A Wellness Lover’s Guide to Palm Springs

Hiking

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, there are a few local day hikes that I love.

The Tahquitz Canyon and the Indian Canyon area are both favorites of mine and located near each other. Please note these areas are part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Entry fees to each are separate. However, if you are trying to do both on the same day, start with the Indian Canyon area first and receive a 10 percent entry into Tahquitz. Entry into Tahquitz is $15 for adults, whereas Indian Canyon is $12. Discounted rates for seniors, students (with ID), children and military are available. It is important to check each website for hours of operation as they vary in the summer (July–September) and winter (October–June). Weekends and holidays are very busy during the winter months and you should plan to arrive early in the morning as access into the canyons can vary throughout the day. Often times the access points will close for a few hours when they are at capacity.

I could spend all day at Indian Canyons as there is plenty of hiking (over 60 miles) and two great parking/picnic areas nestled under a palm tree oasis. Speaking of palm-tree oases, the Andreas Canyon is a must-do. Considered an easy hike, it is only 1.2 miles long and has a 200-foot elevation gain. There are two ways to hike in. I prefer to park in the picnic area (drive through the first lot and continue left) and hike in from that side. This means you gain elevation at the beginning and the stream is on your right. Once you cross the bridge and loop downward into the forest, along the steam, you begin to enter the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm oasis. The views coming down into the oasis are magical, which is why I prefer to start in the opposite direction.

The Murray Canyon Trail is another favorite of mine. This out-and-back trail (option to add on Coffman) is 4.7 miles and rated as moderate. There is a 450ft elevation gain and the last part heading into the canyon is rocky, steep and a bit more difficult. This trail is known for ending at the Seven Sisters Waterfall. This trail offers a mix of desert with sun exposure, a creek with palm trees growing all over and a bit of forest and shade as you climb into the canyon. Check out the trail guides for other longer hikes within the Indian Canyons area.

Tahquitz Canyon is another very popular spot that offers a short and easy hike into a waterfall. It is an out-and-back, 1.8 mile, heavily trafficked trail. It is rated as strenuous as you may have to climb up and down rocks as tall as 15 in. There is also very little shade and an elevation gain of 350ft. I have seen many children along the trail and due to its proximity to town, the gate will close to hikers when the parking lot is full. Generally, it will close for an hour or two when it is at capacity. If you are willing (I was) to bypass the Canyon, the South Lykken trailhead offers another great option. It is located to the left of the parking gate. I did not complete the entire 8.9 mile trail, but opted to hike up to the lookout point called Josie Johnson Vista Park. There are a few picnic tables at the vista and a beautiful view of Palm Springs. It is about a 1.5 mile (3.3 miles round trip) moderate hike up to the vista with a 1010-foot elevation gain. There is no fee to enter this trail, which is why it is another great option.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has other great hiking options as well. You can take a scenic ride on the aerial tramway that ascends from the desert floor to the cool pine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails, options for camping, guided nature walks and plenty of winter activities, like cross-country skiing. A few short hikes to choose from are the Long Valley Discovery Trail, Desert View Trail, Round Valley Trail, Wellmans Divide and a longer 5.5 mile one-way hike to San Jacinto Peak. There is no fee for hiking, just your tram ticket, but do note parking is charged at $15 per vehicle as well.

Biking

One great way to see downtown Palm Springs and some spectacular houses is via the biking trails. There are plenty of loops and rides to choose from, and you can opt to take a tour or do a self-guided tour! The Canyon Country Club bike route is a self-guided leisurely ride through neighborhoods on the south side. It is about five miles long and will take about 45 minutes. If a guided tour is better for you, I recommend Bike Palm Springs and let them help you decide your adventure! If you don’t have a bike, you can also rent from them for a self-guided option.

Spa

There are plenty of day spas and resort spas throughout Palm Springs and the Greater Palm Springs area, but one must-visit is the Spa at Sec-he. Located downtown, this spa offers typical treatments like massages, facials and nails. But it also bodes a salt cave, private mineral soaking baths, a quartz bed, cryotherapy, flotation room to promote healing and well-being. You can purchase a day pass to use the private mineral baths, eucalyptus steam room, the menthol inhalation sauna, vibrational loungers, zero-gravity vibration chairs as well as the halotherapy salt caves. The spa also has a whirlpool and an outdoor mineral pool. A day pass is included with all treatments over $200, too. Owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, their treatments all blend in with ancient healing practices.

