Tag Archives: desert

Hiking

Palm Canyon Trail

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Palm Canyon is said to have the highest concentration of California fan palms anywhere in the world.

Back when we lived in the Joshua Tree area, I loved hiking and blogging about new places I’d explore. At some point, I changed my blog address, and some of those early hiking blog posts were lost. I’m working on recovering those posts and adding them back in as fresh content on this site. I’ll post them as originally written, then add the date to the bottom of the post. I’ve also added a hiking page with a growing list of cool places I’ve hiked in Southern California and beyond. Here’s the first in a series of posts you’ll see over the next few days. This one was originally written on January 2, 2017…

I’ve done quite a bit of hiking in the Joshua Tree area, but today was my first hike in Palm Springs. I drove down to the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and took a six mile round trip hike along the Palm Canyon Trail/Stone Pools. Weather was cool and overcast, with a slight breeze, making it the perfect day for a desert hike. Here are some favorite shots.

The Fan Palms are huge. As soon as you descend into the river bottom, you’ll find picnic tables, an Indian hut, rocks to climb, a creek bed, and a maze of palms.
Hikers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the trails. Many are designated for equestrian use too.
Palm trees and snow peaks. You gotta love Southern California.
Far back down the canyon are the Palm Springs windmills.
About three miles up the Palm Canyon Trail are the Stone Pools. There was a moderate amount of water from our recent winter rains. This was a peaceful area and would be a great spot for a picnic.
“Teddy Bear” Cholla dot the landscape high above the canyon. These cacti almost seem to glow in the afternoon sun.

When taking any of the south Indian Canyon hikes, be sure to check out West Fork Falls near the Palm Canyon Trading Post.

(This hike was originally taken on January 2, 2017. Photo journal was reposted on my blog on July 24, 2026)