
Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 106 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views worth booking?
Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views is a 2.5-hour experience in Palm Springs, United States, from $70 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 106 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (106)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $70 per person
I provide bottled water, a snack bar and a clean backpack for everyone. For centuries members of the Cahuilla tribe hiked to these hill tops that overlook the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to nearby tribes that they traded with. The trails are unnamed, so they're mostly known & used by locals & don't get nearly as busy as the other easy to find hiking trails in Palm Springs during the busy winter/spring tourism season, so it's a much more peaceful hiking area. These are some of the best Palm Springs hiking trails with lots of scenic views of the Coachella Valley & a hike into a hidden Palm tree oasis. I know these trails well & the most scenic viewpoints along the way. You'll see desert vegetation close up & views of the desert valley floor all the way up to beautiful nearby mountain peaks, while getting in some fantastic exercise. Please see the Know Before You Book section for important physical and trail information.
What you get
About this experience
I provide bottled water, a snack bar and a clean backpack for everyone. For centuries members of the Cahuilla tribe hiked to these hill tops that overlook the Coachella Valley to send smoke signals to nearby tribes that they traded with. The trails are unnamed, so they're mostly known & used by locals & don't get nearly as busy as the other easy to find hiking trails in Palm Springs during the busy winter/spring tourism season, so it's a much more peaceful hiking area. These are some of the best Palm Springs hiking trails with lots of scenic views of the Coachella Valley & a hike into a hidden Palm tree oasis. I know these trails well & the most scenic viewpoints along the way. You'll see desert vegetation close up & views of the desert valley floor all the way up to beautiful nearby mountain peaks, while getting in some fantastic exercise. Please see the Know Before You Book section for important physical and trail information.
What's included
Included
- I will provide a clean & sanitized backpack for each person if needed.
- Snacks
- Bottled water
Not included
- Bring an electrolyte drink if it's a warm/hot day to replace electrolytes lost from sweating
- Bring a salty snack if it's a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating.
- Even in winter the sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen.
- Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks..
- Check & dress for the weather forecast so you'll be comfortable.
- Bring tissue during the winter. The cooler weather makes for runny noses on everyone I've noticed
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Palm Springs
For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference, we’re meeting in the parking lot next to it look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla in the parking lot.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference, we’re meeting in the parking lot next to it look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla in the parking lot.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Trail Ahead
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Everyone must be at least moderately fit for hiking on hilly terrain & able to walk at a moderate pace and have upper and lower body mobility/full range of motion. The hike is hilly & a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 800 feet & trail sections that're rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes at a moderate pace with most people, but I've done it in about 1 hour 45 minutes with very fit/experienced people & it's taken about 3 hours with less experienced people. Not recommended for sedentary/low fitness or very slow walkers. If anyone's having difficulties early on I'll advise they turn back for their own good. If you're not sure if the hike is a good fit for you contact me. Wear shoes with good traction only (no sandals). Dress for the weather forecast for the time we'll be hiking, layers are good, if sunny bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen even during the winter on sunny days the sun can be pretty strong. Take lots of pics but no long photo sessions. Please don't be in a hurry to get the hike over with cause you have plans after & no talking about politics/polarizing topics. We'll take mini breaks during the hike. There are no restrooms here, but I carry restroom supplies. If booking for others you must please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their ability so it doesn’t turn into torture for them. Also dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails in Palm Springs.
- Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery/injury, or have vertigo, balance/mobility issues. If you have asthma bring your inhaler, if allergic to bees bring your EpiPen.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 106 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
106 verified traveler reviews for Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
palm oasis at Anza Borrego State Park
This pertains to the Palm Oasis at Anza Borrego State Park. We were there in mid April and the temperature was 90 degrees. Bring water, a candy bar or snack. The trail is supposed to be 3 miles round trip but it felt more like 3.5 to 4 miles. It seems to have been a lot farther than when I went there 30 years ago. There was a flash flood and the parking area could have been moved farther away. The hike goes through the Mohave desert, up a rocky canyon. Once you get there it's well worth the walk. Note that part of the Oasis is blocked off. The palm grove burned in 2020 and is still recovering. Someone allegedly started a fire there. The upper reaches of the palm groves are closed. The part that is open is well worth visiting. Both of us are 72 years old. We made it without undue difficulty. Walk at a comfortable pace and don't over exert yourself. Running water, shade from the palm trees awaits you... a relief from the strong desert sun and heat.
via Tripadvisor
we did a long hike..Carlos was very informative
Carlos was a great guide! He was very informative..we would recommend his hikes ..he was a great guide …the views were beautiful
via Tripadvisor
Challenging Scenic Hike with an Experienced Local Guide
Carlos is an excellent guide. The hike took about 3 hours and we kept a moderate pace and all of the hikers were challenged with the incline and the pace. Carlos knows the area very well and we were able to take less traveled routes so we really had the place to ourselves for most of the hike. Carlos taught us a lot about the ecosystem and the views were amazing. I am so glad I did this hike and I would definitely recommend this hike.
via Viator
Fantastic Hike with Carlos and New Friends
I was not sure what to expect but wanted to do a good hike and did not want to hike alone in an unfamiliar area. Carlos was a great guide and was well prepared with light backpacks, waters, snack bars, etc. There were 2 other couples who also signed up for the hike. It was a moderate hike, definitely not for beginners. Carlos does state in the description that the hike is best suited to moderately fit hikers. The are several steep inclines which are a little challenging. It was a beautiful hike and there were very few other hikers which made it especially enjoyable. Carlos was so knowledgeable about the local area and foliage. The oasis was cool and the climb up was challenging but so worth it! I would highly recommend and would do another climb with Carlos in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Amaze Balls
Cidlaly was an amazing server and gave us many options for things to do with kids at the hotel! The private beach was amazing and the food was top tier !
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Palm Springs.
How much does Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Palm Springs usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Palm Springs is not rushed.
Is Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 106 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Palm Springs, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Palm Springs can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Palm Springs and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Palm Springs within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Palm Springs?
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Palm Springs sells architecture tours through midcentury neighbourhoods, Aerial Tramway trips up San Jacinto, Indian Canyons hikes, Joshua Tree stargazing and windmill farm runs. Shade, water and pickup points separate a good desert tour from a rough one. On Outty we rank every Palm Springs experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Palm Springs Modernism Architecture & History Bike Tour, Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group, Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
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November to April. Book dawn or evening slots in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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Included: I will provide a clean & sanitized backpack for each person if needed; Snacks; and Bottled water. Not included: Bring an electrolyte drink if it's a warm/hot day to replace electrolytes lost from sweati; Bring a salty snack if it's a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating; Even in winter the sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen; and Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks.. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Everyone must be at least moderately fit for hiking on hilly terrain & able to walk at a m; and Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery/injury, or have vertigo, balan. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views?
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Across 106 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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