Palm Springs Itinerary: Top 3 Hiking Trails

Did you know Palm Springs has some amazing hiking trails?  Keep reading for my top 3 hiking trails to add to your next Palm Springs itinerary!

When I think of Palm Springs I think of mid-century modern architecture, flamingo pool floaties, retro swimsuits and an umbrella in my drink!  However, we traveled to Palm Springs the first week of December 2022 and the weather was in the 60’s, so no pool days for us.  No worries … Palm Springs still has plenty to do, including some of the most unique and picturesque hikes!

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, minutes outside of downtown Palm Springs, is home to some incredible hiking options including The Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon.

Indian Canyons has 3 major areas to explore including Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon and Palm Canyon. There is a small entrance fee ($12/adult) to access these trails. There was no water in Murray Canyon at the time we visited so we skipped this hike.

Tahquitz Canyon is nearby and has a separate entrance fee ($15/adult), however if you visit Indian Canyons first you’ll receive a coupon for a discounted entry rate.

I loved all 3 areas we hiked, each trail offered a unique experience.  All Trails labeled these 3 trails “easy” but please consider them to be more strenuous in hotter weather. You could split the hikes up into different days (although you would have to pay the entrance fee again), but we had a wonderful day of hiking and fit them all into one day!

Hike 1: Andreas Canyon Hike

We started our day with Andreas Canyon Trail. It is an easy and beautiful 1 mile loop trail to start or end your day. Definitely a great hike for kids! There is a picnic area and porta-potty at the trailhead, so it would be a perfect spot for a shaded picnic lunch. This loop trail is very flat and follows Andreas Creek. I loved exploring the lush flora along the creek and was in awe of the flowing water in the middle of the desert … a true oasis! The half-way point of the trail is a small footbridge that takes you across the creek to meander back down to the trailhead.

The juxtaposition of the fan palms against the landscape of unique rock formations was so unique, I had never seen anything like it. Definitely a must-see hike to add to your Palm Springs itinerary!

Hike 2: Tahquitz Canyon Hike

Our second hike of the day was Tahquitz Canyon. Upon arrival you must enter the visitor center to pay the entrance fee and get a trail briefing. They have a nice restroom and hiking poles available to borrow. The trail brief (quick lecture given by a staff member) was strict on how strenuous this hike is and that it is mandatory to take water. There was also a disclaimer that you are not allowed to hike this trail with any health issues. I was anxious to see how hard the hike would be, but was pleasantly surprised by it’s ease. I would consider it easy-moderate, but not strenuous. However, it would be more difficult in hotter weather … again, it was in the 60’s when we visited.

This 2 mile loop trail has many steps to slowly climb 350 feet of elevation. At the summit you are greeted with a beautiful 60-foot waterfall.  On a hot day you can dip your toes in the gleaming pool to experience Tahquitz Falls up close and personal. The descent offered stunning panoramic views. I was on the lookout for big horned sheep but sadly never saw one.

After this hike we worked up an appetite and found a great lunch spot to enjoy a fresh and healthy meal. Palm Greens Cafe offered a ton of organic smoothies, juices, salads & bowls. I had the Acai Bowl and my mom had the Mediterranean Plate. It was the perfect place to refuel for our final hike.

Hike 3: Palm Canyon Hike

It’s safe to say we saved the best for last. This hike transports you to a prehistoric time, or a movie scene filmed in Morocco. As you enter the Palm Canyon Trail you immediately step into breathtaking views of the massive Fan Palms below.

There is a trading post and porta-pottys near the trailhead and a picnic area near the creek under the shade of the giant palms. We followed the palms through the valley via Palm Canyon Trail and up over the ridgeline hilltop to Victor Trail which ends up being about a 3 mile loop. This tail is one of the most scenic in the Indian Canyons. The start of Palm Canyon is fairly flat and easy but has a slow uphill grade until it meets Victor Trail.

The change from Palm to Victor is incredible – from magnificent palms to barren rocky desert. Along the the to rocky gorge you are rewarded with spectacular views overlooking the oasis below.

I would consider Victor moderate, however this was the last hike of a big day of hiking so I think no matter what we were spent after completing this leg of the hike.

TIP: On a hot day it’s recommended to hike counterclockwise, starting with Victor Trail and ending in the shade of Palm Canyon Trail.

We ended the night eating al fresco at Birba, a modern Italian eatery sipping on Italian red wine and eating fresh pasta. I had Tagliatelle con Fiori and my mom had the Spaghetti Pomodoro with “Nonna’s” Spicy Meatballs and the garlic knot … another amazing meal.

Happy Hiking!

SS