Araby Trail, CA

The Araby Trail is a short steep trail that rises right out of Palm Springs, up past Bob Hope's former residence to high above Palm Springs in the Palm Springs Hills. The trail starts out just above East Palm Canyon Drive, off of Southridge Dr. Note: the trailhead is before you get to any homes. If you are walking up Southridge Dr. and have reached homes, you've missed the trailhead and need to turn around and head downhill.


The beginning of the hike heads between a condominium development to the right and a mobile home park to the left. If you didn't know that the scenery would get better you might be tempted to turn around now. Rest assured that it gets better as you ascend.The trail then takes a turn to the south after it rounds the condominium development and begins heading uphill. The trail then heads west back toward Southridge Dr. At this part of Southridge Dr. the road is behind a guard gate and there are signs as you approach the road reminding you to stay on the trail and stay away from the private property of the neighborhood. This neighborhood has the homes of some of Palm Springs most affluent residents who paid dearly for their views and their privacy. And the City of Palm Springs went and built a public hiking trail right behind their homes. Poetic justice I guess.

The trail continues to climb for a while before hitting a fairly lengthy downhill section below Bob Hope's former residence. The trail then resumes the ascent as it gradually reaches the same elevation as the Hope residence and then passes above the residence and by the water tank that keeps this upper crust neighborhood hydrated. Beyond the water tank the views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains become better and better. The trail ends at its intersection with the Berns Trail, which is marked by a large metal sign.

Please note that with the exception of the beginning of the trail, there is no shade. If it's a warn day you will feel it.

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