Overview
Indian Canyons makes a wonderful adventure for any van or RV nomad who wants to hike and learn more about the Indian culture surrounding Palm Springs. It’s comprised of Palm, Andreas, and Murry Canyons. Each canyon offers trails that take you back into these vast canyons with their towering walls. During the winter and spring months, the river will be flowing, and the wildlife will be on display.
Adventure
Indian Canyons will offer any van or RV nomad an amazing day of hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. It comprises three main canyons; Palm, Andreas, and Murry Canyon. These canyons have numerous hiking trails that meander through them and are rated from easy to strenuous.
Map: Trail Maps
Palm Canyon
Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and has a visitor center where you can arrange a tour of the area or shop for souvenirs and refreshments. The canyon is a mix of desert and gorges with flora. There’s a moderate trail that leaves from the visitor center down to the canyon.
Beware: The road to the Palm Canyon visitor center passes through Split Rock. Some large Vans and RV will not drive through Split Rock and will have to park at the RV parking located 1/10 mile before Split Rock.
Andreas Canyon
A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations, and the perennial Andreas Creek. One can still see bedrock mortars and metates used centuries ago for preparing food. The canyon is perfect for photography, bird-watching, or a picnic at one of the tables along the trail.
Murry Canyon
Murry Canyon is my favorite because the parking area is shaded under Palm trees, and there’s a small stream running through it. A trail that originates in Andreas Canyon and takes you to Murry Canyon which is the next canyon over.
Parking & Fee
Both Palm Canyon and Murry canyon have parking areas and restrooms. Remember the road to the Palm Canyon visitor center passes through Split Rock. Some large Vans and RV will not drive through Split Rock and will have to park at the RV parking located 1/10 mile before Split Rock.
- Fee: Adult $9 / Child $5
- Hours: Oct. 1 – July 4: daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.(Last vehicle in at 4 p.m.)
Hours: July 5 – Sept. 30: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.(Last vehicle in at 4 p.m.)
References and Links
- Website: Indian Canyons
Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon a great quick getaway in Palm Springs. The canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the canyon entrance, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits, displays of artifacts, an observation deck, and a theater room for viewing.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a great way to beat the heat of Palm Springs and spend time in the mountains. The tram takes you up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park (8,516 feet), where there are plenty of hiking trails and campgrounds you can enjoy. It makes a great place for any van or RV nomad to spend the day exploring the wilderness.
