The estates sit in the Cahuilla Hills above Palm Desert, and some of the best hiking in the Coachella Valley starts close by. These are the trails we actually send people to, roughly in order of how much you will feel them the next day.
A quick guide to choosing: if your group is mixed, start with the Homestead Trail or Whitewater. If you want the classic desert oasis, go to Indian Canyons or Tahquitz. If you want the hike everyone talks about at dinner, drive out to Ladder Canyon.
1. The Homestead Trail
Known locally as the Cross hike. A public trail in Palm Desert, roughly an hour, moderate, there and back. The reward is a sweeping view across the valley, and it is close enough to the estates that you can be back for breakfast.
2. Canyon View Loop, Whitewater Preserve
Starts at the visitor center and crosses the year-round Whitewater River on a footbridge about half a mile in. Well groomed and sandy rather than technical, dog-friendly, and no fee or permit required. If you want running water in the desert without a hard climb, this is the easy way to find it. The trailhead is at 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road in Whitewater.
3. Indian Canyons
Palm, Andreas and Murray Canyons, on the land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The trails run through the world's largest California fan palm oasis, with streams and shade in the middle of the desert. You can do a short walk or spend most of a day.
4. Tahquitz Canyon
A guided or self-guided hike to a 60-foot waterfall, in Palm Springs itself. One of the most recognizable hikes in the area, and a good choice for groups that want a clear destination.
5. The Art Smith Trail
The signature trail of the Cahuilla Hills, the same hills the estates sit in. It is long and genuinely scenic, with palm oases along the route. Most people hike a section and turn back rather than doing the whole thing.
6. The Mirage Trail
Also called Bump and Grind. The valley's most-hiked trail: steep, exposed, and best at dawn. You will see a lot of locals here, and most of them will be faster than you.
7. Ladder and Painted Canyon, Mecca Hills
A slot canyon hike on public BLM land, with fixed ladders bolted into the cliff walls and colorful rock along the San Andreas Fault. It is the longest drive on this list and the most adventurous hike, so plan for a half day.
Before you go
- Bring more water than you think you need, and a snack.
- Wear real shoes. Sand and ladders are not for sandals.
- Some canyons charge a fee and keep set hours, so check before you drive.
- Stay on marked trails, and tell someone at the estate where you are going.
After the hike
Come back to the sauna and cold plunge, which both Casa Tierra and Casa Mallorca have outdoors. (Why we love the cold plunge.) Or go straight to the pool.
Want a guide?
Tell us before you arrive and we will arrange one, or build hiking into a retreat week. For horses, hot springs, sound baths and stargazing, see Beyond the Estates.