The Southern California desert cities in the Greater Palm Springs area are a natural winter haven, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. I love the rain (when we get it), but one of the uniquely wonderful things about SoCal is that you can choose your winter adventure – enjoy the intermittent sun and rain in the cities and suburbs, head to the San Bernardino mountains for snowy wonderland, or take to the desert for moderately warm and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor adventures. Speaking of which, this challenging trail is arguably the best hike near Palm Desert, CA and in fact, is one of the best hikes in Southern California. Check it out:
The Bump and Grind Trail is a challenging 4-mile loop trail in the Santa Rosa Mountains that offers outstanding views over the Coachella Valley and the unique scenery of the California desert foothills.
The trail has an overall elevation gain of about 1,400 feet, including ups and downs. There is also the option to complete a 3-mile loop if you don’t take the extra spur that goes to the summit.
This is one of the most popular trails in the Palm Springs area for hiking and mountain biking, and while it is open year-round, it is ideal for a winter hike when temperatures are comfortable.
Regardless of when you visit, keep in mind that there is no shade on the trail, so you need to bring plenty of water. Trekking poles (like these top-rated poles) are helpful for the steeper and narrower parts of the trail.
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This is the desert, but it is not without its unique beauty, with colorful wildflowers and cactus blossoms scattered among the boulders, especially in the spring months.
Hiking this trail in cooler months also provides spectacular views over some of the Southern California’s highest peaks in the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains, with their beautiful, snowy slopes.
Many locals choose to take on this hike at (or just before) sunrise, not only to take advantage of the cooler desert temperature but to take in stunning sights like this over the desert floor.
If you are an early riser, you can get up above the city while the lights are still sparkling below and even catch a few late morning stars before the sun comes up.
This hike includes a visit to a Bighorn Sheep refuge and these desert dwellers are frequently seen hiking the ridges themselves. Note that parts of the trail are closed between February 1 and April 30 to protect bighorn sheep and their babies from being disturbed.
The challenging but fun terrain, unbeatable views, and unique flora and fauna of this desert trail add up to one of the best hikes in Southern California.
Do winter your way with this awesome trail for the best hike near Palm Desert, CA. Have you hiked the Bump and Grind trail? We’d love for you to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments. Whenever and wherever you love to hike, make sure you check out our list of must-have hiking essentials!
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