Cahuilla Hills Park Accessibility Improvement Project

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Cahuilla Hills Park Accessibility and Amenity Improvements

The City of Palm Desert will begin a project in September 2025 to improve access and enhance visitor amenities at Cahuilla Hills Park. These improvements are focused on meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and making the park more functional for a wider range of users.

Project Purpose
This project is designed to improve accessibility for park visitors by creating a more navigable and usable space for individuals with mobility needs. The enhancements will also add new features to support recreational use and comfort.

Planned Improvements

  • Installation of a concrete pathway connecting the parking area to the tennis courts, designed to meet ADA accessibility standards
  • Construction of a new shaded pavilion
  • Improved trailhead access
  • Placement of picnic benches to accommodate group and family use

Timeline

  • Start Date: September 2025
  • Estimated Duration: Three months
  • Target Completion: December 2025 (pending weather and construction conditions)

Trail Access
Trail access will remain throughout the project, but please be aware that the path may change as construction takes place.

What to Expect During Construction
Some areas of the park may be temporarily closed during the project. Dust, construction noise, and equipment activity should be expected. The City will work to limit disruptions as much as possible and thanks the public for its patience during this improvement effort.

Project Graphic
Please see the graphic below to review the project's scope and design.


Questions or Feedback?
Residents are encouraged to use the “Ask a Question” tool at the bottom of this page to share concerns or questions related to the project.

Cahuilla Hills Park Accessibility and Amenity Improvements

The City of Palm Desert will begin a project in September 2025 to improve access and enhance visitor amenities at Cahuilla Hills Park. These improvements are focused on meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and making the park more functional for a wider range of users.

Project Purpose
This project is designed to improve accessibility for park visitors by creating a more navigable and usable space for individuals with mobility needs. The enhancements will also add new features to support recreational use and comfort.

Planned Improvements

  • Installation of a concrete pathway connecting the parking area to the tennis courts, designed to meet ADA accessibility standards
  • Construction of a new shaded pavilion
  • Improved trailhead access
  • Placement of picnic benches to accommodate group and family use

Timeline

  • Start Date: September 2025
  • Estimated Duration: Three months
  • Target Completion: December 2025 (pending weather and construction conditions)

Trail Access
Trail access will remain throughout the project, but please be aware that the path may change as construction takes place.

What to Expect During Construction
Some areas of the park may be temporarily closed during the project. Dust, construction noise, and equipment activity should be expected. The City will work to limit disruptions as much as possible and thanks the public for its patience during this improvement effort.

Project Graphic
Please see the graphic below to review the project's scope and design.


Questions or Feedback?
Residents are encouraged to use the “Ask a Question” tool at the bottom of this page to share concerns or questions related to the project.

Ask a Question

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  • Share Thanks for this project - it's going to be GREAT! Just a few questions - Where is the best place to access the trailhead? I'm looking to hike up the hill to jump on Hopalong to either the Cross or make my way over to the Bump and Grind. Any idea when the trailhead access will be restored? Will access be granted in phases or be restored when the project is scheduled to be completed in December? Thanks again! on Facebook Share Thanks for this project - it's going to be GREAT! Just a few questions - Where is the best place to access the trailhead? I'm looking to hike up the hill to jump on Hopalong to either the Cross or make my way over to the Bump and Grind. Any idea when the trailhead access will be restored? Will access be granted in phases or be restored when the project is scheduled to be completed in December? Thanks again! on Twitter Share Thanks for this project - it's going to be GREAT! Just a few questions - Where is the best place to access the trailhead? I'm looking to hike up the hill to jump on Hopalong to either the Cross or make my way over to the Bump and Grind. Any idea when the trailhead access will be restored? Will access be granted in phases or be restored when the project is scheduled to be completed in December? Thanks again! on Linkedin Email Thanks for this project - it's going to be GREAT! Just a few questions - Where is the best place to access the trailhead? I'm looking to hike up the hill to jump on Hopalong to either the Cross or make my way over to the Bump and Grind. Any idea when the trailhead access will be restored? Will access be granted in phases or be restored when the project is scheduled to be completed in December? Thanks again! link

    Thanks for this project - it's going to be GREAT! Just a few questions - Where is the best place to access the trailhead? I'm looking to hike up the hill to jump on Hopalong to either the Cross or make my way over to the Bump and Grind. Any idea when the trailhead access will be restored? Will access be granted in phases or be restored when the project is scheduled to be completed in December? Thanks again!

    DocGusto asked 29 days ago

    Hi DocGusto,

    Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your thoughts about the Cahuilla Hills Park project. We appreciate your interest in the area and your patience as work continues to enhance this well-loved community space.

    Trail access will remain open throughout construction via the following alternate routes:

    • For the Gabby Hayes Trail, walk approximately 120 feet west of the parking lot, and

    • For the Herb Jefferies Trail, walk approximately 550 feet north along the storm channel from the parking lot.

    Hikers will continue to have full access to trails through these alternate points until Cahuilla Hills Park reopens in February 2026 (access will not occur in phases). Directional signage is in place to help hikers locate these alternate routes. 

    Thank you again for your message and for being part of the conversation as we work to improve the Cahuilla Hills area for everyone who enjoys it. Please reach out if you have any additional questions. 

    Warm regards,
    City of Palm Desert