Stay Healthy and Active This Summer in Greater Palm Springs: Expert Tips
Greater Palm Springs offers unbeatable summer deals, making it the perfect chill destination for any getaway. During the warmer months, maintaining your health and wellness goals is effortless—no need to skip workouts or miss thrilling outdoor adventures.
Explore the activities below and follow these tips from local experts to stay in top shape while discovering our desert oasis.
Summer Hiking in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is a hiker's paradise, boasting miles of scenic trails at varying elevations for all skill levels.
Nancy Cohee and her professional guides at Tallgrass Hiking & Tours provide year-round guided hikes through stunning landscapes, including Indian Canyons, Whitewater and Morongo Preserves, and Joshua Tree National Park.
For summer hiking, Cohee advises starting early—never hike in the afternoon. Aim to finish by 10 a.m. Drink at least one liter of water per person per hour, wear light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, generous sunscreen, off-road running shoes or sturdy boots, and carry a walking stick for stability.
“Always tell someone your route and expected return time,” Cohee stresses, “and bring a cell phone for emergencies.”
Exploring State & National Parks
For a half- or full-day hike in the cool alpine air of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness, ride the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Enjoy a rotating 8,500-foot ascent to the Mountain Station.
Dress in layers—temperatures can drop 30 degrees below valley levels. Choose from 54 miles of trails: easy nature walks with valley views, short loops, the 5.5-mile San Jacinto Peak trail, or the 8.5-mile (one-way) Tram to Idyllwild route.
Just under an hour's drive away, Joshua Tree National Park spans 800,000 acres. Explore via air-conditioned tours or hiking. Park PIO Ranger George Land recommends early starts, finishing by mid-morning; ample water; long-sleeved shirts, hats, and 30+ SPF sunscreen. Ensure your vehicle is road-ready with full gas.
“The park rivals Rhode Island in size, and cell service is spotty—rely on traffic or rangers,” Land notes.
Biking in the Oasis
Bike enthusiasts can join Big Wheel Tours for custom rides or the popular Earthquake Canyon Express—a 4-hour, 20-mile panoramic tour starting at 7 a.m. daily in summer. Tours include water, snacks, and air-conditioned transport.
Saddle Up for Adventure
For early morning or evening rides after sunset, experience scenic trails at Coyote Ridge Stable. Hydrate generously before, during, and after—more than you think necessary.
Summer Golf in Greater Palm Springs
Heat won't deter you—summer brings great golf deals and availability.
Tom Burley, PGA Head Professional at Indian Wells Golf Resort, suggests earliest tee times or shaded late afternoons; skip alcohol, hydrate with water or sports drinks; wear light, moisture-wicking clothes; apply ample sunscreen; rotate extra gloves to keep one dry.
Beat the Summer Heat with Indoor Workouts
Resorts and studios offer top-tier facilities for yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, barre, TRX, spinning, kickboxing, aquatics, and more.
Discover more wellness ideas: learn how to eat and hike your way to health in Greater Palm Springs.
