusual way.

★★★★★ — Ken , Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 973 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 22 mentions

“Beautiful weather and stunning views,bring water and hiking sneakers,also beware of rattlers in at morning, we went in afternoon so we didn't run into any!”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“The combination of cool, surreal landscapes and the serene beauty of the palms makes it truly unforgettable.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Hikes range from very easy just over a mile loop or up to several miles and strenuous hikes over small "cliffs", or path obstacles.”

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Plan your run at Palm Canyon

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.
  • Websiteindian-canyons.com
  • Phone+1 760-323-6018

Hours

Monday 8 am–4 pm
Tuesday 8 am–4 pm
Wednesday 8 am–4 pm
Thursday 8 am–4 pm
Friday 8 am–4 pm
Saturday 8 am–5 pm
Sunday 8 am–5 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Palm Canyon

Palm Springs, California

Get directions

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.

Palm Canyon Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 26 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

Shaded

under a mile away

Indian Canyons

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,134 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

5 miLoopScenic

This group of canyons has trails for hiking & horseback riding, plus picnic areas & a gift shop.

under a mile away

Murray Canyon Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 112 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

1 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Hike along a creek or stream past palm trees to a waterfall, through a canyon and over rocks.

1.6 miles away

Andreas Canyon Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 985 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

2 miLoopShadedScenic

Featuring palm trees and a stream, this hiking area offers picnic tables and a restroom.

1.7 miles away

Garstin Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

LoopScenic

Steep trail leading to 360° views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains.

2.7 miles away

Oswit Canyon

4.5 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

Palm Springs, CA

LoopScenicDog-friendly

2.8 miles away

All running trails in Palm Springs, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.