Guidance from the experts

[Kerfun]

Hubby and I are in town until next Sunday and would love suggestions about hiking trails. I've been to multiple websites but think you all can give better advice.
We're in decent shape, have hiking boots, camelbacks, warm layers (it's cold in Minnesota so we know how to dress warm) and want to be out on the trail 4-6 hours. We prefer to start early, by 9:00am for sure and like hiking in the cooler weather.
Thanks in advance.
Kerry

[Wildhorse]

If you are staying in the desert, I recommend hiking to Murray Hill (7 to 8 miles, about 2000 feet gain.) Many guide books and websites provide directions. You may also enjoy hiking the S Likken Trail, beginning at the south end, hiking to the second set of picnic tables and back (6 to 7 miles, less than 1500 feet gain.)

Alternatively, I suggest hiking at Whitewater Preserve - it would be cooler there. You could hike the PCT to Yucca Peak (8 miles, about 2000 feet gain.) Joshua Tree is another option. It is even cooler there. For a hike of four to six hours on trails that are fairly easy to find and follow, I would suggest combining two shorter hikes - Ryan Mountain and Eagle Cliff Mine.

If you are staying in Idyllwild, I would suggest hiking the Deer Spring Trail to Suicide Rock.

[Hikin_Jim]

If one were staying in Palm Springs, I would think the ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway would be worthwhile. Tickets are a bit pricey, something like $25 each, but the views on the ride up are spectacular, and the area the tram brings you to is a very beautiful forested montane area. The hike to Wellman Divide and back might fit the bill of what you're looking for. If you're a faster hiker, hiking all the way to the summit of San Jacinto Peak is a very fine hike. The views from the summit are unsurpassed. There will be of course snow and the possibility of ice since, if you ride the tram, you will be at or above 8000' in elevation. The summit is nearly 11,000' (10,834') and frequently windy, so you will need to be well prepared in terms of both footwear and clothing. I don't think there is enough snow to warrant snow shoes right now, but I could be wrong about that. I really don't know how much snow the most recent storm deposited.

HJ

[cynthia23]

All the above are excellent suggestions. One more is the Art Smith trail, starting just off Highway 74 in Palm Desert. YOu can hike it either into the cathedral city cove, or (a bit further) Palm Springs. It's best if you have two cars, so you can leave one at the trailhead and one at the end point, but you can also take a cab back to your car.

[Florian]

There are also some very nice trails in the Indian Canyons south of Palm Springs. There is info and link to trail map here ..

http://www.indian-canyons.com/Information.html

I would recommend the Fern Canyon, Vandeventer, or West Fork trails. Entrance fee is $9/person.

-Florian