Active & Wellness Experiences in Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley

Welcome to the ultimate active lifestyle getaway in the California desert. With 300+ days of sunshine, dramatic mountains, and natural hot springs, the Coachella Valley feels purpose-built for wellness and adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, yogi, golfer, or social pickleball player, this region offers luxurious yet health-conscious experiences to keep you energized. Below is a curated selection of the very best outdoor adventures, wellness retreats, sports activities, and community events — all reflecting the high-end, premium spirit of Rancho Mirage and its surroundings.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking through lush palm oases in the Indian Canyons is a must-do outdoor adventure in Palm Springs. Hiking in Desert Landscapes: The Coachella Valley boasts over 300 miles of trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs. Explore the legendary Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, where winding trails lead to hidden palm tree oases and waterfalls amid tribal lands. Or trek the popular “Bump and Grind” trail in Palm Desert for a vigorous hike with panoramic valley views. For a true wilderness feel, venture into Joshua Tree National Park (about an hour away) to roam otherworldly rock formations and Mojave Desert trails – an unforgettable day trip for avid hikers.

Riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt. San Jacinto offers sweeping views and access to alpine hiking trails. High-Altitude Tram Ride & Trails: Don’t miss the famed Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, which whisks you from the desert floor up to Mount San Jacinto State Park at 8,500 feet. In just 10 minutes, you’ll go from palm trees to pine forest. At the mountain station, dozens of alpine hiking trails await, letting you escape the heat and enjoy pine-scented air and stunning vistas of the valley below. It’s a unique chance to add a cool, high-altitude hike to your desert vacation – all accessible via an exciting tram journey (hint: go at sunset for golden views!).

• Scenic Cycling Routes: Thanks to wide-open roads and majestic mountain scenery, the valley is a cycling haven. Casual riders can cruise the paved CV Link path (a new multi-use trail connecting valley cities) or take guided bike tours through Palm Springs’ historic neighborhoods. For a tougher workout, challenge yourself on Tramway Road in Palm Springs – one of the steepest paved climbs in Southern California – or ride up Hwy 74 into the Santa Rosa Mountains for jaw-dropping switchback views. Bike rentals are plentiful (including e-bikes), so you can pedal at your own pace while soaking up that vitamin D under clear desert skies.
• Horseback Riding Adventures: Embrace the Old West spirit with a guided trail ride. Smoke Tree Stables in Palm Springs offers daily horseback excursions that ford gentle streams and lead to secluded palm groves in the Indian Canyons. It’s a tranquil way to experience the desert’s beauty from the saddle. Seasoned equestrians can even arrange rides along the historic Agua Caliente trails or through the Indio Hills. Prefer spectator sports? From January to April, you can also watch polo matches at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, a classic desert social scene (where the Coachella festival stages are set come spring).

Wellness & Mindfulness

• Luxury Spa Experiences: Indulge in world-class spa and healing therapies that the region is famous for. In downtown Palm Springs, the brand-new Spa at Séc-he (by the Agua Caliente Tribe) is making waves as a one-of-a-kind wellness destination, even being rated the #1 spa in America in 2024. This 73,000 sq. ft. oasis sits atop the natural hot springs that gave Palm Springs its name, offering mineral-rich thermal pools and treatments rooted in sacred healing traditions. In Rancho Mirage, the Ritz-Carlton Spa pampers guests with desert-inspired massages and cliffside relaxation lounges overlooking the valley. And just north in Desert Hot Springs, you’ll find boutique resorts like Two Bunch Palms and Azure Palm Hot Springs, where you can soak in geothermal mineral pools known to improve circulation and rejuvenate the body. Many resorts offer day passes, so you can spend an afternoon unwinding in “magical mineral waters” under the sun.
• Yoga & Meditation: It’s easy to find your Zen here. Greater Palm Springs is dotted with yoga studios and wellness centers – from Power Yoga Palm Springs to Bikram Yoga Palm Desert – catering to all styles. Many luxury resorts (and even some vacation rentals) offer complimentary sunrise yoga classes on site, often in scenic gardens or poolside. For a special experience, join an outdoor yoga session on the lawn at Old Town La Quinta or a sunset meditation at Sunnylands Gardens in Rancho Mirage. You can even take part in a sound bath meditation in the high desert: the iconic Integratron in nearby Landers offers 60-minute sound healing sessions with quartz crystal bowls, leaving you “wholly balanced and energized” under a geodesic dome. Whether it’s a guided meditation, breathwork class, or just quiet reflection amid nature, the desert’s calming energy is perfect for mindfulness practice.

