Best places: Nature preserves in Palm Desert, United States

👍👍 An amazing place with a short 1 mile loop... half of the hike is in the sun (bring plenty of cold water to drink) and the other is down in the shade of the oasis; if you start the hike on the trail to the right of the parking, you will go through the oasis first, but if you go to the left of the par...

This large protected area contains a botanical garden & Children's Outdoor Discovery Center.

👍👍 This place is great for all ages. First, its easy to find as the only road there ends at the preserve. Be aware that there is very limited parking so get there early. There are a few manmade ponds that are very clean and next to them are many picnic benches to enjoy a meal at. There is zero food to...

👍👍 This trail is located in Indian Canyons and has a per person fee to enter the park- $12. Absolutely recommend that you do the Palm Canyon trail earlier in the day- it gets HOT in the afternoons. It’s not a long hike but bring a water bottle with you- even if you’d think you don’t need it. The trail...

Conservation area featuring 20+ miles of trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus views.

Desert oasis & wildlife habitat with an education center, a butterfly garden & scenic trails.

👍👍 Gorgeous little walk. Love that the water is so high. It is great

👍👍 This is one of my all-time favorite places to hike. It's not difficult, it's mostly flat with some small inclines. It's a great three to four mile hike along the Santa Margarita River. There's not a lot of people, due to the limited parking space at the trailhead. Even if you get in later in the day...

Nature reserve around a palm-filled oasis offering picnics & hikes in a desert wilderness setting.

9,000-acre nature conservation with varying terrain & habitats, open trails & a visitor center.

Illuminated cross mounted on top of a hill, popular for moderate desert hikes with scenic views.

👍👍 Nice and easy nature walk for all ages. Very pet friendly. Big pond with lots of ducks. Cool wooden bridges. Easy parking and well maintained. Check it out after the rain to see everything in full bloom.

This group of canyons has trails for hiking & horseback riding, plus picnic areas & a gift shop.

👍👍 Great place to visit. Hiking or dirt road walking both available. With permission you can have additional access. Very near the gate there is an easy walk with some shady stone houses with picnic tables, perfect for an easy lunch destination. Walk the road the 1.6 miles to the Stone House. Nice yard...

Arid preserve featuring giant boulders, sand dunes & wildlife such as roadrunners & rattlesnakes.

👍👍 This is an amazing site and one that definitely rewards fortitude and preparation. The first time you go, you may be underwhelmed because many of the caves are difficult to spot and don't look like much from the outside. But the interiors are amazing and several of the caves go on for a nearly a mil...

👍👍 What an awesome area to view and take pictures of wildlife! Occasionally there are rude auto drivers that annoy those of us who enjoy the quiet. There are several toilet facilities conveniently located.

This tract of chaparral wildlands features a lookout point & trails for hiking & equestrian use.

Mountainous nature preserve along the Lake Mathews reservoir featuring birds & kangaroo rats.