Sight guide · Palm Springs · United States
Visiting Tahquitz Canyon
A loop trail of about 3 km climbs rocky steps into a canyon sacred to the Cahuilla, ending at an 18-metre seasonal waterfall.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Tahquitz Canyon is a nature spot in South of downtown, Palm Springs. Allow 2 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- South of downtown
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, active, outdoors and history
- Best months
- February–March and November
Plan a trip to Palm Springs
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About Tahquitz Canyon
A loop trail of about 3 km climbs rocky steps into a canyon sacred to the Cahuilla, ending at an 18-metre seasonal waterfall. The visitor centre at the trailhead has exhibits on Agua Caliente history, and rangers lead guided hikes on some days.
Tip: Visit in winter or early spring, when snowmelt and rain mean the waterfall is actually flowing; by late summer it can be a trickle.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: South of downtown.
Best time to visit Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon 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 Tahquitz Canyon on day 2, together with Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden.
- No. 5 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.
Near Tahquitz Canyon
Within walking distance of Tahquitz Canyon (straight-line distances):
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum — about 1.3 km away, 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Palm Springs Art Museum — about 1.6 km away, 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Moorten Botanical Garden — about 1.2 km away, 1 hour, low cost
If you like Tahquitz Canyon
- Mount San Jacinto State Park — San Jacinto Mountains, 2 hours to a full day
- Indian Canyons — Agua Caliente Reservation, 2–4 hours
- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — Palm Desert, 3–4 hours
- Coachella Valley Preserve — Thousand Palms, 1.5–3 hours
Staying near Tahquitz Canyon
Where to stay in Palm Springs compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Tahquitz Canyon?
Plan 2 hours. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is about 1.3 km away in a straight line, so the two fit a half-day.
+Is Tahquitz Canyon free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Tahquitz Canyon?
February–March and November for the most comfortable weather. Visit in winter or early spring, when snowmelt and rain mean the waterfall is actually flowing; by late summer it can be a trickle.
+Do I need to book Tahquitz Canyon in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.