Yesterday was a rare cool overcast day in Palm Springs so we decided to take advantage of the weather and hike up to “the cross”.  This is a great dog friendly hike in Palm Springs  that starts in the Caps Homme and Ralph Adams Park located on Thrush Road.  This area contains an off leash dog area as well as the Homestead Trail that leads to “the cross”.

Large open area for dogs

The hike to the cross offers very little shade, so the clouds kept the temperature just right and offered some interesting views as they partially draped over the surrounding mountains.  There are great views of Palm Springs for most of the hike.

Gizmo enjoying the view of Palm Springs

This is a very popular hike so don’t expect to have the top to yourself. Hike a little further to the point past the cross to get a good overview of Palm Springs with a nice view back to the cross and get away from the crowds that usually take a break under the cross.  If you are hiking during the holiday season you might find some of the small trees decorated for the season.  This area contains several golf courses, the green of these contrast sharply with the desert landscape.

The green of the golf courses really “pops” out in the surrounding desert landscape.

We would rate this trail as easy/moderate.  It is less than 2.5 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain.