A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Desert Shores, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop

Hike Route

Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop

Views
moderate
4.3 mi
+1,444 ft
San Andreas Trail

Hike Route

San Andreas Trail

easy
0.85 mi
+28 ft
Ladder Canyon Hike

Hike Route

Ladder Canyon Hike

Birding
moderate
4.4 mi
+1,336 ft
West Butte Mountain and the Slot

Hike Route

West Butte Mountain and the Slot

Views
moderate
4.66 mi
+724 ft
Palm Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Palm Canyon Loop

River/Creek
moderate
2.9 mi
+529 ft
Culp Valley Loop

Hike Route

Culp Valley Loop

Views
easy
1.5 mi
+188 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Mile High Mountain

Hike Route

Mile High Mountain

Views
strenuous
13.73 mi
+5,324 ft
Arroyo Salado Loop

Hike Route

Arroyo Salado Loop

Views
extreme
30.17 mi
+1,279 ft
Villager-Rabbit Out-and-Back Route

Hike Route

Villager-Rabbit Out-and-Back Route

Views
strenuous
20.86 mi
+8,317 ft
Font's Point Route

Hike Route

Font's Point Route

Views
strenuous
11.25 mi
+1,516 ft
Jack Millers Cabin Via Martinez Canyon

Hike Route

Jack Millers Cabin Via Martinez Canyon

Birding
strenuous
21.8 mi
+3,203 ft
La Quinta Cove to Pinyon Pines

Hike Route

La Quinta Cove to Pinyon Pines

Views
strenuous
14.24 mi
+5,665 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Rock Tanks Loop

Hike Route

Rock Tanks Loop

Views
strenuous
6.01 mi
+1,612 ft
Villager Peak

Hike Route

Villager Peak

Views
strenuous
6.84 mi
+4,958 ft
Fonts Point

Hike Route

Fonts Point

Views
easy
5.61 mi
+604 ft
Chiriaco Summit

Hike Route

Chiriaco Summit

Less Crowded
easy
5.38 mi
+127 ft
Lost Palms Canyon to Victory Palm Oasis

Hike Route

Lost Palms Canyon to Victory Palm Oasis

Less Crowded
moderate
8.2 mi
+882 ft
Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Hike Route

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
5.04 mi
+996 ft