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
Welcome to The Desert Shack!
The Desert Shack is a true desert getaway with 360-degree views and all the creature comforts!
The Desert Shack offers the best of desert life with wide open space, big skies and 360-degree views. Yet, is only minutes to downtown Palm Springs, Cabazon Outlet shopping and Morongo Casino; and a short drive to the high desert including Joshua Tree and Pioneertown..
When looking for our family desert retreat, we searched for a home that would give us privacy and peace, yet was close enough to Palm Springs to grab a morning coffee. When we found The Desert Shack we were blown away by the love, care and whimsy that had gone into building this custom home. Hand-built doors, soaring ceilings with skylights,, vintage treasures at every turn — a Mission bell and a weathervane?! Wow!
Over the years, we’ve carefully updated the house maintaining the authentic desert feel while expanding the welcoming, comfortable vibe. Our plan was always to make The Desert Shack a place to share with family and friends and invite the Airbnb and VRBO community of short term rental guests along to enjoy the special place that it is.
It’s important to mention, the artist-builder-craftsman-collector-miner who built the home, Scott Perrin also known as “The Dusty Desert Drifter.” He lived a life full of adventure and we are honored to be the current caretakers of his vision. Friends, family and neighbors of Scott’s have shared how he would disappear into the surrounding hills for days or weeks at a time, returning with found treasures discarded by the mines or washed into the desert waterways. He incorporated them into The Desert Shack and every time you visit, you will see something new…like a living museum.
We ask our guests to respect the unique character of our home, property and neighbors, as well as the, native animals and wildlife you will inevitably see. We want to make very clear, this is a desert in the true sense of the word. Although beautiful and restorative, it can also be potentially harsh and unpredictable in weather and wildlife. Windstorms, dust storms, flash floods happen. Insects, mice, squirrels, roadrunners, snakes, birds, desert rats, rabbits, bobcats, owls, sheep, quail, coyotes and more are a part of life here. Please be mindful of the land and use caution for yourself, children and pets. Wear shoes, be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave doors open and please don’t be overly surprised if you find occasional critters inside the house or around the property.
Enjoy all the desert has to offer. With peaceful vistas, glorious sunrises and sunsets, and of course, our welcoming hummingbirds. Breathe in the wild air and breathe out your stress. The Desert Shack awaits and we cannot wait for you to visit and feel relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated!