Desert Hikes In or Near Palm Springs & The Desert Shack
Hiking in Palm Springs can lead you to a desert oasis with waterfalls, palms and ancient rock art
Are you ready to lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the California desert? Let’s get straight into some of the most scenic hikes that our area has to offer. They are all near The Desert Shack and Palm Springs!
Whitewater Preserve Photo: Jack Thompson
First on this hiking wrapup is an undervalued gem of a trail — Whitewater Preserve. Encompassing 2,851 acres with easy to moderate level trails, Whitewater Preserve is open daily and is free to the public. From the crystal clear waters that wind down the mountainside forming the river, to amazing wildlife and desert flowers, Whitewater is a true desert oasis. Whitewater Preserve guarantees a beautiful hike with panoramic views and is the perfect spot to take in the ever-changing beauty of the desert and mountains no matter the season! Always check with Ranger Station for trail closures.
Tahquitz Canyon Trail photo: Beth Slevcove
Iconic Tahquitz Canyon Trail is only 15-20 minutes from The Desert Shack near downtown Palm Springs. This trail has stunning views of cascading waterfalls, ancient rock art and lush vegetation that makes it hard to believe you’re in the desert. There is a 2-mile loop that takes about an hour and is considered moderately challenging to strenuous. No animals are allowed and there is a $15 entrance fee. Visit the website for more information on Ranger-led interpretive hikes.
Another popular trail is the Murray Canyon Trail which ends at the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Nearly 5 miles of moderate hiking, there are a couple options for making your way back. Check the website for helpful suggestions and the best way to wind your way back through Andreas Canyon to take in the world’s second largest California Fan Palm oasis. Enjoy spectacular views of rock formations, cottonwoods, willows, and the stunning desert oasis.
This is just a start on all the wonderful walks, trails and hikes we have near The Desert Shack!
Always observe animals from a distance
Leave the park as you found it
Remove anything you bring into the park - including any and all trash
Take pictures only—Do not remove any animals, plants or rocks
Leave No Trace
3 Coffee Shops in Palm Springs - A Local’s Guide
Where to get coffee like a local in Palm Springs
Christmas, Festivals and sun-scorched vacations among the palms. No matter the desert weather, the pursuit of good coffee is key.
Here are some of our favorite local coffee shops in Palm Springs from a couple of self-proclaimed “coffee snobs.”
You’ll find mostly locals at the Koffi on the north side of town. And… you can be there in about 10 minutes from The Desert Shack’s front door!
Koffi at 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
The coffee is solid and they have "fancy" drinks and goodies for those who want more.
A personal favorite is Koffi’s delicious matcha that has a hint of Meyer lemon and is good both iced and hot. Easy parking behind, a great outdoor courtyard area and rarely a long line.
Next on my list is a locally-owned coffee shop with solid coffee and a 100% instagram-able aesthetic. Hello Cafe La Jefa:
Cafe La Jefa at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
On the north end of Palm Springs, and super close to The Desert Shack, this cafe’s healthy menu is as much a draw as the coffee and matcha menu. A bonus is that it’s tucked into a tiny little design mall with a handful of unique shops and an unbeatable outdoor patio area that is large, mostly shaded and misted for those hot desert days.
I may have saved the best for last. Well, it’s my almost-daily habit because not only is their coffee amazingly delicious, but their matcha is one of the best in town! Do NOT miss out on the local’s favorite, Nature’s Health Food & Cafe:
Nature’s Health Cafe at 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
Nature’s Cafe is as much a cafe and health food market as it is a coffee shop. They make excellent coffee with a menu that includes specialties like Mexican Mocha and Rose Lattes as well as omelettes, wraps and bowls.
If you’re a matcha lover like me, give the Matcha Bowl a try. There is also a vegan version of a Bulletproof that is super delicious and another “must try!” All the alternative milk options are available, mostly organic, and I often leave with a smoothie and groceries as well. Although not as close as Cafe La Jefa and Koffi, Nature’s is worth the 15-20 minute drive from The Desert Shack!
There are so many more great coffee shops in Palm Springs, this is just to get you started. Check back for a part 2 and I’ll followup with a compilation of allllllllll the fabulous coffee shops that Palm Springs and surrounds has to offer.