The East Indio Badlands Trail near Palm Springs features the San Andreas Fault showcasing tectonic up tilts created over millions of years, unique slot canyons, and panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, all amidst sandy river washes. This trail is often overlooked due to it’s proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, but it’s a stunning trail that offers so much to see!
Hiking Info
East Indio Badlands Trail is new in the region, completed in 2020:
- East Indio Badlands Trail and parking location: 42000 Golf Center Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203
- Loop trail 5.2 miles
- Rated: Moderate, but there is a some rock scrambling and a lot of sand
- Elevation change: 777 feet
- Admission: Free
- No bathrooms at the trail head
Tip: Download the map in advance on AllTrails App or Google Maps. This trail is pretty well marked, but you can easily get lost and desert weather can be temperamental.
When To Go
Check the weather in advance of this hike, it’s the desert and conditions can be too hot to attempt. Also, since a lot of this trail is on a river wash and through slot canyons you want to avoid even if there are the slightest chances of rain due to flash flooding.
- The best time of year to do this hike is March-May and October-November.
- Avoid June-August, it’s too hot to do anything.
- The winter months of December – February are cold but still doable if you prefer off season travel with less crowds.
The Hike
Start the East Indio Badlands Trail from the parking lot. Download the trail map from All Trails or follow the brown signs like below. If you don’t see one of these signs about every 5 min or so, you may have missed the turn.
Most of this hike is on sand, so be prepared to exert a little more effort than usual.
As you approach the hills of the East Indio Badlands, you’ll see tilted layers of sediment, uplifted and appearing as though they are colliding. These geological formations show densely accumulated delta sediments originating from the ancient Colorado River. Comprising light grey sandstone interspersed with sandy silts, clay, and shale, these layers date back to the Pliocene age, spanning over 2.5 million years.
About a mile in, things start getting wild with the landscape. You can spot the aftermath of serious erosion caused by sudden flash floods messing with the soft sedimentary rocks. The Badland label is all about the land’s topography. Picture layers of fine sand and not-so-sturdy rocks, taking a beating from flash floods over the years. These floods carve out steep gullies, leaving behind some seriously cool sand sculptures along the trail.
My favorite part of this hike is going through slot canyons, switchbacks, and a sneaky steep climb.
Look for fun shapes in the rocks like this skull looking boulder below.
The ultimate payoff is a jaw-dropping view of the valley from a cool 600 feet above sea level.
It’s like the front-row seat to a geological show that’s been going on for millions of years. Check out those striking layers of dark and light sediments, and notice the scars left by water all along the hills. The land’s lifted mountains give you a front-row view of how the San Andreas Fault, along with the push and pull from the North American and Pacific tectonic plates, teamed up to work some magic on the soft sands of the Coachella Valley, crafting this insanely beautiful and unique landscape.
The East Indio Badlands Trail one of the newest trails in Coachella Valley, completed in 2020. Big shoutout to the Friends of the Desert Mountains and other local crews for making it happen. Do you know any other great trails in this region? Please leave them in the comments below.
Don’t Forget
Bring Ample Water: The desert climate can be unforgiving, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you plan to explore the trail during the warmer months.
Wear Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense. Don a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.
Sturdy Footwear: The trail can be rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy hiking boots to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Do you enjoy hiking? There are many great hikes in the Palm Springs area. One of my other favorites is The Wilderness Loop Trail at the Living Desert.