When you think of the desert, not many people think palm trees. But there is a beautiful hiking area known as Palm Canyon, right outside of Palm Springs, in the desert. A hike through the canyon is like being transported to an ancient time.
The California Fan Palms provide a striking contrast to the desert surroundings.Your visit can be a leisurely walk or husky hike over hills and through creek beds. With either choice you will be rewarded with tremendous beauty of towering mountains, ancient palms, springs and lots of picture opportunities.
Palm Canyon is part of the Indian Canyons Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Admission ranges from $5 for children to $9 for adults. The Trading Post at the beginning of the Palm Trail is a nice gift shop. The trails are open October 1st through July 4th. But the month of December is pretty quiet and the weather is generally pleasant. For more information www.indian-canyons.com
The following photos were taken on the Palm trail and surrounding trails of East Fork, Dry Wash and Indian Potrero.
Bed rock polished from the creek.
Palm canyon pools on the floor.
Some palms stand alone.
Narrow passage of cliff and palms.
Almost looks like a theme park.
Palms high on cliff overhead.
Little cactus just starting out.
Sometimes you have to climb to stay on the trail.
The desert is a good place to read, write and meditate.
Towering mountains feed the springs in the canyon.
Wide open undulating hills.
Cactus lit up in afternoon sun.
Palm Springs in the distance.
Trail rabbit.
Near the head waters of the creek.
The first palm I came across at the beginning of the canyon.
Palms lined up in the afternoon shadow.
A look down the canyon.
Back at the beginning: the oasis.