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South Lykken Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from South Lykken Trail'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.
Bighorn-sheep sighting trail with scenic views of Palm Desert, Palm Springs and canyons.
What runners say about South Lykken Trail
“Beautiful views and pleasant walk on narrow path.”
This is the best trail for spotting bighorn sheep. Most often seen after passing the Josie Johnson sign heading south.
Started at the south end. (Parked on road) Ended up walking all the way over to the North end by Mesquite Rd. Total walking time 2:45hrs. Total time including stops at 2 picnic areas and pic taking 4hrs. Saw bighorn sheep up close. The Mesquite end of trail is a bit more challenging. (Grabbed an Uber back to car $12)
This is 8.9 miles hike with elevation gain 2208. There’s practically no shade so in the summer do this hike at 5 or 6am. In the winter I do it around 10am, really always depends on a weather. I never do the whole hike. I turn around at Josie Johnson Vista Park, where you have tables and can have a picnic.
Great hike with frequent Big Horn Sheep sightings and big views of Palm Springs. Parking is free on the street a block from the northern trailhead
Trail conditions & character
“The hiking here is moderately strenuous and there are picnic tables if you make it to the top for a meal with a spectacular view.”
“Very easy hike, entering on the southern access point makes for an easier, more gradual incline.”
“No parking at the trail head, but you can park on the street a block east of the trail head.”
Plan your run at South Lykken Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
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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