Art Smith Trail
A challenging desert hike with stunning vistas and potential wildlife encounters, offering a rewarding experience for prepared adventurers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the heat, best light
Art Smith Trail
Best Time
Avoid the heat, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging desert hike with stunning vistas and potential wildlife encounters, offering a rewarding experience for prepared adventurers.
"A very scenic trail that starts at the beginning of highway 74. It is very scenic the more you trek it."
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this exposed trail. Aim for at least 2-3 liters per person.
🥾 Hiking Poles Recommended
The rocky and sometimes slick terrain makes poles very helpful for stability.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Desert Vistas
Along the trail
Experience breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains. Cotton candy skies are a common sight!
Bighorn Sheep Encounters
Valley floor and hillsides
Witness majestic bighorn sheep in their natural habitat – a thrilling and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Challenging Uphill Climb
Ascending the mountain
A steep, rocky, and sometimes technical single-track climb that offers a rewarding workout and stunning scenery.
Hidden Desert Oasis
End of the trail (approx. 8 miles out)
For the ambitious, the trail leads to a beautiful desert oasis, a refreshing reward for a long trek.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Desert Heat
Trailhead Parking & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this exposed trail. Aim for at least 2-3 liters per person.
🥾 Hiking Poles Recommended
The rocky and sometimes slick terrain makes poles very helpful for stability.
☀️ Go Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun; early mornings and late afternoons are ideal.
📸 Don't Forget Your Camera
Incredible desert landscapes and potential wildlife sightings await.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this exposed trail. Aim for at least 2-3 liters per person.
🥾 Hiking Poles Recommended
The rocky and sometimes slick terrain makes poles very helpful for stability.
☀️ Go Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun; early mornings and late afternoons are ideal.
📸 Don't Forget Your Camera
Incredible desert landscapes and potential wildlife sightings await.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail is rocky and can be slick; good hiking boots are a must.
🚗 Park Smart
Consider parking before the main entrance to enhance security.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Art Smith Trail for its stunning desert scenery, challenging climbs, and the thrilling possibility of spotting bighorn sheep. However, the trail's intense exposure to the sun and lack of shade make it a demanding hike, especially in warmer temperatures. Proper preparation with water and sun protection is crucial for an enjoyable experience.
"We visited this trailhead on on a day in January. The temperatures were cool, and we enjoyed our walk along the valley floor and then up along the side of the mountain. Much to our delight, a herd of over 20 bighorn sheep came down the mountain across the valley from us, walked across the valley and then headed up the hill very close to us. It was a thrilling encounter.
This trail is very exposed with absolutely no shade. If it were a hot day it would be a brutal hike. The trail zigzags up the mountain to an overlook point and can be steep in places and is Rocky. I would exercise caution if you or anybody with unsure footing. The smartest of hikers along the path had hiking poles and that certainly would have made a big difference."
Martha L
"Great trail, big climb starting at Hwy 74, slightly technical single track, shade in early morning otherwise very exposed. Take plenty of water and a camera. Trail is rocky and a little slick and sandy. Go early for the best experience. Palm oases are amazing."
Patrick
"This is a great trail. Very well marked and easy to follow. We did 4 miles out and back. Would have loved to follow it all the way and see the oasis, but time wasn’t on our side.
Great scenery of Palm Springs and we had a gorgeous day."
Charene Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art Smith Trailhead is located off Highway 74 in Palm Desert. The parking lot is not easily visible from the highway, so look for signs. Some visitors recommend parking just before the main entrance for better security.
Public transport options to the trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access to the Art Smith Trail.
The parking area is situated off Highway 74. Pay close attention to signage and consider parking a bit before the main entrance to be cautious.
Yes, the Coachella Valley offers numerous hiking opportunities. Nearby options include Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon, though they may require a 4x4 vehicle.
While Art Smith Trail is in the greater Palm Springs area, it's located in Palm Desert. You'll need to drive from Palm Springs to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access the Art Smith Trail. It's a public trail, making it a great free outdoor activity.
The Art Smith Trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to hike during cooler parts of the day, so plan your visit accordingly.
No permit is required to hike the Art Smith Trail. It's open to the public for day use.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally advisable to check local regulations regarding pets on trails. Many desert trails prefer dogs to be leashed if allowed.
The Art Smith Trail is considered a challenging hike due to its steep, rocky, and exposed nature. It's best suited for experienced hikers. 
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Art Smith Trail is approximately 8 miles round trip to the oasis. Some hikers do out-and-back sections, like 4 miles out and back, or even 9 miles total. +1
The trail involves significant elevation gain, with one source mentioning 1,200 feet of gain for a 6-mile hike. It's a strenuous climb.
The Art Smith Trail is very exposed with absolutely no shade. It's crucial to hike during cooler parts of the day and be prepared for the sun.
Expect rocky, sometimes slick, and sandy terrain. It's a technical single-track trail that zigzags up the mountain.
Information on facilities at the trailhead is limited. It's best to assume there are no restrooms or water sources and come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, especially during sunrise and sunset. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bighorn sheep.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with 'cotton candy skies' often visible.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. One user captured footage with a DJI drone, suggesting it's possible, but always check FAA and local park rules.
Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted along the trail, offering incredible wildlife photography opportunities.
The entire trail offers scenic vistas, but the higher you climb, the more expansive the views of Palm Springs and the valley become.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're looking for family-friendly outdoor activities in the Palm Desert area, consider the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which offers a more accessible and engaging experience for children with various animal exhibits and walking paths.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
+2Runners should be well-prepared with ample water, as the trail is completely exposed. Early morning or late afternoon runs are highly advised to avoid the intense desert heat. The rocky and sometimes sandy terrain requires good trail running shoes and careful footing. The rewarding views at higher elevations make the effort worthwhile.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers
+1Experienced hikers will appreciate the well-marked but technical single-track path. Bringing plenty of water, wearing sturdy hiking boots, and potentially using hiking poles are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. The opportunity to witness bighorn sheep and enjoy expansive desert vistas adds to the allure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Smith Trail Experience
Hikers often describe the trail as a 'butt blaster' due to the significant elevation gain, with some reporting over 1,200 feet of ascent. The terrain is a technical single-track, which can be slick and sandy in places. Many visitors recommend using hiking poles for added stability and caution, especially if you have unsure footing.
Despite the challenge, the Art Smith Trail offers unparalleled views of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and the surrounding mountains. It's also a prime location for wildlife viewing, with bighorn sheep frequently spotted. The trail is well-marked, making it relatively easy to follow, but its demanding nature means it's best suited for experienced hikers prepared for desert conditions.
Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
Beyond bighorn sheep, the desert environment supports various other flora and fauna. While less commonly reported, keep an eye out for desert reptiles, birds of prey, and other desert-adapted creatures. The trail's exposure means wildlife is often visible in the open, especially during cooler parts of the day when they might be more active.
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed them. The Art Smith Trail provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the resilience and beauty of desert wildlife in its natural habitat. Bringing binoculars and a camera can enhance this experience.
Photography Tips for Art Smith Trail
When hiking, be prepared for dynamic shots. The steep ascents offer changing perspectives of Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. Don't forget to capture the unique desert flora and the rocky, textured terrain. If you're lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep, be ready to capture some incredible wildlife photography.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Drones have also been used to capture aerial footage of the trail and its surroundings, offering a unique perspective. Always be mindful of your surroundings and the trail conditions while you're behind the lens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit