Art Smith Trail

A signature desert trail in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, starting at Palm Desert's southern city limit along Highway 74. The full route runs roughly 26 km one way, but the first kilometer alone is worth the stop: after a short climb through rocky desert terrain, you reach a viewpoint overlooking the Bighorn Golf Club and its surrounding enclave of sprawling, futuristic villas — Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn own a home here.

The overlook is a fitting vantage point on Palm Desert itself, which counts around 30 golf courses within its city limits and markets itself as the World's Golf Capital. Fittingly, the city's third-largest employer is Securitas, with some 700 staff guarding its many gated communities.

Practical notes: the trail is fully exposed with no shade — best hiked September through May, ideally in the morning. Dogs are not allowed, as the area is essential habitat for endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, which are frequently spotted along the first miles. Park at the lot just past the National Monument Visitor Center entrance and follow the short wash connector to the trail proper.