The California desert towns of Palm Springs and neighboring Palm Desert are popular visitor spots, known for spectacular desert scenery, golf, a mid-century modern vibe, and home to a vibrant cultural scene showcased by the Coachella Arts and Music Festival. Our guide to running in Palm Springs and Palm Desert features lovely parks, bike paths, and residential neighborhoods in the valley and oasis. In the surrounding mountains, there’s a wonderful variety of scenic trail running options.
In central Palm Springs, the run along Palm Canyon Drive is the a good way to get oriented to the area. For a quieter, more bucolic feel, enjoy the historic, residential side streets on our Deepwell or movie star neighborhood routes, or the lovely Joe Butler Trail along a golf course. For trails, the South Lykken sprouts from the foothills. A true challenge is the run up Tramway Hill, the road that parallels the Tram and site of a well-known uphill race.
In Palm Desert, there’s nice running around Civic Center Park and the College of the Desert, the Bear Creek Trail multi-use path, and some gentler trail running options in the Coachella Valley Preserve. See the Palm Springs Bike Route and Trail Map for additional info or to design your own route!
Runners should also note the open exposure of the area and the searing heat from May-October. Use caution and hydrate accordingly!
Palm Springs has a desert climate, with near constant sunshine. Winters are delightfully warm and dry, with average high temperatures in the 70s & 80s from November-March. Nights can be cool in winter, dipping into the 40s, so bring a layer for those crisp mornings! Beware of running at the height of summer. From June-September, average daily high temperatures are 100-110F (38-43C).