If you are considering undertaking the entire ~20 mile, all-day walk, then these answers are appropriate and have been provided by folks who must be super-fit, experienced and dedicated hikers who had good hiking shoes and other gear and took supplies of food and water. However, your question suggests you might not be in that category...........and you don't need to do the entire trail. I would love to hike the full trail one day, but I have hiked the first section - that begins at the Art Museum parking lot - many times. I walk as far as I have time for and feel up to on the day, then turn around and walk back again. It is a very steep and rocky trail, but you don't need to go very far to get amazing views over Palm Springs. If you make it to the picnic benches (20-30 mins depending on your level of fitness), you have done pretty well. If you continue on to the first Rescue Box, then that is a solid 2 hour + return trip. Don't do it on hot days...............
With the group I took, we did it within 16 hrs to finished the whole hike. It took us to get to the ranger station by 0930 as we started at 1230.. so took us 9 hrs to reached the ranger station. Basically, base on your pace.. don't do it during summer due to the heat.. try hiking during the fall time.
I'm 55 years old and it took me 8 hours to get to the tram. I took 10 minute rests every hour. From the tram Its another 3 or so miles to the summit. I didn't do that part but I assime I could make the summit and back to Long Valley ( top of the tram) in 4 hours. Take the tram down! Also it's a little ify doing it this time of the year due to the heat-be careful.
12 to 17 hours, my moving time was 12 and a half hours. My wife invited a few friends who are all reasonably fit and experienced hikers, one stopped at the tram and the other two completed the adventure. But was slow going after we reached the ranger station. For them took a lot longer 17- 20 hours..
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