Length: 1/2 to 15 miles (depends on how far you want to Hike…)

Directions: To get to the Palm Springs Indian Canyons, take South Palm Canyon from Highway 111 and drive about two miles to the Indian Canyons tollgate. There are signs posted to help you find your way. After entering the Indian Canyons continue on the main road about 2 1/2 miles to the Trading Post. Park in the spaces provided and follow the signs down the canyon to the trailhead.

If you are ready to experience some of the most beautiful hiking the Palm Springs area has to offer, grab your CamelBak, other Hydration Pack or Hydroflask and get out on the trail!

After walking down the paved trail that leads from the Trading Post, continue to the right up into the canyon. You will be treated to abundant groves of Palm Trees and other desert vegetation, as well as many different types of desert wildlife. Continue hiking upstream for about 1/2 mile where you will cross over the stream bed and head up the left side of the canyon. After about another 1/4 of a mile you will come to an intersection. To continue further up the Palm Canyon Trail turn right and cross over the creek. Here you will begin to climb above the oasis. If you are prepared and willing, you can continue up this trail for 15 miles where it intersects Highway 74 south of Pinon Pines. However, don’t try this unless you are in extremely good shape and have proper provisions. If you are not into hiking the full 15 miles to Pinon Pines, Palm Canyon offers many other trails that will give the hiker beautiful views of the oasis, waterfalls, and the beautiful rugged San Jacinto mountains, and the Santa Rosa mountains in the distance. Some of the favorite destinations in Palm Canyon include ” Lost Paradise “, and “Bullseye Rock”.

During warm weather be advised that there are rattlesnakes in the area ( especially in Palm Canyon because of the abundant water and food supply, see photo below … ), so watch your step and stay on the trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and hike safely by following these hiking tips.

Look Out For Rattlesnakes

I don’t want to scare anyone, but I have seen several rattlesnakes after descending down into Palm Canyon from the trading post. Remember, they don’t want to mess with you any more than you want to mess with them. Leave them alone, don’t go walking through areas where you cannot see where you are stepping, and you really have nothing to worry about. Just be aware, and be smart!!