Explore Palm Springs - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Very nice trail, but BRING WATER. It is so hot. It was a nice trail though,
Awesome trail. Little bit rocky but good for kids otherwise. Beautiful palm trees and small water falls.
reviewed Fantastic hike. Starts pretty easy, but definitely gets trickier as you approach the falls. We did not find the waterfall anticlimactic, and really enjoyed the cool water. Bring lots of water because the heat does make it tougher.
Hot but beautiful
It was a strenuous hike at 93 degree temperatures. The trails are narrow and many folks didn’t bother to wear masks. The biggest letdown was the so called waterfall at the end...it was a small stream falling down from 12 feet.
Great hike! Easy to get a little of track so be sure to follow the rock arrows! There are two arrows pointing to the left a quarter mile in, that direction would take you clockwise either a majority of the ladders up. Either direction around the trail would be great, but I prefer to climb up ladders more than down. ENJOY!
Trail is awesome, but the surrounding area is filled with human feces everywhere... bury your crap in a 2ft deep hole away from trails and obvious camp spots. also, stop leaving and burning your trash. no wonder they want to shut this place down and build houses everywhere.
So beautiful and surprises at every turn! I worth the long line to get in!
Very beautiful trail. Highly recommend.
It’s a wonderful scenic trail with some amazing rock formations, tight slot canyons, clearly visible geological exposures. Very worth doing. Just a couple of precautions: 1) traffic jams back up at the ladders, as there are no one-way trail designations. A price of visiting on a weekend. 2) coming out of the slot canyon up to the junction with ridge trail, no shade, steep grades. After the junction, a further mile of ridge trail is sun exposed, still uphill, some steep drop offs. Even the experienced were getting very hot up there as temp hit 102. There are no good shortcuts back so be extra prepared on hot days. 3) The drop into painted canyon is steep and doesn’t necessarily look like trail. Keep your eyes peeled until you get onto the gravel floor of the wash. Even after you get back into canyon, another half mile to shade. We were very happy we did it, but an extra liter or two of water would’ve been good to have.
Such a fun unique hike. Loved the slot canyons and walking across the ridge line. Our small car was totally fine making it down the road, but almost got stuck in the sandy parking lot so be careful there if you’re not 4wd. We heard to go counterclockwise, but somehow ended up going the wrong way so we ended up going down the ladders and having to hike up a huge uphill sandy hill for three miles. The entrance to go the correct way is hard to see but there is a big rock arrow pointing you through a rock crack area to find the ladders. Don’t suggest doing it opposite the arrows like we did because the three mile hill on the sandy trail was tough and hot.
Fantastic Hike! At parking lot head to the right of the posted sign. Walk thru canyon till reach a big rocky outcropping on your left! Head to those rocks to first ladder. Best way to go is up the ladders. At the first split that comes stay right. This is a bit confusing. Head up to the top and across the ridge. It’s hot here so bring LOTS of water. Then follow path down to second canyon that loops you back. We did this very early starting at 7am. Temps were expected to be above 95. Perfect timing. Still was hot on the ridge and each of of packed backpacks 2 X Large waters and snacks. The ladders are doable. I would not take a child under the age of 12/13. Wear longer socks as the sand/gravel can get into your shoes, and hiking shoes, or running shoes with thread. Have fun it’s gorgeous.
Ladders are sketchy but totally doable, ropes were even sketchier but is a very fun hike. Canyon gets pretty narrow. Check weather for rain before hand and bring water!
Did it with the boys
Good if you want a short hike to do with small kids or elderly grandparents but frankly Palm Canyon trail is way nicer if you’re looking for easy and picturesque palm oasis. Very crowded too. Boulders are cool though.
Beautiful and easy trail, nice to do with family and kids as it’s for all skill levels. The Palm oasis is so tranquil and provides lovely shade.
Not difficult at all but make sure you have lots of water, the trail is not shaded. Also keep an eye out on time since they close the gates at 5. we started the hike pretty late in the day ~3:45 and were able to make it in a little over 1.5hrs including time to take pictures and enjoy the view.
The geology is amazing here and definitely a nice place to hang w/ friends.
Most spectacular views, lovely loop. Ladders were very doable. Went counter-clockwise, seems to be a lot of confusion about ropes, but we didn’t encounter.
Enjoyed the diversity of the unexpected Palm oasis, creek and small lizards followed by a short out and back rocky desert path. The heat makes it challenging. Bring enough water.
March 29, 2021This hike was amazing, but difficult to follow the trail in many areas. The loop turned out to be 5.6 miles for us because we made a wrong turn. The terrain was tough in some areas too, but the rocks were so beautiful and the ladders were really cool!