Sports & Recreation

• Golf on Championship Courses: The Palm Springs area is synonymous with world-class golf. Guests of Rancho Mirage have a variety of championship courses to choose from, all with immaculate greens and mountain backdrops. Tee off at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort (featuring a Pete Dye course) or try your swing on the Gary Player Signature Course at Mission Hills – former host of an LPGA major. Nearby, Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert offers two top-rated public courses with postcard vistas. For the ultimate PGA experience, head to PGA West in La Quinta or Indian Wells Golf Resort, both of which regularly rank among the best in California. Many courses offer private lessons, and some even have cutting-edge swing analysis studios, so you can perfect your game in style. After your round, unwind at the elegant clubhouses for a cocktail – this is golf in the desert at its finest.
• Tennis Paradise: The Coachella Valley is a true tennis haven, from resort courts to one of the sport’s most hallowed venues. The crown jewel is the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, a state-of-the-art complex that hosts the annual BNP Paribas Open (one of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments). When the pros aren’t in town, the Tennis Garden operates as a year-round club open to the public, inviting you to “play where the pros play” on the same championship courts. Drop-in play, clinics, and lessons are available for visitors (and don’t miss Nobu restaurant on-site for post-match sushi!). Closer to Rancho Mirage, you’ll find excellent tennis facilities at places like Omni Rancho Las Palmas and Mission Hills Country Club. In fact, Mission Hills was the longtime host of the LPGA’s Dinah Shore golf tournament and has top-notch tennis programs – a testament to the area’s multi-sport pedigree. Whatever your skill levels, you can easily find a court and a friendly match amid palm trees and mountain views.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a world-class facility, offering public play on pro-level courts amid stunning desert mountain scenery. Pickleball & More: In recent years, pickleball has absolutely exploded in the desert, making this one of the country’s premier pickleball destinations. There’s even a new dedicated venue called Pickled Bar in Palm Desert, where you can play indoors, join ladder leagues, or take clinics in a social club atmosphere. Prefer an outdoor scene? Check out Paradise Pickleball near Indian Wells, a sprawling 21-court complex open to the public “for players of all levels”, complete with scheduled open play sessions and a lively community vibe. The valley even launched its own pro pickleball team – the Coachella Valley Scorpions – in 2024, underscoring the sport’s huge local popularity. Beyond pickleball, you can also enjoy lap swimming, rock climbing excursions in Joshua Tree with a guide, or even mountain biking events (the nearby Pinyon Flats trail is a favorite for advanced riders). From traditional sports to new trends, the options are endless to stay active.

Community & Social Activities

• Farmers Markets & Fresh Fare: To truly experience the local wellness culture, spend a morning at a Certified Farmers’ Market. Every Friday (Oct–May), the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market pops up at the community park, offering farm-fresh produce, artisanal foods, flowers, and handcrafted goods in an upbeat outdoor setting. Stroll the stalls with a fresh juice or kombucha in hand, chat with friendly vendors, and pick up organic ingredients for healthy meals back at your rental. Other valley cities host markets on weekends too – Palm Springs’ downtown market on Saturdays and Old Town La Quinta’s Sunday market are popular stops for foodies. These markets not only let you stock up on local dates, citrus, and avocados, but also often feature live music or yoga demos, making them festive community gatherings that nourish both body and soul.
• Group Hikes & Wellness Meetups: Staying fit is more fun with others, and visitors are welcome to join the Coachella Valley’s active community in organized events. The nonprofit Friends of the Desert Mountains leads free guided hikes on local trails throughout the week – a fantastic way to learn about desert flora and fauna while meeting fellow hikers. There are also several meetup groups for trail hiking, mountain biking, and walking, so you can find a group outing almost any day. If yoga or meditation is your preference, look out for community yoga classes often held in parks or public gardens (for example, outdoor yoga sessions are sometimes offered on the lawn in Old Town La Quinta, especially on weekend mornings). Hotels and wellness centers frequently host workshops on mindfulness, nutrition, or sound healing that are open to the public as well. By tapping into these meetups, you’ll feel the warm, welcoming vibe of the local wellness community and maybe make a new friend or two along the way.
• Pickleball Socials & Leagues: Want to mix fitness with a bit of friendly competition? The valley’s pickleball scene is extremely social and accessible. Many city parks (like Freedom Park in Palm Desert and Demuth Park in Palm Springs) have designated pickleball courts with open play sessions, where players rotate in and games are light-hearted and fun. You can drop in as a visitor and be welcomed – paddles are often available to borrow. For a more structured setting, Paradise Pickleball (mentioned above) runs weekly leagues and round-robins that you can join short-term, and some local community centers offer “learn to play” clinics for beginners. The bottom line: you’ll have no trouble finding a game or a group of enthusiasts to hit with. It’s a great way to stay active and social, especially during the beautiful mornings and evenings when the desert temps are perfect for outdoor sports.
• Charity Races & Fitness Events: Depending on the season, you might align your visit with one of the valley’s signature active events. A highlight each February is the Tour de Palm Springs, one of the largest charity bike rides in the country that draws 6,000–10,000 cyclists of all ages for supported rides through the desert. It’s a festive event (live music at rest stops, costumed riders, etc.) and even includes a walking option – visitors can certainly sign up and join the fun. Runners can look out for local 5K and 10K races, such as the Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge (an intense 3.7-mile uphill race each October) or various charity runs in Palm Desert. There’s also an annual Wellness Festival in Palm Springs and pop-up fitness classes like Zumba in the park that occur throughout the year. Participating in one of these events – or even just cheering on the athletes – can be a memorable way to feel the community’s spirit. It showcases how Rancho Mirage and its neighbors truly celebrate an active, health-conscious lifestyle together.

By choosing any of these activities, you’ll be immersing yourself in the premium wellness culture of Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley. From sunrise hikes and spa afternoons to social sports and local gatherings, each experience is crafted to keep you active, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to this beautiful desert destination. Enjoy your stay, and here’s to your health and adventure!