Tahquitz Canyon Falls, Palm Springs CA
• 4-star hike
• 1.7 mile loop
• Easy difficulty | Gain 290 feet
• Palm Springs, CA | Southwest US
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
The sixty foot waterfall at the end of Tahquitz Canyon.
Located where the San Jacinto Mountains meet the Coachella Valley on the Southwest edge of Palm Springs, the trail to Tahquitz Canyon Falls is a mostly easy stroll with occasional steps and 300 feet in elevation gain. The falls itself is further 60 feet in height, though it feels taller in person.
Previously a popular spot for hiking and frequent partying, this canyon suffered from years of mistreatment, litter and damage to ancient petroglyphs. The Agua Caliente band of Coahuila Indians took to the land, cleaned it up and from 2001 reopened the canyon for tribal ranger led group hikes. The canyon now sports a well appointed new visitor center, an excellent trail and guide map. This comes at a price however - $15 per adult and $7 per child (2022 prices) can add up to a significant sum, but then again how often do you get to pay the real landowners for the privilege of hiking on their land?
Tahquitz Canyon Falls Tahquitz Canyon Falls 4★1.7 mi, Loop, Easy, Gain 290 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
If the price is too steep for you, we wouldn't blame you. An alternative well reviewed trail nearby would be the South Lykken Trail (Public Map at AllTrails). We haven't hiked this alternative trail, but although it won't give you waterfall views it does provide solitude and great views over the Coachella Valley which you can't get on the Tahquitz Canyon Falls hike.
Use sunscreen and bring water. There's no shade along this trail.
Looking back towards the visitor center from near the end of the hike.
Tangents:
• External Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
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