Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views
Recommended by 99% of travelers
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Palm Springs, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy the adventure of hiking in Palm Springs without the risk of getting lost on this guided hike. You'll be taken on a half-day hike with fantastic viewpoints across the desert with city and mountain views and a visit to a hidden palm tree oasis. The hike is best suited to moderately fit hikers with outdoor experience.
- Backpacks will be provided if you need one
- Snacks and bottled water are included
- Learn about the nature and culture of the area from your guide
- See the sights while getting some exercise
What's Included
- I will provide a clean & sanitized backpack for each person if needed.
- Bottled waterI will provide bottled water for each hiker.
- SnacksI'll provide a granola bar for each hiker,
- Bring an electrolyte drink if it's a warm/hot day to replace electrolytes lost from sweating
- Bring a salty snack if it's a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating.
- Even in winter the sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen.
- Wear shoes with good traction, no sandals too many rocks..
- Check & dress for the weather forecast so you'll be comfortable.
- Bring tissue during the winter. The cooler weather makes for runny noses on everyone I've noticed
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe4781 E Palm Canyon Dr Ste F, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
For directions navigate to a coffee shop in Palm Springs called "Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe". We're not meeting in the cafe just using it for a meeting point of reference, we’re meeting in the parking lot next to it look for me standing next to my white Toyota Corolla in the parking lot.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:00 am
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Everyone must be at least moderately fit for hiking on hilly terrain & able to walk at a moderate pace and have upper and lower body mobility/full range of motion. The hike is hilly & a few miles long & has an elevation gain of about 800 feet & trail sections that're rocky, uneven & have loose dirt/rocks typical of Palm Springs hiking trails. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes at a moderate pace with most people, but I've done it in about 1 hour 45 minutes with very fit/experienced people & it's taken about 3 hours with less experienced people. Not recommended for sedentary/low fitness or very slow walkers. If anyone's having difficulties early on I'll advise they turn back for their own good. If you're not sure if the hike is a good fit for you contact me. Wear shoes with good traction only (no sandals). Dress for the weather forecast for the time we'll be hiking, layers are good, if sunny bring a hat, sunglasses & sunscreen even during the winter on sunny days the sun can be pretty strong. Take lots of pics but no long photo sessions. Please don't be in a hurry to get the hike over with cause you have plans after & no talking about politics/polarizing topics. We'll take mini breaks during the hike. There are no restrooms here, but I carry restroom supplies. If booking for others you must please make them aware of physical/health & trail info for their ability so it doesn’t turn into torture for them. Also dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails in Palm Springs.
- Not recommended for people that are recovering from surgery/injury, or have vertigo, balance/mobility issues. If you have asthma bring your inhaler, if allergic to bees bring your EpiPen.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 106 reviews
Julie_S, Apr 2024
Carlos is an excellent guide. The hike took about 3 hours and we kept a moderate pace and all of the hikers were challenged with the incline and the pace. Carlos knows the area very well and we were able to take less traveled routes so we really had the place to ourselves for most of the hike. Carlos taught us a lot about the ecosystem and the views were amazing. I am so glad I did this hike and I would definitely recommend this hike.
sajohn, Feb 2024
Extremely dissappointing . Booked following scrutiny of photographs showing trails on undulating upper levels with couples admiring the scenery , additional advice specifying “ I will only go as fast as the slowest person for their safety and comfort , moderate fitness ,regular mini breaks , time 2:5 to 3 hrs looking at plants , landscape “etc
As a regular walker / hiker in the U.K. and Europe I looked forward in anticipation and arrived at the meeting point before 8:00am on the 10 th Feb 2024 , enjoyed a very pleasant conversation with the guide before being joined by another couple at 8:15 and headed off at a brisk pace . There were just the four of us and one of the couple soon joined the guide leaving myself and the other person to walk and chat . The first part of the hike consisted off a series of steep inclines , and the three of them soon outpaced me ,and reached the first stage to rest and admire the view . At this stage the guide said “ I always tell people that if they are finding the climb too much to head back and not be uncomfortable “ . My response was that I was “enjoying it , but please adjust the pace “ . The guide said he would , proceeded to the next two levels but didn’t slow down . By this stage I was feeling distressed , extremely embarrassed and concerned about the guides surprising lack of sensitivity to my needs and his behaviour contradicting the statement re “ I will only go as fast as the slowest person for their safety and comfort “ . I was so embarrassed that I said “ I will go back “and he smiled , took several photographs of me , advised on the return route and they left me . I had no option but to explore the area on my own , eventually joined a group of Americans , explained my position and walked with them for approximately 1 hr and then headed back to the meeting point .
I was extremely disappointed and embarrassed by the experience which cost me 71 + Uber fare of 78 USD = 149USD . I contacted Viator Customer Services on Mon 12 Feb to discuss my concerns and eventually was advised to contact an Expert Advisor through a link , but to do this I would have to pay additional fees . I was appauled at this process and requirement to proceed and came of the link . A short time later I was given an interim payment of 50USD and decided to complete a review on my return home .
I expect Viator to fully reimburse the costs I have incurred and to review photographs information , and the conditions for this particular hike . I would not wish anyone else to be put in danger by a guide disregarding the information . It really was extremely unpleasant and could have been a dangerous experience . .
Finally , I have booked holiday experiences through Viator for many years and have enjoyed them . This was quite a traumatic experience and I have lost confidence in the organisation and brand . I trust that you respond appropriately .
Christian_E, Dec 2023
As a beginner, this was a great experience thanks to an awesome guide.
Would definitely recommended.
Sandy_B, Mar 2023
Carlos is a great tour guide! Had a great time! Showed us different plants and some trails off the beaten path
Response from Host, Apr 2023
It was great meeting you Sandy. Thanks again for booking with me and I'm glad you enjoyed the hike ☺️
Alma_S, Feb 2023
Really enjoyed the 5 mile hike! Carlos was a great tour guide and the views of Palm Springs and the neighboring cities were beautiful. Definitely for experienced hikers but would do it again for a good workout!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thanks again for booking with me Alma it was great to meet you and your husband.
Eric_C, Dec 2022
Carlos was personable, knowledgeable and great company! Highly recommend, but be prepared for a good, long walk.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed the hike. Thanks again for booking with me.
jennifer_s, May 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed my guided hike with Carlos. Of course i could have easily hiked on my own, but it was so much more enjoyable with Carlos. Through Carlos I learned about the area, fauna and habitat, he was also delightful hiking companion who came well prepared with gear for both of us. Carlos is very thoughtful, generous and kind, it made the hike all the more enjoyable. Thanks again!!
Response from Host, May 2022
I'm very happy you enjoyed the hike! The desert is an amazing place, thank you again for booking with me.
Martin_M, Mar 2022
The hike was fantastic, we are seniors and it was challenging in places but always enjoyable, Carlos was extremely knowledgable and explained how the various plants were of use to the desert peoples, we thoroughly recommend him
Response from Host, May 2022
It was great to meet you both! I'm very happy to hear you enjoyed the hike. Thanks again.
Jahn_A, Mar 2022
Carlos is a great hiking tour guide. He made sure we were well hydrated and took stops so we could catch our breath. He had a lot of information on the flora and fauna of the place, as well as some history on the geographical landscape and surrounding homes. Overall amazing!
Response from Host, May 2022
Thank you so much for the nice review! I'm very happy you enjoyed the hike, thanks again for booking with me.
Brenden_B, Mar 2022
Carlos was extremely kind, patient, helpful and knowledgeable. We appreciated the deep insight he had into the surrounding areas, the history, describing the vegetation, and always stopping to offer to take photos along the way. The weather was beautiful - only surpassed by the amazing views. Afterwards, he provided us with many great foodie suggestions in the area. Would definitely use him again. Thank you!!
Response from Host, May 2022
It was great to meet you guys, I'm very happy you enjoyed the hike, thanks again.
Paul_H, Mar 2022
Carlos was an incredible guide! Knowledgeable, funny, considerate…in other words, perfect. The hike is moderate/easy with great views of the mountains and valley.
Debbie_B, Feb 2022
Carlos gave us great pre-hike info about what to bring and what to expect. He was friendly and interesting. The hike provided beautiful views and varied terrain.
Lisa_P, Feb 2022
Carlos was an incredibly informative guide and very easy to talk to. This was a beautiful and memorable experience for my husband and I and we would highly recommend it to anyone who is moderately physically fit.
Rozanne_A, Feb 2022
Seeing 14 Big Horn Sheep and their yearlings cross our trail within 50 feet of our group. It was incredible!!
Jean_M, Dec 2021
Carlos is a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about the flora, the geology, and the history of the area. He is friendly and paces the hike to the participants. We had a wonderful time
Response from Host, Jan 2022
I'm very glad you enjoyed the hike! It's a beautiful place that I love sharing with others.
Kim_B, Dec 2021
Super fun hike with great views. Carlos was a wonderful guide and is very knowledgeable about the terrain, flora and history of the area. I was visiting Palm Springs and wanted to do a hike, but not alone for safety reasons, so this turned out to be a good fit. Thanks Carlos for a fun morning.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
I'm so happy you enjoyed the hike! The desert is very beautiful and special, thanks again!
Pat_P, Sep 2021
It turned out I was fit enough for only half the hike. Luckily I was the only client, so thete wasn't an issue cutting it short. Carlos was kind enough to find another shorter, flatter walk for me.
Leah_S, May 2021
Getting to the top and taking in the beautiful views!! Learning about the plants and wild life was very interesting and our guide Carlos was very patient with us. He also provided things we needed like water, backpacks and snacks.
Alison_A, Apr 2021
Carlos, our guide was terrific! He was knowledgeable and had a fun personality! Hike was great, beautiful scenery and Carlos paced the hike perfectly according to our group! I would highly recommend.
Linette_A, Apr 2021
Most memorable part about hiking tour was Carlos our tour guide knowledge and history of the Palm Springs dessert area.
Jerry_B, Apr 2021
Carlos was very knowledgeable, empathetic and friendly. I highly recommend him! I was on the trip solo and he made feel very comfortable and a part of the entire group.
Susan_B, Apr 2021
Carlos is an absolute wonderful guide! So pleasant and extremely knowledgable about the Palm Springs area. I would definitly reccomend this hike to all.
JaneKillgor_K, Mar 2021
Carlos was prepared personable and knowledgeable. He knew the names of many plants and how they were used by Native Americans. He saw big horn sheep and was able to show them to us. He offered to take pictures and had great ideas about where the best views and pictures were to be had. I would highly recommend a guided hike
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