Palm Springs Museum Trail

For a hike with pawsome views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, hit the Palm Springs Museum Trail with your furry best friend! Easily accessible from downtown, this 1-mile, out-and-back trail will take you and Fido into the San Jacinto Mountains. But don't let the name or length fool you into thinking that it's going to be a walk in the park (or the museum)! While active and athletic doggos should have no problem jumping over rocks along the way, two-legged hikers are in for a glute workout!

The trail begins in the northwest corner of the Palm Springs Art Museum's north parking lot. This parking lot is reserved for museum guests, so park in the garage across the street or utilize on-street parking instead. Look for the trailhead sign, cross a small road, and you're off! The Museum Trail is steep, with several short switchbacks, so be sure to bring lots of water for you and your pup! As you and Fido climb up the trail, you'll find yourselves looking out over Palm Springs. You'll also spot red-spined barrel cacti and boulders with white dots serving as trail markers along the way.

Once the hard part's over and you get to the top, you'll be rewarded with woofderful views of the valley. Bring lunch or snacks to enjoy along with the scenery; there are picnic tables at the summit. If your pup's up for a longer hike, you may take the adjoining North Lykken Trail on the way down—just retrace your steps back to the trailhead. The Museum Trail also connects with the Skyline Ridge Trail, but this route is poorly marked and only suitable for very experienced hikers.

For your pooch's safety, keep them leashed at all times! Remember to bring doggie waste bags as well. The Palm Springs Museum Trail may be challenging, but the sweeping vistas at the top are well worth the effort!