5 Hiking Trails In Palm Desert To Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions

PALM DESERT, CA — With the holidays behind us, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by hitting the dusty trails to fulfill New Year’s resolutions of staying active and connecting with nature.

Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure.

Hiking regularly can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones and improve balance. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that participants in a winter hiking intervention increased their physical activity levels, which led to better sleep and less stress.

But it isn't all about physical health. Spending time in nature — especially while hiking — has also been linked to better mental health. According to 2024 research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green spaces can boost mood, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of depression.

Heather Eliassen, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, says even those who live in cities and work indoors can and should try to reap the health benefits of nature.

“If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there],” she said. “Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work.”

AllTrails, a website and app that was "founded on the idea that we’re all made better by spending time in nature," makes it easy to find nature areas and hiking trails of varying levels near you.

While searching, the website allows users to set the distance, difficulty level, length, suitability and more.

In Palm Desert and around Coachella Valley, the website lists dozens of scenic trails — from steep mountainous terrain that can take hours to ascend to quick and "easy" trails along babbling brooks and wildflowers.

Here are five trails in and around Palm Desert to explore

• Tahquitz Canyon Loop - This beautiful 2-mile loop takes an average of 55 minutes to complete and is considered moderately challenging. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. But you'll need to leave the dogs at home as no pups are allowed on this route. Directions and more information here.
• Bump and Grind Trail - Near Palm Desert is this moderately challenging trail with an interesting name. The 4-mile loop takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. Directions and more information here.
• East Indio Hills Badlands - This popular 5.2-mile loop trail is near Indio. The best time to visit are between November and April. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Directions and more information here.
• Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Falls - A beautiful desert trek, this 3.7-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs is considered to be moderately challenging. It takes just over an hour and a half to complete. Directions and more information here.
• Palm Canyon Trail - The aptly named Palm Canyon Trail is located near Cathedral City. It's a generally easy route and takes just 47 minutes to complete. Directions and more information here.