Art Smith Trailhead: A Desert Hiking Escape

4.6 (117)

Hike the Art Smith Trail for panoramic Coachella Valley views, challenging climbs, and a glimpse of desert wildlife in the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Home
California
Palm Desert
Art Smith Trailhead

The Art Smith Trailhead provides access to a strenuous but rewarding hike through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Named after Art Smith, a key figure in local trail development, the trail offers stunning views, diverse desert flora, and a chance to spot local wildlife.

A brief summary to Art Smith Trailhead

Roy Wilson Memorial Hwy, Palm Desert, California, 92260, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring at least 3 liters of water, especially during warmer months, as there is no water available on the trail.
Wear sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, as there is very little shade.
Start your hike early in the day to avoid the heat and direct sunlight.
Keep an eye out for Peninsular Desert Bighorn Sheep, but maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center

Coachella Valley Vista Point

Breathtaking Views at Coachella Valley Vista Point

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: Where Desert Meets Sky

Getting There

Driving

From Highway 111, travel south on Highway 74 for approximately 4 miles. The parking lot for the Art Smith Trailhead is located on the right-hand side, just past the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. If the primary lot is full, overflow parking is available along Highway 74, but use caution.
Walking

From the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, walk past the building to the Art Smith Trailhead parking area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking lot. Follow the signs for the Art Smith Trail.

Discover more about Art Smith Trailhead

The Art Smith Trailhead marks the beginning of an immersive journey into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Named in honor of Art Smith, the longtime trail boss of the Desert Riders equestrian club, this trail showcases the rugged beauty of the Coachella Valley. Smith was instrumental in building and preserving trails in the Palm Desert area, adapting many from native Cahuilla footways. The trail itself is a strenuous 8.3-mile hike, climbing over 1,400 feet and offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the Little San Bernardino Mountains, and Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers will find themselves surrounded by beige-gray hills, dramatic rock formations, and lush palm oases, a welcome contrast to the urban sprawl below. The well-maintained path winds through hidden canyons and across sandy washes, providing a sense of solitude and escape. Keep an eye out for Peninsular Desert Bighorn Sheep, known to frequent the area. While the full trail extends to Dunn Road, hikers can customize their experience with shorter loops or connecting trails like Hopalong Cassidy Trail. Be prepared for a challenging climb with steep switchbacks, and remember to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as there is no shade on the trail.