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Soak in The Natural Beauty of La Quinta While Exploring The Trails

Whether you’re desiring some alone time communing in nature, looking for an enjoyable way to stay fit, or just searching for a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends, the hiking trails in La Quinta, CA are sure to satisfy. Below, you’ll find essential information like route type, distance, elevation, and a description of the trail to help you prepare for your journey. Lace-up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and don’t forget to bring snacks and plenty of water!

La Quinta attracts countless outdoor lovers every year with its picturesque hiking trails surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and unmatched natural beauty. Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in La Quinta. One of the city’s most popular hiking trails was even included on Sunset.com’s list of Can’t-Miss Hikes in the West. Ready to go on an unforgettable adventure? Here are some of the best hiking trails you can visit in La Quinta:

Bear Creek Canyon Trail

  • Distance: 8.3 mi
  • Elevation gain: 2,319 feet
  • Route type: Out and back
  • View map

Bear Creek Canyon Trailhead is one of the La Quinta Cove area’s most scenic and rewarding day hikes andopen to hikers of all skill levels.While the distance isn’t particularly challenging for experienced hikers, the entire trail is steep. Hikers will need to prepare for an elevation gain throughout the hike starting from the parking lot at the trailheadbefore you reach Hidden Palms Oasis. The terrain can change from loose granite scree on some hilly parts to packed gravel and sand, particularly in the cove park.

Boo Hoff Trail

  • Distance: 12.8 mi
  • Elevation gain: 2,290 feet
  • Route type: Loop
  • View map

The 12.8-mile Boo Hoff Trail is a lightly trafficked loop trail located close to La Quinta.Hikers should get an early start on this trail, especially during the warmer months, as it provides little to no shade (best months to visit are from September to May). Boo Hoff has a “difficult” rating, so hikers need to be extra careful. There are single track trails close to cacti and sharp turns over cliffs. Overall, the trails are well-groomed with most sections made of packed sand and a few rocky paths.

La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla

  • Distance: 6.6 mi
  • Elevation gain: 915 feet
  • Route type: Out and back
  • View map

Hikers at this scenic out-and-back trail will enjoy a fairly easy hike to the lake and a moderate hike back. The journey takes approximately two hours to complete, so try to hit the trail early and don’t forget to bring water, as temperatures tend to rise towards midday.The start of the hike features mostly flat, wide-open terrainwith a few ascents and descents half a mile in. The trail consists mostly of well-groomed sandy gravel and open trailand is ideal for trail runners.

East Cove Trailhead

  • Distance: 2.1 mi
  • Elevation gain: 183 feet
  • Route type: Loop
  • View map

East Cove Trailhead is a lightly-trafficked 2.1-mile loop that’s great for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is accessible year-round and is a popular destination for walking, hiking, and trail running. Dogs are also allowed on the trailbut must be on a leash at all times.The trail is ideal for families as it features a short distance, safe terrain, and only two moderate elevation changes. Hikers will be able to soak in plenty of gorgeous views throughout the journey, so make sure to bring your camera! There’s also a covered rest area at the midpoint mark in case you need to take a break.

Cove Trail to Quarry Overlook Trail

  • Distance: 4.5 mi
  • Elevation gain: 189 feet
  • Route type: Out-and-back
  • View map

If you’re looking for a relatively easy short hike that offers amazing scenery, the Cove Trail to Quarry Overlook Trail is a terrific option. The trail leads hikers to a spectacular vantage point near the peak, which offers sweeping views of Coachella, Indio, and Thermal.And just in case you want more after you reach the peak, you can head past the overlook towards Lake Cahuilla for an extended hike.

La Quinta Cove

  • Distance: 3.6 mi
  • Elevation gain: 390 feet
  • Route type: Out and back
  • View map

The La Quinta Cove trail is a beautiful, moderately trafficked out and back trail that is suitable for all ages and skill levels. The trail features mostly even terrain with some rolling hills.Along the way, visitors will be able to spot an array of desert plants along with roadrunners, reptiles, and a variety of birds. The trail provides access to other trails for hikers looking to extend their workout. Simply take the Bear Creek Trail to get to the top of the cove to access other trails, including the Cove to Lake trail which combines desert hiking with captivating views of Lake Cahuilla, the mountains, and La Quinta’s TPC golf course.

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