South Lykken Trail
Vigorous desert hike with stunning panoramic views of Palm Springs and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
South Lykken Trail
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vigorous desert hike with stunning panoramic views of Palm Springs and opportunities to spot wildlife.
"The South Lykken Trail offers a vigorous hike with fabulous views, a great way to see the city!"
🎯 Start Early for Coolness
Hike before 8 AM to beat the heat and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
🥾 Be Prepared for Elevation
This trail is vigorous. Be ready for inclines and narrow sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Various viewpoints along the trail
Soak in breathtaking vistas of Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley. Perfect for photos!
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the trail
Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep and mule deer. They're often spotted grazing!
Picnic Table Rest Stop
Mid-point of the trail
A great spot to catch your breath, enjoy a snack, and admire the scenery before continuing your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Trail Fitness and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Early for Coolness
Hike before 8 AM to beat the heat and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
🥾 Be Prepared for Elevation
This trail is vigorous. Be ready for inclines and narrow sections.
👀 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot bighorn sheep or mule deer! Keep a safe distance.
🗺️ Signage Can Be Tricky
Pay attention to trail markers, especially at junctions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Early for Coolness
Hike before 8 AM to beat the heat and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
🥾 Be Prepared for Elevation
This trail is vigorous. Be ready for inclines and narrow sections.
👀 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot bighorn sheep or mule deer! Keep a safe distance.
🗺️ Signage Can Be Tricky
Pay attention to trail markers, especially at junctions.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated in the desert climate. Essential for any hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the South Lykken Trail for its stunning panoramic views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains. Many enjoy the opportunity to spot local wildlife like deer and bighorn sheep. However, some note that the trail can be strenuous and requires good physical condition, with signage sometimes being unclear.
"We truly enjoyed our vigorous hike here in late March, after a particularly rainy season. The gorgeous trail was busy with other friendly hikers and families making their way up. You must be able bodied to take this trail! Recommend holding on to little ones because during the narrow edges.
Snow-capped mountains graced the background, flora were bright and happy, and we saw a cute family of mule deer. Take time to appreciate the fabulous views as you climb and allow your body the time to get used to sudden elevation."
Yendry Arreaga
"I got lost in my thoughts and two hours later found myself by the windmills. Great experiences everytime I hike this trail"
Laura Dixon
"Orlando Realtor here… Attending a Real Estate Conference in Palm Springs. Our group enjoyed an excursion hike on the S Lykken Trail. Nice trail, easy terrain, beautiful spring morning weather. We enjoyed the hike."
Renee Funk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the South Lykken Trail via rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The Ramon trailhead is generally easier to find than the north end trailhead, which is located at the end of 1021 W Cielo's driveway.
The Ramon trailhead is considered more obvious. The north end trailhead is at the end of 1021 W Cielo's driveway.
Yes, you can start from downtown. One option is to walk to the north end on W Cielo, hike the trail, and finish at the south end on Ramon, then walk back downtown for an approximately 8-mile loop.
Parking is available at the trailheads, though signage can be inconsistent. It's advisable to confirm parking details before you go.
While signage is not always clear, paying attention to junctions and using a map can help. Going right at the picnic tables leads to the north end, while going straight leads south.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the South Lykken Trail is a public hiking trail and does not require tickets for entry.
There are no admission fees associated with hiking the South Lykken Trail.
The trail is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, it's best to start early to avoid the heat.
Yes, the South Lykken Trail is open year-round, but visiting during cooler months or early in the day is highly recommended due to the desert climate.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check local park regulations for pet policies on hiking trails in Palm Springs.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The South Lykken Trail is considered a vigorous hike with sudden elevation changes and narrow edges, requiring good physical condition.
A typical hike can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop to enjoy the views. Some hikers have completed longer loops.
You'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains.
Due to the vigorous nature and narrow edges, it's recommended to hold onto little ones. It might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable athletic clothing, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic city views, the unique desert landscape, and potential wildlife sightings offer fantastic photo opportunities. The golden hour light in the late afternoon is particularly beautiful.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and offering beautiful colors.
The various overlooks along the trail offer excellent vantage points. The area near the picnic tables also provides a scenic backdrop.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural areas and national parks. It's best to check local regulations for Palm Springs and any associated park rules before flying a drone.
You have a good chance of photographing desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various desert reptiles like lizards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you decide to tackle this trail with children, an early morning start is highly recommended to avoid the heat. Consider bringing plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for a more strenuous outing than a typical park trail. The potential for seeing wildlife like deer can be a big motivator for kids!
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
While generally well-trafficked, it's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their hiking plans, including their intended route and expected return time. Being aware of your surroundings and carrying essentials like water and a basic first-aid kit are standard precautions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Look for opportunities to photograph the rugged terrain, the vibrant desert flora, and any wildlife you might encounter. The contrast between the brown rocks, green vegetation, and blue sky is visually striking. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the stunning shots!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the South Lykken Trail
Pay close attention at trail junctions, especially near the picnic tables. Going right at the tables typically leads you towards the north end, while going straight will take you south. Many hikers recommend using a map or a navigation app to ensure you stay on the intended path, especially if you're aiming for a specific section or loop.
Consider starting your hike from the Ramon trailhead for easier access and clearer initial navigation. If you're feeling ambitious, combining sections of the Lykken Trail with other nearby trails can create a more extensive hiking day, but be sure to plan your route carefully.
Wildlife Spotting on the Trail
Remember to maintain a safe and respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter. Do not feed the animals, and avoid disturbing their natural behavior. The sight of these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors.
Beyond larger mammals, the trail is also home to various desert reptiles, such as lizards, which can be fun to spot basking in the sun. The diverse ecosystem makes every hike a unique experience.
Best Times for a South Lykken Hike
Starting early also has the added benefit of fewer crowds. You'll have a more serene experience and better opportunities for wildlife spotting. The soft morning light also creates beautiful photographic conditions.
+1While less common, late afternoon can also be a good option, especially during the cooler months. The 'golden hour' light can be stunning, casting a warm glow over the landscape. However, be mindful of the time and ensure you complete your hike before sunset, especially if you're unfamiliar with the trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit