This is a fairly easy day hike if you are in the La Quinta area, but make sure to bring plenty of water. You may see some desert bighorn sheep, horses, snakes, etc. and you can bring your dog on leash, but the real beauty is the lake and everything getting to there.
From Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez.
You'll start heading out northeast and clearly marked trails that show the beauty of the desert landscape. You will follow this "orange" route for ~1.5mi until you get to the beginning of the golf course. From here you will just follow the course until you get to the lake. Time to have your lunch/ snacks and enjoy the surroundings. Just retrace your steps and make sure to take plenty of photos...you may even see some rare Desert Bighorn Sheep.
*there are 2 other hikes off of this trail system