North Lykken Trail
A challenging desert hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, with dramatic rock formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool temps & golden light
North Lykken Trail
Best Time
Cool temps & golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging desert hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, with dramatic rock formations.
"Peaceful hike with beautiful city views, a great option if you’re looking for a scenic and not-too-crowded hike near the city."
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert sun is intense and the trail is fully exposed.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail offers little to no shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Mid-trail vantage points
Stunning vistas of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley unfold as you ascend. A truly breathtaking reward for your effort.
Dramatic Desert Landscape
Throughout the trail
Winding paths surrounded by large, untouched desert boulders and native flora create a unique and serene environment.
Peaceful Solitude
The entire trail
Often described as quiet and peaceful, offering a welcome escape from city noise and a chance for a solitary hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Essential Gear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert sun is intense and the trail is fully exposed.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail offers little to no shade.
Caught someone hiking down the Cactus to Clouds Trail yesterday around 7am.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rocky and can be steep. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are advised.
⬆️ Poles for the Descent
Hiking poles can provide extra stability and reduce strain on your knees during the downhill return.
Hikes that don’t require a car?
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert sun is intense and the trail is fully exposed.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail offers little to no shade.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rocky and can be steep. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are advised.
⬆️ Poles for the Descent
Hiking poles can provide extra stability and reduce strain on your knees during the downhill return.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking is usually available near the trailhead, but can fill up. Arrive early for easier access.
🚫 Leave Fido at Home
Dogs are not permitted on the North Lykken Trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the North Lykken Trail for its stunning city views and peaceful, natural desert environment. Many appreciate the challenging workout and the opportunity for solitude. However, the intense heat and lack of shade are significant drawbacks, making early morning hikes essential.
"Peaceful hike with beautiful city views
We got the North Lykken Trail recommendation from the Palm Springs Visitor Center as we were looking for a moderate hike with good views, and it definitely delivered. The trail was peaceful and quiet—we were alone the whole time, which made the experience even more special.
The scenery is beautiful, with a stunning view over Palm Springs once you get a bit higher. We didn’t complete the full trail but hiked for about an hour to a high point and back, which was perfect. A great option if you’re looking for a scenic and not-too-crowded hike near the city."
Halide Ebcinoglu
"Great hike! Not too long, less than an hour round trip, if you do the shorter hike like we did. Went during sunrise, loved the views!"
Scott Williams
"Not a difficult trail with great views, remember your water and sunscreen"
Andre H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Lykken Trailhead is located in Palm Springs, California. Access is typically from a street parking area near the start of the trail. Many visitors find it by heading towards the mountains on the north side of the city.
Yes, there is street parking available near the trailhead. While it can fill up, especially during peak times, it's generally considered ample. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Public transportation options to the immediate trailhead might be limited. It's best to check local Palm Springs transit schedules. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or driving.
The trailhead is generally well-marked, especially if you're looking for hiking access points in the northern part of Palm Springs. Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended.
The most common access point is the main trailhead, which is easily reachable by car. Follow signs for hiking trailheads in the northern residential areas of Palm Springs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the North Lykken Trail is a public access trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to hike.
The trail is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's recommended to hike during daylight for safety.
There is no entrance fee to access and hike the North Lykken Trail. It's a free public amenity.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to the rocky terrain and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for safety.
No reservations are needed for the North Lykken Trail. It's an open access trail for all to enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full out-and-back trail is about 3.9 miles and can take 2-3 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. Many visitors opt for a shorter hike to a scenic overlook.
It's considered a moderate to strenuous hike due to the significant elevation gain (over 1,500 feet) and rocky terrain. It's a good workout!
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the trailhead. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.
While beginners can hike a portion of the trail, the full hike with its elevation gain might be challenging. It's best to assess your fitness level and start slow.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, along with dramatic desert landscapes featuring large boulders and native plants.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with an open view of the valley is fantastic! Higher vantage points offer sweeping panoramas. The large boulders also make for interesting foreground elements.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the desert landscape. Mid-day can be harsh due to direct sun.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone. Some areas may have restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the landscape or distant mountains. Don't forget extra batteries!
The juxtaposition of the rugged desert terrain with the urban sprawl of Palm Springs below provides unique photographic contrast. The large, sculpted boulders are also a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting very early in the morning to avoid the intense heat, which can be particularly difficult for children. The unique rock formations might capture their imagination, and the expansive views can be exciting. However, always prioritize safety and be prepared to turn back if the conditions become too strenuous for the kids.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
To maximize your training, consider incorporating interval training by running or power-hiking sections of the trail. Using hiking poles can also add an upper-body workout component. Remember to fuel properly before and after your hike, and stay hydrated throughout. The rewarding views at the top serve as a great motivator.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for details in the distant mountains or the city. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset. The contrast between the rugged natural environment and the urban sprawl provides unique photographic opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the North Lykken Trail
While the trail is well-maintained, its fully exposed nature means there is very little shade. This makes timing your hike crucial. Starting very early in the morning, ideally around sunrise, is highly recommended to avoid the intense desert heat, which can make the dark rocks radiate heat significantly. This also provides a more peaceful experience with fewer people on the trail.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, it's perfectly acceptable to hike only a portion of the trail. Many visitors turn around at a high point that offers excellent views of Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley, making for a shorter, yet still rewarding, hike. Remember to always carry ample water, wear sun protection, and be aware of your surroundings.
The Allure of Desert Hiking
The scenery is a major draw, with breathtaking views that stretch across the entire Coachella Valley. As you gain elevation, the perspective shifts, offering a stunning panorama of Palm Springs below. This contrast between the wild desert and the developed city is visually striking and a popular subject for photographers.
Beyond the visual appeal, the trail offers a chance to appreciate the resilience of desert flora and fauna. While the landscape may seem barren, it supports a variety of life adapted to harsh conditions. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere is often highlighted by visitors, making it a perfect spot for reflection and a good workout.
Social
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