The Randall Henderson Trail is a trail network made up a single 2.5 mile loop trail with several shortcuts offering hikers the option of shortening their hike length perched in the hills of Palm Springs.
Lying near a Visitor Center within the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monumnet, the trail leaves the parking area and begins a gradual ascent into some small canyons and low ridges near the base of the mountains. The path never becomes too steep, making it an option for anyone with moderate ability.
Signs along the path mark the trail in a clockwise direction, though hikers can opt for heading in either direction. From the trailhead, heading out on the left fork will weave through a small canyon, with views cut off by granite and dirt walls until the higher elevations. Opting for the right fork will climb up a ridgeline, with views of the Palm Desert skyline fading in the distance.
Barrel cacti, ocotillo, and cholla cactus line the walkways, and the terrain is marked as bighorn and desert tortoise habitat.
While the main loop path traces a perimeter of 2.5 miles, there are several small unsigned shortcuts that hikers can take.
The National Monument Visitor Center offers interpretive displays and information, as well as occasional guided hikes that visitors can inquire about, though the center keeps limited open hours.
Parking area open hours are Thursday-Monday from 8:30am to 4pm. There is additional parking along the highway shoulder. Dogs and ebikes are not allowed on trails.
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