Top Winter Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Unmissable Outdoor Experiences
Greater Palm Springs transforms into a winter paradise with abundant sunshine and clear blue skies, offering unparalleled outdoor adventures. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in these expert-recommended activities.
Discover our guide to the best winter pursuits in Greater Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
At the tram's summit, temperatures can plummet up to 40 degrees cooler than the Coachella Valley below, often blanketed in snow. No visit to Greater Palm Springs is complete without this iconic attraction. Ascend to 8,516 feet for pristine hiking trails or thrilling snow play.
Enjoy the observation deck, self-guided nature walks, and over 50 miles of trails. When snow falls, the Winter Adventure Center provides rentals for skis, poles, snowshoes, and boots to elevate your experience.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up for stunning vistas with Smoke Tree Stables, near Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. This family-owned operation offers hourly guided rides or full-day excursions across 150 miles of open terrain, perfect for groups and families.
Hiking
While much of the country battles harsh winter weather, Greater Palm Springs delivers ideal conditions for trail exploration, mountain vistas, and premier desert hikes.
North and South Lykken Trails
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, these trails offer moderate difficulty and panoramic desert views. North Lykken showcases Tahquitz Canyon and the Palm Springs skyline, with a picnic spot for rest. South Lykken is a 3.5-mile roundtrip loop (dog-friendly), rewarding hikers with views of Indian Canyons. Rarely crowded, these paths are accessible and rewarding.
Bump-n-Grind
This challenging Palm Desert trail lives up to its name. Choose the steeper left path for experts or the gentler right for beginners. Both deliver breathtaking views of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage. Access via Painters Path behind Desert Crossing Shopping Center.
Homestead Trail
Climb this popular 3-mile roundtrip to the iconic Palm Desert Cross, glowing at night. Ideal for reflection or vistas of Stone Eagle Golf Course. Head south on Hwy 74 past El Paseo Drive, right on Thrush Street, park along the wash. Welcoming to kids, dogs, and cyclists.
Guided Outdoor Tours
Big Wheel Tours
Explore the backcountry by hike, jeep, or bike with Big Wheel Tours' expert naturalist guides. Customize for your group: Joshua Tree jeeps, San Andreas Fault vans, Palm Springs bike tours, or Wildlands Preserve hikes.
Desert Adventures
Embark on authentic Coachella Valley excursions in signature red Jeeps. Hike epic landscapes, visit Agua Caliente Cahuilla historic sites, Painted Canyon, or the San Andreas Fault. Sightseeing tours and events also available.
Play FootGolf
Blend soccer and golf in FootGolf, a hit in Greater Palm Springs—home of the American FootGolf League (AFGL). Family-friendly for all skill levels: kick a #5 soccer ball into 21-inch holes on golf courses in the fewest strokes. Games last 90 minutes to 2 hours on 18-hole courses.
Play at Desert Willow Golf Resort (AFGL home), The Lights at Indio, or Tahquitz Creek. Book tee times ahead; wear golf attire and turf soccer shoes.
Explore more outdoor recreation in Greater Palm Springs for endless winter fun.
