Coachella Valley Preserve | Thousand Palms Tree Oasis Hike
Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve: If you’re searching for desert mirage full of palm trees and relaxing shaded picnic areas, the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve hiking trail is for you! This free hike (donations accepted to help maintain the Visitor Center) is located a short 15-20 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs and features 17,000 acres of protected desert land.
The McCallum Trail starts from the Coachella Valley Preserve Visitor Center and continues along for 1 mile to McCallum Pond. The 2-mile round trip trail is well maintained and features incredible views of lush palm trees and the desert landscape. Sections of the trail have been formed by as a result of the San Andreas Fault’s seismic activity, including the underground springs that fill the McCallum Pond.
The trail is relatively flat and a good entry level hike for beginners. The visitor center features historical photos of the area and information on the area’s native plant and animal life.
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Total Distance: 1- 2 miles (round-trip)
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Total Distance (miles)
McCallum Grove features hundreds of Palm Trees.
Total Estimated Time (hours)
The San Andreas Fault has shaped sections of the trail.
Coachella Valley Perserve | Palm Tree Oasis Photo Gallery
Palm Tree Oasis Hiking Trail Image Gallery (click on image to rotate through image/s)
When to Go
Year-Round: The Coachella Valley Preserve is open year-round. However, if you plan on venturing to this hike during the summer or warmer months, go early and bring plenty of water.
Dog Friendly
No, dogs are not permitted at the Coachella Valley Preserve.
Trail Map
Trail Directions
Address for GPS: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
Intensity Levels
Barry-the-Bear: Awesome experience! We loved hiking underneath the palm trees and learning about the area at the visitor center.
- Intensity Level 40%
Larry-the-Lion: We were blessed to see a rainbow off on the desert landscape! We’d like to go back and spend more time at the oasis.
- Intensity Level 22%
Chris-the-Cheetah: Good photo opportunity! The trails are flat and easy to hike.
- Intensity Level 15%
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Why We Liked It
If you’re searching for palm trees or to get away from the development of shopping centers, golf courses and resorts, the McCallum Trail at the Coachella Valley Preserve is for you! This hiking trail features incredible panoramic views of the desert landscape and hundreds of palm trees. We enjoyed hiking underneath these palm trees and learning about the area at the visitor center.
The hike is very family friendly and a fun trail to share with hikers of all backgrounds & experiences.
Enjoy it?
Have you hiked around Palm Springs? Leave a comment and share your favorite trail!