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A text woke me early in the morning.
It was my friend Judy. She had seen my Facebook posts stating that I was in Palm Springs.
Her text:
You have to go to Indian Canyon. 38520 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Do NOT miss this!
Judy has a love for travel…just like me. When she says to do something, I do it! Her recommendations are always spot on!
In the morning, I had headed north to seek out Pioneertown and the Desert Christ Park. Finishing my explorations just after noon, I calculated how fast I could get back to town and then checked the level of the sun. Knowing how much faster daylight wans in the canyon areas, I needed to step it up!
When I arrived at the entrance, I spoke with the ranger, confirming that I was in the right place. When I had texted Judy to see what I needed to see and do at Indian Canyon, her response was “Oldest palms in America.” So…I asked the ranger where I should go to see the oldest palms.
What I did not understand was that Indian Canyon has three different areas, Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon. The ranger recommended that if I wanted to see the ancient Washingtonia filiferas (California Fan Palm), I should head to Palm Canyon and then Andreas Canyon.
The drive to Palm Canyon wasn’t extremely long, but was very picturesque. Some abandoned buildings caught my eye and I quickly stopped to snap a few pictures. A short distance later, I caught sight of an amazing rock formation that apparently blocked the roadway before it was built. Some blasting was obviously involved and created a stunning piece of natural architecture to drive through!
Just past this area, I got my first sightings of the palms that this area was known for growing along a small stream. A few zig zags up the cliff and I pulled into the parking area. Spotting a couple of rangers, I quizzed them for some intel and was guided down the narrow path toward the canyon floor.
My first glimpse of the palm grove was breathtaking! Their appearance amid the stark rocky gorges and barren desert land was not quite what I expected and the first thought that came to mind was Egypt. I remember vividly the oases that we had driven past many years ago while visiting the pyramids and surrounding archeological areas.
The path to the canyon floor was a bit steep, but I had no problem making my way down. Following the rangers’ advice, I walked amidst the giant palms, stopping near the stream for some interesting photos and to inspect some of the Cahuilla Indian huts, while noting that it would be a nice spot to have lunch on one of the picnic tables under the shade of the palms. While the canyon is fifteen miles long, I decided to only hike for a short distance since I was alone and I also wanted to visit Andreas Canyon. After my trip back to the top, I stopped into the Trading Post to inspect the Indian art, artifact, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets and weaving…and let’s not forget…a bathroom break!
Driving back the way that I had come, I neared the entrance station, but at the traffic circle, I followed the signs to Andreas Canyon.
Finding a parking lot that spanned both sides of a small creek, I discovered that the Andreas Canyon Trail ventured out from both ends of the parking lot. I passed a couple more of the Cahuilla Indian huts before heading out on the mile-long loop. The sun was getting low in the sky but still highlighting many of the tall rock formations which was simply spectacular! The trail was fairly easy and I was alone for a good part of my hike. Eventually, I came to a small bridge spanning the Andreas Creek and then the hike became more rocky with the high rock wall stretching up to my left. The small, clear stream gurgled to my right and I imagined that during a hot summer day, it would be a great place to cool off your feet. Andreas Canyon had more than 150 species of plants in addition to its own palms within it lush oasis.
Since the daylight was growing dim (and I had dinner plans to dress for), I decided that Murray Canyon would have to wait for a future visit. This is the canyon where there are many equestrian trails and of course, more palms. Although this canyon is less frequented by hikers, it is the one where the endangered Big Horn Sheep, mule deer and other wild animals might be spotted on the higher ground.
When I had first decided to visit Palm Springs, I had vowed to do some hiking.
Thanks to Judy, I got to do that and enjoy some of Palm Springs natural beauty!
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Indian Canyons
- https://www.indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons
- Address: 38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, California
- Hours: October 1-July 4, 0800-1700, daily. July 5 – September 30, 0800-1700, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Last vehicle in at 1600. No animals allowed.
- Admission: Adults, $12.00, Seniors 62+, $7.00, Students, $7.00 (with student ID), Children (ages 6-12), $6.00, Military (with ID), free, Equestrian, $11.00, Annual Pass, $125.00. Equestrian Annual Pass, $150.00.