Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the Palm Canyons are home to several lush oases of native California fan palms. All of the palm canyons—Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz (pronounced “tah-quits”), Chino, and Palm Canyons—are beautiful, but Palm Canyon is the showstopper, with more than 3,000 California fan palms, which makes it the largest stand of these hardy, towering trees in the world. Easily accessed from the end of South Palm Canyon Drive, this shady, natural retreat, where Native Cahuilla (“kaw-we-ah”) Indians once lived and that lies within the present-day Agua Caliente Reservation land, will provide an intimate look at the region’s amazing desert environment, a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history.
Things to Do in Palm Canyons
The Palm Canyons offer several different hiking trails that cater to all levels of hiking experience, from easy walks to more challenging treks. The most popular trail is the Andreas Canyon Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip that offers stunning views of the lush palm groves and the desert mountains. The trail is well marked and easy to follow, making it perfect for families with children.
For more adventurous hikers, the Palm Canyon Trail is a must-do. This 15-mile round trip takes you through the heart of the canyons, offering great views of the imposing palm trees, the rock formations, and the desert wildlife. It’s an experience that is taken in through sounds almost as much as sights, with a serene world punctuated by birdsong and the castanet-click sounds made by the palm fronds moving in the wind. In addition to the distance covered, the terrain itself is challenging, so be sure to pace yourself and pack enough water. (For a list of more than a dozen trails in Palm Canyon, see this page.)
Another highlight of the Palm Canyons—and perhaps the best known—is the aforementioned Tahquitz Canyon, which features a stunning 60-foot waterfall that can be seen from the trailhead. The waterfall is at its most impressive during the spring months when the snowmelt from the surrounding mountains feeds the canyon.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Palm Canyons are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of California. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the canyons, soaking in the serene atmosphere and marveling at the towering palm trees.
The Palm Canyons are also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors can spot birds like the great horned owl, the roadrunner, and the Cooper's hawk, among others.
Palm Canyons and Native American Culture and History
The Palm Canyons are not just a place of great natural beauty; they are also a place of cultural significance for the indigenous people of the area. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have lived in the Palm Springs area for over 2,000 years, and the canyons have always been an essential part of their culture and traditions. Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Cahuilla people at the Palm Springs Art Museum, which houses a permanent collection of artifacts and artwork from the tribe.
Horseback Riding in Palm Canyons
If you're looking for a unique way to experience the Palm Canyons, you can take a guided hourly or day horseback ride through Murray Canyon with Smoke Tree Stables. The tours are led by experienced wranglers—the family-owned outfit has been in operation since 1927—who will take you through the canyons and provide fascinating insights into the natural history of the area.