Ultimate Hiking and Healthy Dining Guide in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs boasts a wealth of outdoor pursuits, from hiking and biking to golf and tennis, offering endless opportunities for active adventurers. To sustain your energy, pair these activities with nutritious meals and refreshments at top local spots.
For hikers in this desert oasis, discover a variety of healthy "post-adventure" dining and drink destinations that extend your vitality well into the evening.
Indian Canyons
Begin your day with a scenic two-mile hike along the Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons, then head to Nature's Health Food & Café in Palm Springs. Open daily, this spot features an all-vegan and vegetarian menu with breakfast served all day, plus a juice bar offering fresh organic juices like Pomegranate Iron or the beet-lime-ginger Red Stinger.
Hike to Health distance: 5 miles
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area spans 710 acres of hiking trails and recreational spaces. Afterward, visit Fresh Juice Bar in La Quinta (with locations also in Palm Desert and Palm Springs) for raw organic juices, smoothies, and snack bowls.
Hike to Health distance: 10 miles
Clara Burgess Trail
Advanced hikers will love the panoramic valley views from Murray Hill via the 3.5-mile Clara Burgess Trail in Palm Springs, featuring a 1,400-foot elevation gain. Refuel at nearby Palm Greens Café, offering breakfast-to-dinner menus with gluten-free and organic options. Try a superfood smoothie or organic beer/wine, followed by Homegrown Breakfast or fresh wraps, salads, and sandwiches.
Hike to Health distance: 4.2 miles
Bump and Grind Trail
A favorite mid-valley hike, the Bump and Grind Trail off Highway 111 in Palm Desert offers a three-mile, 1,000-foot ascent. Since May 1, 2017, the upper section has reopened after a decade. Follow up at Luscious Lorraine's for affordable, nutritious organic juices and locally sourced dishes.
Hike to Health distance: 2.2 miles
Joshua Tree National Park
Tackle the four-mile Lost Horse Mine & Mountain hike in Joshua Tree National Park, then relax at Joshua Tree Saloon. Beyond burgers and ribs, enjoy healthy salads and seafood in a Western-style setting.
Hike to Health distance: 19.1 miles
Earl Henderson Trail
After a three-mile loop on the flower-filled Earl Henderson Trail in Palm Springs, visit Native Foods Café. A pioneer in plant-based dining since 1994, this original location offers fresh, homemade sustainable dishes.
Hike to Health distance: 2 miles
Healthy Libations
Quench your thirst with these beverage-focused spots after hiking.
The two-mile Museum Trail behind the Palm Springs Art Museum challenges your legs. Afterward, stroll to Bootlegger Tiki for artisanal rum cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices.
Distance: 1.1 miles
In moderation, beer offers benefits like reducing inflammation and aiding digestion. After exploring over 25 miles of trails and the San Andreas Fault at the Coachella Valley Preserve, head to Coachella Valley Brewing Company in Thousand Palms. Open late on weekends, try the Belgian-style Desert Storm Honey Double Wit with local kumquats.
Distance: 7.5 miles
After a 2-6 mile hike to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the Murray Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons, unwind at Escena Lounge & Grill with stunning patio views. Pair a Salmon Nicoise Salad with a Bees Knees cocktail (gin, fresh lemon juice, agave).
Distance: 10.3 miles
Discover more at HikinginGPS.com for a full list of hiking trails in Greater Palm Springs.
