5.0
(3)
40
riders
11
rides
Mountain biking around Rancho Mirage offers diverse routes set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, characterized by striking desert landscapes. The terrain includes rugged desert, canyons, and rocky singletrack, with some sections featuring sandy washes. Riders can navigate gradual climbs, steep descents, and technical portions through desert brush and cacti. The region provides a variety of trails, from lower elevation loops to routes with significant elevation gain.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
19.1km
02:00
570m
570m
The Cathedral City Loop is a moderate 11.9-mile mountain biking trail in the San Jacinto Mountains, offering challenging terrain and desert
26.6km
02:42
800m
800m
Hopalong Cassidy Loop is a challenging 16.5-mile mountain bike trail in Palm Desert, featuring significant elevation gain and desert views.

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1
riders
36.3km
04:19
1,320m
1,320m
Tackle the challenging 22.5-mile Art Smith and Cathedral Trail Loop, a difficult mountain biking route with 4337 feet of elevation gain.
5.0
(3)
14
riders
39.3km
03:40
910m
910m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
7
riders
17.4km
01:51
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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This section of the somewhat disjointed Palm Springs CV Link Bike Path runs through Demuth Park section. This paved multi-use path is open to cyclist, joggers, and walkers, and offers nice views to the mountains over a golf course and other green spaces.
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At the intersection of Dunn Road, Hahn/Buena Vista trail and Art Smith Trail, you can find this abandoned tank with a nearby picnic area.
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Great views over Palm Desert City from the Herb Jefferies Trail. This area is usually best visited during the cooler months or the evening or sunrise.
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This park is a mountain bike trail and a hiking trail. There is little to no shade so be sure to go during cooler hours. Big Horn Sheep have been spotted here so be sure to keep an eye open!
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Even though it is a bidirectional trail, this section is mostly used downhill towards Cathedral City. It is a popular track in the area and part of the longer PCE to Cathedral City route.
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This area has many trails to follow as much as small loops up high into the Palm Hills. This area was saved from development in 2004 from a massive development of houses, hotels and a golf course on the site. Its managed by the Owist Land Trust.
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The trail ends in a residential neighborhood right at the Palm springs City Boundary. This can also be a good starting point for the hikes trail on the other end.
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There are 11 mountain bike trails around Rancho Mirage listed on komoot, offering a range of difficulties from easy to difficult. This includes 1 easy, 5 moderate, and 5 difficult routes.
Mountain biking in Rancho Mirage is characterized by striking desert landscapes, rugged terrain, canyons, and rocky singletrack. You'll encounter gradual climbs, steep descents, and technical sections, often through desert brush and cacti. Some routes may also feature sandy washes.
Yes, there is one easy mountain bike trail suitable for families. Additionally, the Palm Springs City Limit loop from Cathedral Canyon Vista is a moderate 17.38 km route that might be suitable for families with some biking experience.
The best time for mountain biking in Rancho Mirage is typically during the cooler months, from fall through spring (October to April). Summer temperatures can be very high, making rides challenging and requiring extra precautions like carrying plenty of water.
The trails offer breathtaking desert landscapes and stunning mountain views, particularly of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Routes like the Cathedral City Loop provide scenic vistas across the desert, while the Art Smith Trail offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
Yes, Rancho Mirage offers 5 difficult mountain bike routes. The Art Smith and Cathedral Trail Loop is a challenging 36.3 km route with significant elevation gain, technical sections, and steep descents through rugged desert terrain. Another difficult option is the Palm Hills Hiking Trails – Palm Springs City Limit loop from Palm Springs International Airport.
While riding, you might encounter natural features like Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon Oasis. Other nearby attractions include the Forever Marilyn sculpture and the Trailhead and Trading Post.
The mountain bike routes in Rancho Mirage are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain and the stunning desert and mountain scenery.
Yes, many trails in Rancho Mirage feature significant elevation changes. For example, the Hopalong Cassidy Loop includes over 800 meters of elevation gain, offering expansive desert views from higher points.
Given the desert environment, it's crucial to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The terrain can be rugged with desert brush and cacti, so appropriate protective clothing is advisable. Be mindful of technical sections and steep descents on more difficult trails.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Rancho Mirage are designed as loops. Examples include the Cathedral City Loop and the Art Smith and Cathedral Trail Loop, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
The longest mountain bike trail listed is the Palm Hills Hiking Trails – Palm Springs City Limit loop from Palm Springs International Airport, which covers approximately 39.65 km (24.6 miles) and is rated as difficult.


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