During the Summer, it is difficult to hike in the Palm Springs area due to the excessive heat.  One can either venture out first thing in the morning, even though it is still relatively hot, or one can take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram into the mountains where it is typically20 - 30 degrees cooler.  I came across a recent Palm Springs Life article about a trail at the top of the tram that I wanted to share with all of you hiking enthusiasts.  Here it is:

Seeking chillier temperatures and less challenging terrain, the San Jacinto wilderness seemed like the most desirable summer destination, and the moderate Desert View Trail was the perfect path back to fitness and my favorite pastime. Per the No. 1 hiking rule (take a friend), I called a companion to come along for the adventure. An offer to escape the triple-digit daytime temperatures in the desert doesn’t take much convincing.

Half the excitement of this excursion is the mode of transportation to the trailhead: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. We boarded the rotating cable car at Valley Station — situated a few miles from North Palm Canyon Drive at a cooler elevation of 2,643 feet — and ascended 5,873 feet through five “life zones,” from the sweltering Mexican Sonoran Desert to the crisp alpine wilderness. A 40-degree dip from below, the climate at the top was a breezy 68 degrees in mid-afternoon.

Taking a few moments to drink in the sweeping desert and mountain views from the Mountain Station verandas, we then descended a concrete path to Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that leads through sandy open spaces, grassy knolls, and lush pine forests dotted with pine cones.  Stone cairns mark the path where it would otherwise be unrecognizable, making it impossible — well, for most  — to get lost.

The mostly even trail passes five rocky Notches (or lookouts), each offering a panoramic perspective of the scenic valleys below.

Mellow hikers can explore the base of these boulder lookouts, observing the colorful rocks, plants, and wildlife that abound (wallflowers and Western Gray squirrels seemed most prevalent this time of year). Those who want to kick the intensity up a notch — as we did — can climb to the lookout summits for more spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.

Most of this hike is exposed to the elements, but Notch 4 offers a shady respite beneath the fir trees; a few small boulders serve up the perfect place for a picnic.

We managed to turn a 40-minute jaunt into a three-hour trek, bringing us back to “base camp” just in time to relax with a cocktail at the Lookout Lounge bar before catching the sunset from Grubb’s mountain-view terrace.

Whatever your skill level, this trail is a great way to introduce yourself to the San Jacinto wilderness. More challenging adventures to come.

Desert View Trail
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate
Distance: 1.5-mile loop
Elevation: Approximately 8,000 feet