Hikes Near Onsen Hotel & Spa
1) Mission Creek Preserve
If you asked us to pick one “closest and most classic” hike for an Onsen stay, Mission Creek is usually where we start. It’s a desert-meets-canyon walk with enough variety to feel like you went somewhere, even if you only have a couple hours. The landscape here has that satisfying contrast the Coachella Valley does so well: rugged hillsides, big sky, and pockets of greener life along the wash.
The route can be done as an easy out-and-back (and you can turn around whenever you feel like it), which makes it perfect for a first day when you’re arriving, settling in, and getting your bearings. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to connect to bigger mileage, the broader Mission Creek Preserve trail system links toward the Pacific Crest Trail in this area, which is a fun detail for anyone who likes standing in a “bigger story” of hiking history.
My favorite way to do Mission Creek for most guests is simple: start early, walk at a relaxed pace, pause often for photos, and pick a turnaround point that gets you back to the hotel before the sun is high. When you return, the post-hike move is obvious: mineral pool, jacuzzi, and a long exhale.
Why we like it
- Close to Desert Hot Springs and easy to fit into a half day.
- Flexible distance: short stroll or longer exploration.
- Great “desert textures” and a good intro to local terrain.
2) Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Preserve is another local favorite when you want a hike that feels scenic and “big,” without needing a huge time commitment. The preserve sits where desert and mountains meet, and the views can be spectacular, especially on clear days when the peaks feel close enough to touch. The preserve has multiple trail options, so you can choose your own adventure based on energy level and weather.
This is a great spot if you enjoy walking with a bit of elevation change and you like scanning the landscape for wildlife. It also has a “gateway” feel. You can keep things mellow, or you can use it as a starting point for longer, more ambitious routes that connect into bigger trail systems. If you’re the kind of hiker who likes to come back with a little dust on your legs and a big grin on your face, this place delivers.
How to plan it
- Pick a loop or an out-and-back that matches the season and your start time.
- Bring layers: this area can feel cooler or windier than you expect.
- If you’re hiking on a weekend, plan ahead for parking and busier trails.
3) Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon is one of those places we recommend when someone says, “I want a hike that’s not just rocks and sand.” You get a surprising mix of habitats, and the preserve is well-known for birdlife. If you enjoy the quieter, more observant style of hiking, the kind where you stop because you heard something rustle and you actually want to know what it was, you’ll love this spot.
The trail network includes several options that can be kept short and easy or stretched into a longer morning. Some routes take you along lower, greener areas, while others climb toward viewpoints. Because it’s a preserve with multiple trails, it’s the kind of place we recommend returning to again and again. If you have two or three mornings in the area, it’s worth putting Morongo Canyon in the mix for variety.
Why it’s a great add-on
- Excellent for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
- Multiple trail choices in one location.
- A different feel than the more exposed, rocky desert routes.
4) Indian Canyons in Palm Springs
When guests tell us they want “the palm oasis hike,” I usually point them toward Indian Canyons. The trails here are iconic for a reason. You’re walking through an environment that feels almost impossible in the desert: tall palms, shade, water features depending on season, and canyon walls that make everything feel a little more dramatic.
There are several trails within Indian Canyons, and you can tailor your hike based on what you want: a flatter wander, a moderate loop with viewpoints, or a longer exploration. This is also a place where it pays to slow down. It’s easy to treat it like a checklist, but it’s much better as a sensory experience. Listen for wind in the palms. Notice the temperature change in the shade. It’s one of the most rewarding “take your time” hikes around Palm Springs.
Since it’s a managed area, there may be an entry fee and specific hours, so we recommend checking details before you go. It’s worth it, and it’s one of the most memorable hikes for first-time visitors.
5) Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon is a great choice when you want a hike that has a clear “destination” feeling. The star of the show is the waterfall, which can be seasonal, and the canyon itself is also culturally significant. If you like the idea of hiking somewhere that feels both beautiful and meaningful, this one belongs on your list.
I like recommending Tahquitz for guests who want a structured, half-day outing in Palm Springs with a defined start and finish. You can enjoy the trail, take your photos, learn a bit at the visitor center, and then head back out for lunch or a relaxed afternoon. And if you’re staying at Onsen, your reward is waiting: the mineral soak that feels even better after you’ve put in the steps.
6) Mt. San Jacinto Trails via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Here’s the secret weapon for desert hiking in warmer months: changing elevation. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can take you into a completely different climate zone, and suddenly you’re walking among pine trees, breathing cooler air, and feeling like you teleported out of the desert. If you’re visiting when valley-floor hiking feels too hot, this is one of the best options for getting quality trail time.
Up top, you’ll find access to Mt. San Jacinto State Park trails. There are easier nature trails if you want something gentle, and there are also more serious routes for experienced hikers who want a bigger day. This is where you can build an itinerary around your fitness level. For some guests, it’s a scenic, easy walk and a picnic. For others, it’s a big summit day. Both are valid. Both are a blast.
Practical tip: even if it’s hot in the valley, bring a layer for higher elevation. Conditions can change quickly.
7) Joshua Tree National Park Day Hikes
No Onsen hiking guide is complete without Joshua Tree. Even if you only have one day to venture out, Joshua Tree is worth it. The park’s landscapes are iconic: boulder piles, wide-open views, and that surreal, spiky silhouette of Joshua trees against the sky. We always tell guests: pick two or three short hikes instead of one giant march. Joshua Tree is a “wander and wonder” kind of place.
A few of our favorite classics for most visitors include easy-to-moderate walks like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, plus an optional bigger effort like Ryan Mountain if you want a workout with a view. If you’re a sunrise person, Joshua Tree rewards you. If you’re a sunset person, it rewards you too. And if you’re a stargazer, you’re in the right place.
One important note: trail conditions and access can change after seasonal weather events, so it’s smart to check the park’s current conditions before you go, especially if you have a specific trail in mind.
Our Desert Hiking Tips
1) Start earlier than you think
In the desert, morning is magic. Temperatures are friendlier, light is prettier, and you’ll have the trails more to yourself.
2) Water is not optional
Bring more than you think you need. If you finish your water right as you get back to the car, that means you brought exactly enough. Next time, bring a little extra.
3) Sun protection matters
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight coverage go a long way. Desert sun can feel deceptively gentle until it doesn’t.
4) Respect closures and sensitive areas
Trails can close for restoration, safety, or conservation reasons. When that happens, treat it as part of being a good visitor. There is always another great hike nearby.
5) Build the perfect Onsen day
Our ideal rhythm for a stay here is simple: hike early, eat well, then spend the afternoon soaking and recovering. Desert hiking asks a lot from the body, and mineral water gives a lot back.
Ready to hike, then soak?
Use Onsen Hotel & Spa as your basecamp for desert trails, Palm Springs canyons, and Joshua Tree day trips. After your hike, come back for the mineral pool, jacuzzi, and a spa treatment that feels like the perfect ending to a well-earned day outside.
