A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Mecca, 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.

Ladder Canyon Hike

Hike Route

Ladder Canyon Hike

Birding
moderate
4.4 mi
+1,336 ft
San Andreas Trail

Hike Route

San Andreas Trail

easy
0.85 mi
+28 ft
Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop

Hike Route

Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop

Views
moderate
4.3 mi
+1,444 ft
Randall Henderson Loop

Hike Route

Randall Henderson Loop

Views
easy
1.8 mi
+293 ft
Dead Indian Canyon

Hike Route

Dead Indian Canyon

Less Crowded
easy
2.08 mi
+262 ft
Homestead Trail to Palm Desert Cross

Hike Route

Homestead Trail to Palm Desert Cross

Views
strenuous
2.22 mi
+691 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.

Jack Millers Cabin Via Martinez Canyon

Hike Route

Jack Millers Cabin Via Martinez Canyon

Birding
strenuous
21.8 mi
+3,203 ft
Villager-Rabbit Out-and-Back Route

Hike Route

Villager-Rabbit Out-and-Back Route

Views
strenuous
20.86 mi
+8,096 ft
La Quinta Cove to Pinyon Pines

Hike Route

La Quinta Cove to Pinyon Pines

Views
strenuous
14.24 mi
+5,665 ft
Villager Peak

Hike Route

Villager Peak

Views
strenuous
13.56 mi
+5,000 ft
Mile High Mountain

Hike Route

Mile High Mountain

Views
strenuous
13.73 mi
+5,178 ft
Lost Palms Canyon to Victory Palm Oasis

Hike Route

Lost Palms Canyon to Victory Palm Oasis

Less Crowded
moderate
16.41 mi
+927 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
5.37 mi
+1,219 ft
Lost Palms Oasis

Hike Route

Lost Palms Oasis

Views
moderate
7.39 mi
+1,069 ft
Art Smith Trail to Hopalong Cassidy Trail

Hike Route

Art Smith Trail to Hopalong Cassidy Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
9.48 mi
+2,589 ft
Lost Horse Mine Loop

Hike Route

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Views
moderate
6.28 mi
+895 ft
Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Hike Route

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
5.04 mi
+996 ft
South Lykken Trail

Hike Route

South Lykken Trail

Views
moderate
8.6 mi
+2,531 ft