South Lykken Trail

The Carl Lykken Trail stretches out for nine and a half miles along a series of mountain ridges overlooking downtown Palm Springs. Its southern half is known as the South Lykken Trail, and it is separated from the North Lykken Trail by Tahquitz Canyon. This natural barrier makes it difficult to hike both portions in a single outing. Of the two, the South Lykken Trail is somewhat shorter, covering about four miles point to point

The South Lykken Trail is rated as a moderate hike that starts at a trailhead located 550 feet above sea level. It features an elevation gain of about 900 to 1,000 feet, but there are no particularly steep grades other than a hillside at the southernmost end. Along the way, hikers are treated unobstructed views of the desert valley along with the panorama of Tahquitz Canyon, its waterfalls and rugged rock formations.

Most hikers have a shuttle drop them off at the south end of the South Lykken Trail and get picked up at Mesquite Avenue after trekking down into Tahquitz Canyon. Another option is to park down by Palm Canyon and walk to the trailhead. No parking is permitted at the trailhead. On average, the journey takes about two hours and fifteen minutes, but allow three hours if longer stops at the viewpoints are desired. Dogs are allowed.