3 Best Trails to Hike in the Joshua Tree Desert 

Experience some of the most stunning dessert landscapes in the world located right in Villa Royale’s backyard. Take in breathtaking hikes through canyons and soak in the serenity of hidden oases during your time in Palm Springs. Here are a few of our favorite trails:

Photo Credit: Hikespeak.com

Lost Horse Mine Trail | 1.5 hour drive from Villa Royale 

In its heyday between 1894 and 1931, Lost Horse Mine produced the equivalent of $5 million worth of gold and silver. It was the true wild west with gunslinging cowboys and horse thieves lured by the possibility of stumbling upon immense wealth. The four-mile round-trip trail features one of the best-preserved mills of its kind and is a beautiful, moderately difficult hike with a trail head located off Keys View Road. Who knows, you may just see something special glinting in a rock. 

Photo Credit: Hikespeak.com

49 Palms Oasis Trail | 1.15 hour drive from Villa Royale 

This three-mile hike leads to a true desert oasis. It takes between two to three hours with an elevation gain of around 300 feet. You’ll walk along a ridge lined with beautiful barrel cacti and eventually reach the oasis of towering palms, which create a pool of crystal-clear water at the base of a rocky canyon. Get ready to capture some shots for the ‘gram. 

Photo Credit: nps.gov

Barker Dam Trail | 1.20 hour drive from Villa Royale 

Perfect for wildlife lovers, rock art aficionados and photographers, this easy 1-mile loop features views of San Gorgonio Mountain, famous Joshua trees and the historic Barker Dam. Plus, admire the Mojave Desert plant life including yucca, pinon pines and Joshua trees. 

Up for a nighttime adventure? Get your stargazing on because this area was recently renamed as an International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s a landscape that possesses a distinguished quality of starry nights. Learn more about it here.