INDIAN CANYONS
text CHRISTINA RAINER
photography LUNAFORA
As the seasons change, the benefits of each new arrival reveal themselves. When the departing winter leaves behind its cooler temperatures combined with the summer breeze that approaches the horizon, we here in the desert are afforded the opportunity to bask in the bloom of a beautiful spring. Considered the true paradise of California, Coachella Valley is the ultimate getaway. Yes, Southern California has its coastal cities but what attracts tourists and locals alike to step outside is the perfect weather and the activities that accompany those conditions. From golfing to poolside lounging the best way to seize the day and its most natural of offerings are the hiking destinations. There is one specific cluster of canyons that offer the premium experience: The Indian Canyons.
Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains right up S.Palm Canyon Road, south of the well-known downtown Palm Springs strip. As you drive up Palm Canyon you will also pass by the Moorten Botanical Garden (on the right), which is a great detour to see 100s of different species of cacti. As you continue down the road you will notice the dissipating man-made structures from power lines and buildings to rocks and shrubbery neatly divided by a paved road. Finally a toll gate appears, labeled clearly and priced modestly, even discounts are offered for the elderly and the studious (military are free). Open from 8 am to 5pm it is recommended to get an early start so the possibility of exploring multiple canyons is greater (if you have the water and energy of course!). However be assured, each canyon is its own entity and provides a completely enjoyable observation with a plethora of natural unique geological beauty. The Indian Canyons are located on tribal land and have been preserved for centuries by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
There are several trails to explore that meander across the three canyons that make up the Agua Caliente reservation. The Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Palm Canyon are all comprised of hiking and equestrian trails that are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous. After paying the toll you will have to choose whether to go right and experience the Andreas Canyon or left and head towards the Murray and Palm Canyons.
The Andreas Canyon is a pleasant beginners’ introduction to the lands for it is a 2 mile loop that follows streams through acres upon acres of native California fan palms. The fire and flooding from the summer of 2013 that ravaged portions of the canyon are but mere memories with your occasional blackened trunk; trees stand tall as a testament to the strength of Mother Nature and her healing abilities. Breathtaking scenery of foothills meeting jagged mountains and paired with desert landscape and surrounding vegetation, it’s the contrast this magical place holds that lends to its very wonder. A true oasis in all aspects, Andreas Canyon also has elements of historical remnants that are preserved to this day convincing today’s traveler of how very possible it was to sustain life here as the Agua Caliente Band of Indians so successfully did.
The canyons are unique but also do have their similarities from hosting different types of wild life from rare birds to mountain sheep at higher elevations, to thousands of species of flowers and plants. When reaching the parking lot outside of Murray and Palm Canyon you will notice the settle gain in elevation and on the north side lays a small outlook of Palm Springs below and the south side holds wild untouched lands of naturally maintained oasis. Marking the start before the trail begins is the trading post that holds many treasures and artifacts from the authentic to awe-worthy. As you delve into the many trails you are surrounded by hundreds of fan palms, thick as a forest, it’s surprising how dense the oasis gets. It’s almost as some of the palms grow like weeds for some trees are completely knocked over but still attached to the ground growing in a horizontal position, and others grow almost to resemble Joshua Trees with all their curves and twists. Picnic tables can be found situated between the palms in certain openings to expand your hike to even more of a full day experience. The more moderate to strenuous trails can be found in these canyons jumping through creeks and dry waterfalls of sleek stone the beauty of this place is something to experience in a lifetime.
Palm Canyon is about 15 miles long so the elevations that the trail reaches are at the hiker’s discretion. From sea level to Jacinto peaks, adventure is waiting at every turn!
WEB: indian-canyons.com