Trailspotting Hiking California, New Hampshire and More

East Indio Badlands, Indio CA

• 5-star hike
• 5 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 760 feet
• Indio, CA | Southwest US
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A person in a red shirt and black backpack walks along a sandy trail flanked by large, beige rock formations riddled with holes and cavities. Sparse desert plants line the path, and the sky above fades from deep blue to pale near the horizon, suggesting a clear, sunny day.

Heading counter-clockwise, it's 1.6 miles to the rocky foothills.

The East Indio Hills Badlands sit at the edge of California’s Coachella Valley, where tectonic forces along the San Andreas Fault have uplifted and eroded ancient sediments into a maze of miniature canyons and ridges just minutes from suburban Indio.

Layers of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone reveal millions of years of ancient lake beds that once filled this valley. Erosion has sculpted these soft sediments into fluted ridges, hoodoos, and sharp-edged gullies that change character with the light. The curious will find much to marvel at here, and those with an interest in geology are likely to have a literal field day.

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⬤ 4★ East Indio Hills Badlands Trail 5.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 760 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The five-mile loop begins at the Coachella Canal, where a bridge provides the only crossing point. From there, the trail traverses low sand dunes before reaching a junction that’s easy to miss. Watch for the right turn toward a flat sandy playa that leads into the East Indio Hills.

We hiked counterclockwise, which saved the most interesting geological features for the second half. After taking another right turn and walking parallel to the power lines, you then turn left into the Badlands. Sandy beds continue for a while as rocky outcroppings rise gradually around you. Soon the eastern side of the looping trail begins to climb the rocky hilltops. Views from the top of the East Indio Hills stretch in all directions, providing vistas not only over the curious geology of the Badlands but also beyond, with San Jacinto to the west and, to the north, more distant mountains that mark the boundary with Joshua Tree National Park.

A concrete canal cuts through a dry desert landscape under a clear blue sky. Water flows between the canal walls, where a line of bright orange buoys stretches across the surface. A metal ladder is embedded into the right wall, and a small sign stands near the left edge. Sparse vegetation and distant mountains frame the scene.

Crossing the Coachella Canal marks the start of your hike.

The western portion of the loop travels through the heart of the Badlands, where the terrain becomes noticeably rockier. Here, the trail winds through narrow valleys carved into soft sedimentary rock; passages that fall somewhere between slot canyons and open washes. A few sections require some rock scrambling and occasional squeezes between the eroded walls.

Though the route is mostly well defined, it is also easy to find yourself in the wrong canyon at times; particularly on the west side of the loop. Using an offline map, such as our own, is recommended to avoid getting off route. Free trailhead parking is available for around twenty vehicles, with additional parking available along adjacent roadways.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Expect full sun exposure with no shade in the badlands. Stay safe by checking the forecast and planning to avoid peak heat. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight, non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV lip balm. Bring more water than you think you need, along with salt and electrolyte tablets.