Canyon Season Is Back: Fall Hiking at Tahquitz and Indian Canyons

October is when Palm Springs hikers come out of summer hibernation. Temperatures drop, the tribal canyons go back to daily hours, and the best trails in town are open seven days a week again. Here is how to plan your first canyon hikes of the season.

Tahquitz Canyon

Just minutes from downtown, Tahquitz Canyon is a sacred site of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The trail leads to a seasonal 60-foot waterfall, passing rock art and ancient irrigation channels along the way. Ranger-led hikes are included with admission and are the best way to hear the canyon’s stories. From Oct 1 through July 4 it is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last hikers on the trail at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for kids 6 to 12. Start at the visitor center at 500 W Mesquite Ave.

Indian Canyons

At the south end of town, the Indian Canyons offer palm oasis trails through Palm, Andreas and Murray canyons. Palm Canyon alone runs about 15 miles, and the Trading Post at the top sells maps and snacks. From Oct 2 through July 5 the canyons are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last vehicle in at 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, and $6 for kids 6 to 12. For trail-by-trail picks, read our guide to hiking Indian Canyons.

Tips for the trail

• Start early. Even in fall, midday sun in a rocky canyon is no joke.
• Carry water. At Tahquitz it is required to go on the trail.
• Leave the dog at home. Pets are not allowed in either canyon.
• Expect short waits on busy weekends, when the Tribe can pause entry at capacity.
• U.S. military with ID get in free at both.

Make a day of it

Follow a morning hike with a long lunch downtown, then an afternoon at the pool. Browse Things To Do for more outdoor ideas, and check the events calendar for what is happening while you are here.