Home › California › Palm Desert › Randall Henderson Trailhead
Randall Henderson Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Desert, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Randall Henderson 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.
Picturesque trail through the desert and up the wash to scenic lookout points.
What runners say about Randall Henderson Trailhead
“Picturesque desert trail going up a wash and then climbing up the hillside with a great vantage point of the desert floor.”
“Trail was almost completely without shade during the day (except the lower wash section), so I would bring at least water and sunglasses.”
“Nice easy trail with gradual slopes, some uneven ground and steep ledges”
This is a nice short walk along an easy loop trail. You can get a paper guide to follow along with the numbered stops along the way. The trail begins in the parking lot at the visitor center. It's marked with a large slab of sandstone (see photo), you can't miss it.
Is a fairly easy trail with a little bit of elevation to it. No dogs are allowed and there really is no shade but at this time of year is it a fantastic hike
A Well maintained trail. Great views. Fun way to enjoy this part of the Coachella valley. We saw Bob white quail, other birds and lizards. Free access. Sunny, no shade or water after the visitors center so prepare accordingly. Bathrooms, maps and souvenirs at visitors center
Picturesque desert trail going up a wash and then climbing up the hillside with a great vantage point of the desert floor. Next to the visitors center. Chance to see desert wildlife and many different types of plants.
Trail conditions & character
“Picturesque desert trail going up a wash and then climbing up the hillside with a great vantage point of the desert floor.”
“The canyon loop does gain a bit of elevation (I believe total gain is +300ft), though you can take shorter loops too.”
“Trail was almost completely without shade during the day (except the lower wash section), so I would bring at least water and sunglasses.”
“The canyon loop does gain a bit of elevation (I believe total gain is +300ft), though you can take shorter loops too.”
“Parking is the first lot right after the entrance, with the visitor center further down.”
“Definitely watch your step with some rocky sections and wear something with grip on the bottom.”
Plan your run at Randall Henderson Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(760) 862-9984
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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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