Art Smith Trailhead — Attraction in Palm Desert

This is a lovely walk through rocky hillsides. The trail begins with a sharp ascent via switchbacks on the north side of a small valley. I happened to be there after the rains so everything was green and blossoming. Once you reach the top things level out until you get to the split off for another trail. Then there is a constant but gradual uphill climb. The walk takes you through cactus gardens, beautiful rock formations, and a former palm tree oasis (all the trees are dead). Further on when you come to a live oasis you'll know that you are close to reaching the top of a plateau. At that point you see spectacular views of the Coachella Valley below, and the San Jacinto Mountains above. This is where I stopped to have lunch. According to my fitbit I had walked about 4 miles. The trail continues on for another 8 miles but I will have to tackle that on another day! I highly recommend this hike in the spring when the wildflowers are abundant. You won't be...

We visited this trailhead on on a day in January. The temperatures were cool, and we enjoyed our walk along the valley floor and then up along the side of the mountain. Much to our delight, a herd of over 20 bighorn sheep came down the mountain across the valley from us, walked across the valley and then headed up the hill very close to us. It was a thrilling encounter.

This trail is very exposed with absolutely no shade. If it were a hot day it would be a brutal hike. The trail zigzags up the mountain to an overlook point and can be steep in places and is Rocky. I would exercise caution if you or anybody with unsure footing. The smartest of hikers along the path had hiking poles and that certainly would have made a...

My favorite hike. Counted 16 big horns at one point hanging out snacking with us. Dead Indian canyon is just so fun once you get to the bouldering at the oasis. The wash was beautiful, but don't wear sandles as the sand and rocks will get stuck in your shoes. The big horns weren't scared of us either, we were about 5 feet from them. Be aware the trail closes Jan 1 to protect the big horns. Also, no dogs because they scare...