Tahquitz Canyon Falls, Palm Springs CA


• 4-star hike
• 2 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 290 feet
• Palm Springs, CA | Southwest US
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The image shows a person standing on a stone platform at the edge of a small body of water, taking a photo or video with a smartphone. The scene is set in a rocky canyon with steep, rugged cliffs on either side. There is a small waterfall cascading down the rocks in the background, and some greenery is visible at the top of the cliffs and hanging from the branches of a tree. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.
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 even 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?
4★ Tahquitz Canyon Falls   1.7 mi loop, easy, gain 290 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

If the price is too steep for you, we wouldn't blame you. An alternative Palm Springs hike would be the South Lykken Trail which ascends a thousand feet above the city among desert wildflowers, cacti and maybe even a bighorn sheep if you're lucky enough. Check out our separate trail review and map in the link within this paragraph.

The image shows a person walking on a dirt path through a rocky and mountainous landscape. The sun is shining brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a strong shadow of the person on the ground. The surrounding area is filled with various types of vegetation, including bushes and small plants. The rocky cliffs and mountains in the background add to the rugged and natural beauty of the scene.
Use sunscreen and bring water. There's no shade along this trail.

The image shows a scenic view of a desert landscape with a residential area in the foreground. There are large rocks and vegetation in the foreground, with a modern building visible among the greenery. In the background, there are mountains and a clear blue sky. Wind turbines can be seen in the distance, indicating the presence of renewable energy sources.
Looking back towards the visitor center from near the end of the hike.

Tangents:
• Official: Tahquitz Canyon
• AllTrails Public: Tahquitz Canyon Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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