Many resorts and hotels also offer their own spas as well, and often blend in with ancient modalities. If you are willing to drive over to Desert Hot Springs, there are a handful of spas and resorts that offer natural mineral soaking tubs. Azure Palm Springs features the only natural spring oasis in the Coachella Valley. It offers over 35 treatments, natural soaking tubs, a pool deck and a salt room (reserved for overnight guests).

Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs is another amazing day spa and hotel. It offers soaking tubs from a 600-year mineral spring, healing spa treatments, sound baths, mediation and yoga classes and special events like cacao ceremonies. There is also an onsite restaurant offering healthy, vegetable-forward, seasonal selections. Check out their website for upcoming classes and special events.

Day Trips

The Greater Palm Springs area (Coachella Valley) offers so many activities for the wellness-minded individual. If you are looking to branch out and take a drive over to the Salton Sea, one of my favorite hikes is located. The Painted Canyon Trailhead is located off of Painted Canyon Road and offers three different routes depending on skill level and distance. It is rated as moderate but very adventurous as you will scramble up and down rocks using ropes and ladders and through slot canyons, which are narrow. It does get dark in the canyons and they will close depending on the weather, so check ahead. Starting early in the daylight hours is recommended. The trail can be sandy and there are many twists and turns where you need to be aware of the arrows offering directions. I was not and ended up on a much longer hike with some scrambling up the mountain! After your hike, a drive over to Bombay Beach, an almost ghost town, to check out is post-apocalyptic art installations. Just down the road is Salvation Mountain, a man-mountain painted mountain fused with adobe clay and straws. This very Instagram-worthy spot is a tribute to the artist, Leonard Knight’s spiritual awakening.

Joshua Tree National Park is another great day trip from Palm Springs with many options for hiking and biking. There is so much to see in this area that for an overnight stay is recommended to make the most out of your time here. However, if you are popping in for the day, plan to head over early and enter the park at Twentynine Palms. The drive-through will end at Interstate 10 in Indio. Some highlights along the way are the Hall of Horrors, Keys View and Cap Rock, Discovery Trail, Jumbo Rocks and Skull Rock and my favorite area, the White Tank campground and Arch Rock. Another must-stop on the way out is the Cholla Cactus Garden, but watch your step, as these are nicknamed the jumping cactus.

There are so many restaurants to choose from within Downtown Palm Springs and the Greater Coachella Valley. I have selected a few farm-to-table recommendations that I personally love and are within walking distance of downtown.

A first stop and one of many of mine, is at Nature’s Health Food & Cafe. They have a great selection of healthy snacks, a small cafe to order, vegan and vegetarian grab-and go, but I stopped by for their juice bar. I love all of their juices, smoothies and tonics. A great stop pre or post hike.

Down the street from the health food store is Fresh Juice Bar, which offers raw and organic juices, smoothies and bowls. This women-owned small business also provides juice cleanses for one, three or five days, which can be a great add-on to your wellness-inspired weekend.

Farm: This traditional Provencal-style restaurant is a great stop for breakfast or lunch. Their dinner menu is price-fixed and includes four courses. Everything is homemade with no freezers or microwaves on the premises.

Trio: Located in the Uptown District, this trendy farm-to-table eatery offers a diverse seasonal menu and lively atmosphere. It is known for its California cuisine and only serves dinner.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Known for its farm-to-table offerings and chic ambiance. Their Americana-style menu is based on seasonal offerings from local farms, so the menu does change.

Tac/Quila: Not necessarily farm-to-table but a favorite of mine for Mexican. The decor is super cute and you need to get their margarita flight, which offers four different infusions

If you are looking to adventure a bit further, Daniel’s Table is another great farm-to-table restaurant in Cathedral City. Another favorite of mine is Sol y Sombra, located in the Paloma Resort. If offers Spanish-style cuisine and has amazing paella.