The Mission Creek Preserve Trail follows the creek past old stone structures, now used as picnic spots, and into a natural oasis. The easy 1.6-mile route gains only about 325 feet. Along the way, the landscape shifts into a surprisingly lush corridor, where willows and cottonwoods shelter wildlife. At the trail’s end, a historic stone ranch house offers interpretive signs that share the site’s backstory. The preserve is part of the Sand to Snow National Monument. To get there: From Interstate 10, take Highway 62 north to Mission Creek Road. Turn left and continue 2.3 miles on the graded dirt road.
Hike of the Month: Mission Creek Preserve Trail
Hike the Mission Creek Preserve Trail, a scenic 1.6-mile route through a desert oasis and wildlife in the Sand to Snow National Monument.
Photo courtesy visit greater palm springs
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