Indian Canyons
Palm Springs, CA
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.5(1,145 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
There is an entry fee and much of the ground is exposed, so reviewers say bring water and go early. Some shaded, beginner-friendly trails sit near the entrance. Parking gets awkward when busy, signage is patchy and cell service is spotty, so carry a map. Snacks are sold at one trailhead.
Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, these palm-lined canyons offer shaded, family-friendly hikes — Palm Canyon's easy trails wind past the world's largest California fan palm oasis and a seasonal creek. Go early and carry plenty of water; summer temps soar. In peak summer it's only open Fri–Sun, last vehicle in at 4pm.
38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Adults $12, kids $6, seniors/military $7
Map
What visitors say
- Edita Muri★★★★★
We recently visited the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs and did a 5-mile hike—easily one of the highlights of our trip. The landscape is honestly stunning: a mix of desert terrain, dramatic rock formations, and lush palm oases that feel almost surreal. It’s hard to believe something this green and vibrant exists just minutes from the city. The trails are well-marked and offer a great balance between challenge and enjoyment. Our hike took us through both open, sun-exposed sections and shaded areas with flowing streams, which made it feel really dynamic and never boring. The contrast between dry desert and cool palm groves is what makes this place so special. What stood out most was how peaceful it felt. Even though it’s a popular spot, there are moments where you feel completely immersed in nature. The area also has a deep cultural history as the ancestral land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which adds another layer of meaning to the experience.  A few practical notes: bring plenty of water (it gets hot quickly), wear proper hiking shoes, and try to go early in the morning. The heat can be intense, and many sections are exposed. That said, the effort is absolutely worth it. Overall, I’d highly recommend Indian Canyons for anyone visiting Palm Springs—whether you’re a casual walker or want a longer hike like we did. It’s one of those places that really exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
4 months ago
- Doug Gordon★★★★★
This is an enjoyable place to hike just outside of Palm Springs. We had been here on a previous visit to the area 10 years ago and were anxious to return. We arrived about noon to avoid the early crowds and on a day when it wasn't too hot. Being a good bit older, we found that the trails marked "Easy" were challenging enough for us now. We did the Lower Andreas Loop and then drove to the upper parking area to do an out-and-back on the Palm Canyon Trail. Both were scenic but the Andreas trail was more enjoyable for being a bit more challenging and also less crowded (although neither was "crowded" in an urban sense!). Palm Canyon was a good place to finish for the day since there's a booth selling ice cream when you get back to the top! :-)
6 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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