The dog-friendly Homestead Trail (also known as The Cross Hike) in Greater Palm Springs winds up the side of Shadow Mountain to a giant illuminated cross that serves as both a spiritual landmark and a quiet spot for you and your dog to take in the views above it all.
The trail takes you up 689 feet, with plenty of photo-worthy vistas along the way. Sunrise and sunset offer especially dramatic views of the palm trees, swimming pools, and golf courses below. (Just bear in mind that there are typically more people on the trail during these times, so keep your dog close and leashed.)
Homme Adams Park is a great place to start out for a 2.2-mile loop. It’s home to 27 acres of open space as well as picnic tables. And the best part — plenty of room for dogs to run off leash! Parking is available in an unpaved lot off Thrush Road.
The trail surface is a mix of packed dirt and loose gravel, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. There’s very little shade along the route, which means summer hikes should start early — aim for before 8 a.m. to keep both you and your pup comfortable. Bring a collapsible water bowl and at least a liter of water per person (and per dog). The desert sun is no joke, even on a short hike. For more tips, see our desert hiking safety guide.
On the way up, you’ll pass through typical desert scrub with creosote bush and brittlebush, and you may spot roadrunners, jackrabbits, or the occasional coyote in the distance. The trail is well-used but not overly crowded on weekday mornings, making it a solid choice for dogs who prefer a calmer hiking experience.
Don’t miss this Palm Desert local landmark — it’s one of the best moderate hikes in Greater Palm Springs for you and your dog.
Activity Level: Moderate
