The Indian Canyons

Directions: Tahquitz Canyon: 500 West Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, 92262. Phone (760) 416-7044. www.tahquitzcanyon.com. Indian Canyons - Andreas, Murray, Palm. 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 92262 Phone (760) 323-6018. www.theindiancanyons.com From downtown Palm Springs, proceed south a few blocks on Palm Canyon Dr. and turn right on Mesquite Avenue to reach Tahquitz Canyon. For the Indian Canyons, continue south on Palm Canyon Drive a few more blocks and keep right as the main road (now called East Palm Canyon Drive) turns to the left. Continue straight on South Palm Canyon Drive, which will lead you to the toll booth.

About the Site: The Indian Canyons - Andreas, Murray, and Palm - are sacred areas belonging to the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and are connected by hiking trails. Palm Canyon contains one of the world’s largest groves of native California Fan Palms. Tahquitz Canyon is best explored with a ranger-led interpretive hike, and has a spectacular 60-foot seasonal waterfall. Visitor centers at each site have local artifacts on display, along with information about the cultural and natural history of the area.

Habitats: Palm oases and desert riparian plant communities (desert willow, arrowweed, cottonwood, etc.) Adjacent xeric habitats include agave, yucca, creosote, ocotillo, and various kinds of cactus.

Birds and Other Wildlife: Signature Species: Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Common Poorwill (discovered hibernating in the area), White-throated Swift, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, Coyote, Raccoon, Desert Tarantula, California Fan Palm. Summer: White-winged Dove, Western Kingbird, Hooded Oriole, Chuckwalla, Collared Lizard, various bat and dragonfly species. Rarities: Golden Eagle, Vaux’s Swift, American Dipper, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Mountain Lion, Ringtail, Spotted Skunk, Red Diamond Rattlesnake.

Best Times to Visit: October to May.

Additional Notes: Open daily. Admission fee. The Indian Canyons are included within the boundaries of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Many miles of hiking trails are available, but are not wheelchair-accessible.