Hiking at Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs on Sacred Land

Hiking, Sponsored

Hike Tahquitz Canyon for waterfalls, native wildlife, and educational ranger-led tours celebrating the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

by | Sep 23, 2025

A rare sighting of a Peninsular bighorn sheep at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIE IRWIN, COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS

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The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has stewarded the beautiful and serene Tahquitz Canyon since time immemorial. Today, the canyon’s 1.8-mile loop trail near downtown Palm Springs is a popular hiking spot, steering adventurers from its entrance to a majestic seasonal waterfall a mile up the rocky trail.

Discover native wildlife such as Peninsular bighorn sheep meandering through their natural habitat. Lizards, birds, and squirrels take respite in the surrounding environment.

Tahquitz Falls is best appreciated in March and April when the waterfall is at its fullest.

PHOTO BY TOM BREWSTER, COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS

The highlight of this sacred and sensitive spot is the seasonal 60-foot Tahquitz Falls, which cascades into a deep pool most of the year.

Petroglyphs and ancient irrigation systems built by Cahuilla ancestors in the Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz, and Chino canyons remind and educate visitors of the cultural significance of the area revered for its rejuvenation and power. 

Join a ranger-led interpretive hike up the trail to learn even more about how the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians maintains and preserves the area. Nature, tranquility, and educational opportunities await at Tahquitz Canyon.

Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center

Located at the entrance to the canyon, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits along with an observation deck and a theater room showing a short film on the story of Tahquitz.

Tahquitz Canyon

500 W. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
760-323-6018
tahquitzcanyon.com

Tahquitz Canyon

500 W. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
760-323-6018
tahquitzcanyon.com

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