Boo Hoff Trail
The Boo Hoff Trail is a strenuous 8.8 mile hike with an elevation change of 1,916 feet.
To walk the Boo Hoff Trail is to trace the history of trail use in the Santa Rosas. The trail started as an historic Indian path and was later improved by the Desert Riders, an equestrian group that did much to protect and enhance our trails. It’s named for a founder of the group. Access the trail from the top of La Quinta Cove.
As you venture from the urban edge of La Quinta into the Santa Rosa Wilderness, you’ll soon forget how close you are to civilization. Up here, stately ocotillos burst with green leaves a few days after a rain. Barrel cacti cling to the rugged slopes. You are now in the habitat of the bighorn sheep, so keep an eye out for them. Please stay on the trail to limit your impact.
Along the way, enjoy spectacular vistas of the Salton Sea and the peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. You may continue deeper into the Santa Rosa Wilderness via the Guadalupe Trail, which can be difficult to follow in places – hiker rescues are not uncommon here. This is a strenuous hike so be sure you know the route and are prepared. You can also stay on the Boo Hoff as it heads east toward Lake Cahuilla; end your hike here if you have arranged for a shuttle. Or loop back to La Quinta Cove via the La Quinta Cove-Lake Cahuilla Trail – a round-trip distance of 12 miles.
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument website
General Information
Contact Name: Please report trail conditions to
Contact Phone: (760) 862-9984
Address: 51500 Highway 74 Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: (760) 862-9984
Hours: Thursday through Monday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
From the Cove Oasis Trailhead at the top of La Quinta Cove, follow Bear Creek Canyon to where the trail leaves the sandy wash – look for the signs.
Parking
From Highway 111 in La Quinta, go south on Washington Street, turn right on Eisenhower Drive (which eventually curves to the south) and continue going south to Calle Tecate.
Parking is available in the trailhead parking lot or on the street.
Directions
Latitude 33.6441292
Longitude -116.3160983
Elevation 51- 1916
Distance 8.8 miles
Difficulty Strenuous
Additional Information
Operated By
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
