Places to go Hiking in the California Desert

Afton Canyon Natural Area (BLM Public Land)

Washes and stream channels are good hiking trails and excellent for experiencing natural conditions. Read More...

Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark (BLM Public Land)

You can hike to the west side of the crater and hike to the top and inside the crater. The trail is steep and rocky. Read More...

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (California State Parks)

Eight miles of trails, including a paved section for wheelchair access, wind gently through the wildflower fields. Read More...

Antelope Valley Indian Museum (California State Parks)

Next to the museum is a self-guided nature trail, a picnic area, and an outdoor ceremonial arena. Read More...

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (California State Parks)

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a number of trails for the desert explorer. Read More...

Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland (California State Parks)

For your enjoyment, the park features a picnic table and self-guided nature trail, with information about the desert wildflowers and animals of the Ripley Desert Woodlands. Read More...

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve (BLM Public Land)

Wooden walkways allow the visitor to meander through the creekside and marsh areas. Read More...

Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

There is a 0.25 mile loop easy hiking trail, the starting point begins in Pinto Basin Road 20 miles north of Cottonwood. This trail meanders through a dense concentration of Bigelow Cholla in the lower edge of the transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Read More...

Bristol Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Together, a portion of the low, rolling Bristol Mountains and a tilted volcanic plain form Bristol Mountains Wilderness. The lack of water and extreme open distances make for a dry and desolate hunk of land that poses a challenge for the most accomplished desert hiker. Read More...

Calico Early Man Site (BLM Public Land)

Guided Tours Wednesday - 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, Thursday thru Sunday - 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, Closed Monday and Tuesday Read More...

Carrizo Gorge Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

There is a Carrizo Gorge hike trailhead located near the I-8 Jacumba, CA freeway exit. It's 28 miles one-way to Ocotillo, where you can park a car and at least another 15 miles back up (2,500 ft) to Jacumba. Read More...

Cibola NWR (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

From the visitor center, drive a short distance to the 3-mile auto tour loop (also known as Canada Goose Drive). This drive is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Along this drive, stop and take a short walk around the Nature Trail. Read More...

Clipper Mountain Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

You will have the opportunity to enjoy some of this country's unique and breathtaking natural beauty. Read More...

Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

Currently, a 24-foot wide corridor designed for public hiking and equestrian use occurs along the west Refuge boundary, and through the northern portion of the Refuge (see map). Because the main objective of the Refuge is to protect designated critical habitat for wildlife threatened with extinction, we ask that you stay on the trail at all times. Read More...

Coachella Valley Preserve (BLM Public Land)

The spectacular Thousand Palms Oasis includes a mile-long trail past pools containing endangered desert pupfish. Read More...

Corn Springs Campground (BLM Public Land)

Corn Springs also has a 1/2 mile interpretive trail that can easily be hiked in tennis shoes. Read More...

Dead Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Picture Canyon is a popular hiking location. Read More...

Death Valley National Park (National Park Service)

Season is the determining factor for all outdoor activites in Death Valley. Late fall through early spring (November through the end of March), camping, hiking, and exploring predominate. But during the summer months from mid April through mid October (yes October) it is best to be cautious and consider activities that are less exposed to the heat. Hikes are still available in the summer months, but we recommend the mountains and their spectacular vistas instead of the canyon grottos. Read More...

Desert Tortoise Natural Area (BLM Public Land)

Visitors will find an interpretive kiosk and self-guided nature trails. Read More...

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

This refuge area offers quiet desert beauty for the prepared hiker. Read More...

Horse Thief Camp (BLM Public Land)

Bring your camera and binoculars! Read More...

Imperial Wildlife Area (California Fish & Game Wilderness)

Hike some of the levees bordered by bulrush and cattail and marvel at the incredible views of wildlife. Read More...

Inyo Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

For the hiking enthusiasts, the Beveridge Canyon and Lonesome Miner trails are located within this wilderness Read More...

Joshua Tree National Park (National Park Service)

Joshua Tree offers an extensive network of trails of varying length and difficulty. Read More...

Juniper Flats (BLM Public Land)

Bring your cameras and binoculars! Juniper Flats is a diverse landscape of mountains, canyons and washes. Read More...

Manzanar National Historic Site (National Park Service)

There is a 3.2 mile long self-guided auto tour of the Manzanar camp. A tour description and a tour map are available at the camp entrance. Read More...

McCain Valley (BLM Public Land)

As a visitor to our public lands, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of this country's unique and breathtaking natural beauty. Read More...

Mojave Narrows Regional Park (San Bernardino County Regional Parks)

Hiking, ecology, nature, and handicap-accessible trails are available. Read More...

Mojave National Preserve (National Park Service)

Hiking is encouraged on all public lands within Mojave National Preserve. Among the best hikes is the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail. This eight-mile trail (one-way) will take you through beautiful scenery, with numerous spectacular views of the mountains that surround the area. Read More...

Picacho State Recreation Area (California State Parks)

The area's complex geology invites exploration of such sights as the plug dome volcanic outcropping at Picacho Peak,... Read More...

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area/Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve (California State Parks)

All trails begin near Mitchell Caverns headquarters, 6 miles west of Black Canyon Road on Essex Road. Read More...

Rademacher Hills Trail (BLM Public Land)

This trail is open to hiking, jogging, horseback riding and mountain biking. Read More...

Rainbow Basin Natural Area (BLM Public Land)

The washes are good hiking trails for experiencing the area's natural beauty. Read More...

Saddleback Butte State Park (California State Parks )

The Little Butte Trail is about 2.5 miles to the peak and can be picked up from below the day-use area, or take the 2-mile Saddleback Butte Peak Trail from the trailhead parking area in the campground. Read More...

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (California State Parks)

Nature trails loop around each campground. Read More...

San Jacinto Wildlife Area (California Fish & Game Wilderness)

Hiking is permitted in the wildlife area. Read More...

Sand Canyon (BLM Public Land)

The western end of the canyon is within the 74,640 acre Owens Peak Wilderness. Read More...

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (BLM Public Land)

Many miles of trails can be found in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains which provide beautiful scenic vistas and natural treasures to be discovered by hikers, bikers, and equestrian trail users. Read More...

Short Canyon (BLM Public Land)

The Short Canyon trail is located within the 74,640 acre Owens Peak Wilderness and is open to hikers and equestrians throughout the year. Read More...

Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Refuge has two walking trails: the Rock Hill Trail and the Michael Hardenberger Trail. The Rock Hill Trail is approximately 2 miles roundtrip, leading visitors through several different habitats. It begins next to the picnic area at the Visitor Center and ends on the top of Rock Hill, which is located on the edge of the Salton Sea. Read More...

Tomo-Kahni State Historical Park (California State Parks)

The moderately strenuous walking tour takes between two to three hours to complete. Read More...

Trona Pinnacles (BLM Public Land)

A .50-mile hiking trail leads into the heart of the Pinnacles for a close-up view of these spires and the surrounding desert environment. The hike is not difficult, but you should wear sturdy shoes. Read More...

Turtle Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Coffin, Mopah, and Mohawk Springs are popular hiking destinations. Read More...

Whipple Mountains Wilderness (BLM Public Land)

Hiking, horseback riding, hunting, camping, rock hounding, photography, and backpacking are examples of activities can be enjoyed in this wilderness. Read More...