Downtown Palm Canyon Drive – Skyline Trail loop from Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Canyon Drive – Skyline Trail loop from Palm Springs
3.2
(25)
60
hikers
Downtown Palm Canyon Drive – Skyline Trail loop from Palm Springs
01:15
3.76km
100m
Hiking
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 1.25 km for 389 m
After 1.70 km for 38 m
After 2.03 km for 383 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
533 m
Sculpture "Chairman of the Links"
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
572 m
Downtown Palm Canyon Drive
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
767 m
Forever Marilyn
Highlight • Monument
"Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.26 km
Skyline Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.62 km
Palm Springs Art Museum
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.96 km
Sculpture "Isabelle"
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.06 km
Mural "Stay Human"
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.19 km
PS I Love You Sculpture
Highlight • Monument
Palm Springs has recently added a new Instagrammable stop in the downtown area, and unlike other selfies, you help complete its message. Mirroring the city’s popular hashtag, #PSILOVEYOU, you get to be the letter ‘I’. They even have the spot marked for you to step on.
The “Love Letters” art piece stands 6 feet tall, spans 18 feet, and is anchored by two 850-pound platforms — one supports the letters PS, and the second has a heart next to the letter “u”. The lettering and heart are in bold red which makes it easily standout where it currently sits in the plaza area adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hotel.
palmspringslife.com/selfie-palm-springs
Tip by
3.76 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.21 km
786 m
367 m
282 m
107 m
Surfaces
1.50 km
669 m
605 m
547 m
411 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
35°C
22°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a short but surprisingly challenging urban-adjacent hike, the Downtown Palm Canyon Drive – Skyline Trail loop from Palm Springs is worth considering. This 2.3-mile (3.8 km) hiking route is rated difficult, with 339 feet (103 metres) of climbing, and can be completed in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. It's a unique blend of city stroll and rugged desert ascent, best suited for those who want a quick workout with a view.
What to expect on Downtown Palm Canyon Drive – Skyline Trail loop from Palm Springs
This route offers a fascinating contrast, starting near the vibrant shops and cafes of Downtown Palm Canyon Drive. You'll transition from paved sidewalks lined with palm trees and mid-century modern architecture to the rugged desert terrain that marks the beginning of the famous Skyline Trail. While this loop only touches a small portion of the Skyline Trail, expect a noticeable climb on uneven ground, offering sweeping views of Greater Palm Springs as you gain elevation. It's a short but intense burst of effort, rewarding you with a different perspective of the city before you loop back towards the urban core.
Planning your visit
The trailhead is conveniently located near Downtown Palm Canyon Drive, making it accessible from the heart of Palm Springs. While the full Skyline Trail requires extensive preparation, this shorter loop is more manageable, though sturdy shoes are still recommended for the desert sections. Parking can be found in the downtown area, but it's always wise to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a spot. Carry water, even for this shorter duration, as desert temperatures can rise quickly.
Trail details
- Distance: 2.3 miles (3.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 339 feet (103 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 14 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free