Gateway to Joshua Tree
and Local Reserves
Gateway to
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a captivating natural wonderland renowned for its distinctive Joshua Trees, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife. It offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and photographers alike.
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Famous for its stunning rock formations, shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion. Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks are two must-visit spots for climbers and hikers seeking adventure amidst towering boulders. The park's granite monoliths, such as Arch Rock and Skull Rock, offer great exploration and imaginative interpretation opportunities.
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Joshua Tree boasts over 800,000 acres of desert wilderness with an extensive network of hiking trails. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there is something for everyone. The Hidden Valley Trail, Ryan Mountain Trail, and Barker Dam Nature Trail are popular choices, showcasing the park's diverse flora, fauna, and breathtaking vistas.
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Miracle Hill is 45 minutes from the park's west entrance making the mineral spring resorts and spas the perfect base for exploring Joshua Tree National park. Soaking in the hot mineral springs are the perfect way to cap off a day of hiking and exploration.
Local Hiking, Nature Preserves
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000 acre nature preserve 10 minutes north of Miracle Hill on Hwy 62 offering 6 trails ranging from 3/10 of a mile to an 11-mile round trip hike. The desert oasis at Big Morongo Canyon is one of the most important cottonwood and willow stream habitats in California. The trails represent different environments for vegetation, ranging from the high elevation of Yucca Ridge to the low desert down Big Morongo Canyon.
Whitewater Preserve contains a well-marked 4 mile Canyon View Loop trail that follows the Whitewater River Canyon until it reaches the iconic PCT and then climbs up to a bluff that offers non-stop views into the canyon and high peaks of the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. 15 minutes west of Miracle Hill off I-10.
Mission Creek Preserve's main 3.4 mile trail passes ruins of an old “glamping” resort, follows a creek that started high in the mountains and is now irrigating the desert, passes a rare wetland and views of the high peaks, then visits an old stone ranch house. The trail is wide, climbs gradually, and is easy to follow. A short 10 minute drive due west from Miracle Hill.
Palm Springs,
Indian Canyons
Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon
Indian Canyons is a stunning nature preserve covering over 31,500 acres. Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, it serves as part of their reservation lands. Experience awe-inspiring canyons, distinctive rock formations, a lush tapestry of palm groves, and roughly 60 miles of trails. Three standouts include:
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Palm Canyon – Palm Canyon is quite magnificent, with a length of 3-4 miles out and back. It is often cool and mostly shady, filled with fan palms of all sizes next to a stream that still has pools and springs in mid-summer, though at drier times, most water flows below ground.
Andreas Canyon – An easy 1.2-mile loop trail that follows the Andreas Creek, offering a mix of tropical palms next to tall rock formations. Home to the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm oasis.
Murray Canyon – A 4.2 mile trek across a seemingly barren desert landscape and ending up welcomed into a lush canyon oasis.
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There is a fee to enter, located just south of downtown Palm Springs, about 30 minutes from Miracle Hill.
Approximately 2 miles in length, the moderate Tahquitz Canyon Trail is celebrated for its stunning natural features, including the breathtaking 60-foot Tahquitz Falls–a spectacular centerpiece when it hasn’t been too dry. Parking fee applies, just outside downtown Palm Springs about 25 minutes from the Miracle Hill resorts.
Explore by Day,
Soak & Heal at Night
End your day soaking in the mineral hot springs at your resort. The resorts on Miracle Hill are the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National park and hiking in the Coachella Valley.