Indian Canyons
add photosFrom June through September, only open on the weekends from 7:30am-5pm.
Ranger-led Hikes
(2 miles round trip, 2 1/2 hours duration)
Departs from Visitor Center
8:00AM, 10:00AM, 12:00PM & 2:00PM
Self-Guided Hikes
Departs from Visitor Center 7:30AM - 3:30PM
The Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a two mile loop trail which leads to Tahquitz Falls and back. From the Visitor Center to the falls you will be gaining 350 feet in elevation. The trail is steep and rocky with many rock steps to climb. You must have good balance and be able to climb up and down rock steps that may be as high as 12 - 15 inches.
This canyon has very little shade, no restroom facilities, and no water fountains. Hikers must dress appropriately for the weather conditions, protect themselves from the sun, carry water, and wear hiking boots or sneakers. Those with leather sole shoes, high heels, or flip flops may not be allowed on the trail.
2 Reviews for Indian Canyons
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121
'10, '11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing palm oases and miles of hiking trails for outdoor loving families"
Prior to our visit to the Indian Canyons, I had never given much thought to the name "Palm Springs". I figured they decided to go with the desert theme ad run with it. After the time I spent in Palm Canyon, I have no doubt as to why the city got its name.
Indian Canyons is comprised of at least 4 canyons owned by the Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribe. There is an entry fee of $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6 to 12 which goes to the tribe and allows you to spend all day at exploring the different canyons. My family opted to take the trail down into Palm Canyon, a fifteen mile deep canyon filled with palm trees feeding off a creek and various shallow springs. I have never seen so many palm trees in my life! Their shade was a welcome relief from the warming desert sun.
My kids loved playing by (and in) the stream, eating lunch under the cooling palm trees, watching squirrels dart out to bring some palm fruit back to their nests, and discovering lizards creeping around the trunks of the palms in search for a nice spot in the sun.
We had plans to explore this canyon and another one of the other canyons further but unfortunately, my son's belly had other plans and we had to cut things short. Disappointing, yes, but it also gives us something to look forward to on our next visit to Palm Springs!
Update: We went to Indian Canyons a second time with Desert Adventures (see my review of Desert Adventures for more info about these amazing tours) and got to know the area even more! Andreas Canyons is a great little 1 mile loop hike for families that follows a stream back into the canyon with plenty of fan palms to shade your walk. Murray Canyon is great for families with kids who can handle a hike that is about 2 miles each way. There are seven waterfalls with pools called the Seven Sacred Sisters and our guide said rocks make for great slides into the water! There is a seasonal waterfall on the right hand side of the Trade Post near Palm Canyon is a great little pit stop.
Bottomline: As long as it isn't too hot (I am thinking avoid this spot in the summer), the canyons are a great place to get outside and enjoy the beauty and miracle that water can provide in the desert. Families of all different hiking abilities will enjoy this unique spot so close to an urban area.
Disclosure: My family did receive complimentary admission to Indian Canyons as guests of the Palm Springs Visitors Center. The center did not ask that I express ay particular opinion and all of my reviews always reflect my honest opinion of an activity.
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"Fun with the Family"
Revenues from admission help fill the tribe’s coffers, but this cluster of oases is a priceless natural jewel. With some of the thickest concentrations of palm trees in the
world, thanks to the cool mountain streams that flow through them, the site provides a refreshing refuge from the heat of the desert. There are actually four separate
canyons, comprising 32,000 acres: Palm, Tahquitz, Murray, and Andreas. (Note that the Tahquitz Canyon entrance is at 500 West Mesquite Road; guided hikes from there start at 8:00 A.M. Call 760–416–7044 for details.) All have trails for walking or hiking and well-maintained recreational facilities. The unusual rock formations in Andreas Canyon are the repository of ancient Cahuilla rock art. Tours operate Monday
through Thursday 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., and 3:00 P.M.
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