Sight guide · Palm Springs · United States
Visiting Indian Canyons
On the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Canyon holds one of the largest California fan palm oases in the world, with a trail descending from the Trading Post at Hermit's Bench.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Palm Springs · Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Indian Canyons is a nature spot in Agua Caliente Reservation, Palm Springs. Allow 2–4 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Agua Caliente Reservation
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, outdoors, kids and history
- Best months
- February–March and November
Plan a trip to Palm Springs
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Indian Canyons
On the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Canyon holds one of the largest California fan palm oases in the world, with a trail descending from the Trading Post at Hermit's Bench. Andreas Canyon has a gentle loop of about 1.6 km past rock formations and a stream, and Murray Canyon leads to a series of small falls.
Tip: Start at Andreas Canyon for an easy shaded walk, then drive on to Palm Canyon; carry plenty of water, as there is little shade on the upper trails.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–4 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Agua Caliente Reservation, Deepwell, Canyon Corridor and golf-course condos on the road to the Indian Canyons.
Best time to visit Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- March: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Palm Springs has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Palm Springs itinerary visits Indian Canyons on day 2, together with Tahquitz Canyon and Moorten Botanical Garden.
- No. 4 of the 16 sights in our Palm Springs things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Palm Springs.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Palm Springs.
- A family favourite in Palm Springs with kids.
If you like Indian Canyons
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Chino Canyon, Half a day
- Mid-century modern homes drive — Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms, 2–3 hours
- Mount San Jacinto State Park — San Jacinto Mountains, 2 hours to a full day
- Tahquitz Canyon — South of downtown, 2 hours
Staying near Indian Canyons
Stay in South Palm Springs ($$) to walk here: Deepwell, Canyon Corridor and golf-course condos on the road to the Indian Canyons. All areas to stay in Palm Springs.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Indian Canyons?
Plan 2–4 hours.
+Is Indian Canyons free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Indian Canyons?
February–March and November for the most comfortable weather. Start at Andreas Canyon for an easy shaded walk, then drive on to Palm Canyon; carry plenty of water, as there is little shade on the upper trails.
+Do I need to book Indian Canyons in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Indian Canyons good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Palm Springs. Palm Springs works well for families who rent a house with a pool or stay at a family-friendly resort, with the tramway, the Living Desert zoo and easy canyon walks as highlights.