Discovery Nature Trail

The Discovery Nature Trail is one of two shorter trails that can be accessed from the Mountain Station stop of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Mount San Jacinto State Park.

At 1.3 miles along a generally flat course (with the exception of the paved descent from the tram building to the dirt trail), the Discovery Nature Trail is the easiest and shortest trail. While not the most scenic, the trail does fork with the park's Desert View Trail allowing visitors to create a hike that explores both. 

Beginning at the tram station, descend for a quarter mile on the paved swtichback path until reaching the pavement's end at a sign with a map of the park's trail system. Signs point the way to the loop path (sometimes noted on signs simply as "Nature Trail"), which begins with a shared portion of the Desert View Trail. A short distance in, the Discovery Nature Trail forks off from the Desert View, and continues ahead along a usually quiet stream. A wooden footbridge crosses the stream, leading hikers further along the wide, flat dirt path.

The Discovery Nature Trail continues winding beneath the shadows of the area's towering Jeffrey pines and granite boulder formations. Another wooden bridge completes the loop, leading back to toward the trailhead.

While the Discovery Nature Trail is the easiest hike in the area, consider adding portions of the Desert View Trail to add some extra distance.

During winter conditions, the Discovery Nature Trail makes for a scenic snowshoe/x-country ski route.

Most visitors will access the Discovery Nature Trail by way of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Please be aware of the hours and fees for tram use. The Mountain Station tram stop has restaurants, bathrooms, water, small museum and other amenities. Visitors should also keep in mind the change in conditions from the Coachella Valley floor, with the mountain area often being around 30 degrees cooler in temperature than Palm Springs proper. Pets are not permitted on the tram. Some planning will be necessary.