USA Guide
California
Indian Canyons
Most visitors to Palm Springs never leave the poolside, but desert enthusiasts still visit to hike and ride in the Indian Canyons where centuries ago, ancestors of the Cahuilla developed extensive agricultural communities. The Palm Canyon Trading Post, 380 N Palm Canyon Drive (same hours as canyons; 760/323-6018), is a gift shop that serves as the de facto visitor center, from which mile-long guided hikes (90min; $3) leave during regular canyon hours. The canyons are about fifteen miles long, and can be toured by car, although it's worth walking at least a few miles; the easiest trails lead past the waterfalls, rocky gorges, and copious palm trees of Palm Canyon (3 miles) and Andreas Canyon (1 mile). Some areas are set aside for trailblazing in jeeps and four-wheel-drive vehicles: you can rent one from Off-Road Rentals, four miles north of town at 59511 Hwy-111 (Sept– June only; $40 per hour; 760/325-0376, www.offroadrentals.com), or take a guided jeep adventure around the Santa Rosa Mountains with Desert Adventures, 67555 E Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City (3–4hr; $129–169; 760/340-2345, www.red-jeep.com).(daily 8am–5pm, summer Fri– Sun only; $8; www.indian-canyons.com).
Address: S Palm Canyon Drive
Opening time: Daily 8am–5pm, summer Fri– Sun only
Price: $8
Website: www.indian-canyons.com