Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall
Right outside of downtown Palm Springs is a nice little hike up Tahquitz Canyon. The main feature is a waterfall that runs during the winter months. This was an obvious source of water for early Native Americans and there are some rock art and grinding holes to be seen along the trail. Later on, the water was used for irrigation and remnants of the old canal are still visible.
Admission to the canyon is run by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The fairly new visitor center reflects the mid-century modern architecture that is synonomous with Palm Springs. It is a relatively short 1.1 mile loop hike with moderate elevation gain. Within that short distance the floral diversity changes dramatically because of the water and narrow canyon walls. For more information http://www.tahquitzcanyon.com/
A far more strenous hike is the Araby trail, short drive from Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. Actually, the tough part is getting to the Araby trail head on top of the hill. It is an 800′ elevation gain over about a mile. The visual reward is traveling past Bob Hope’s house and other exclusive mid-century modern homes. One of the best aspects of this hike is that it is free. Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Canyon and Joshua Tree all have an admission fees. For more information http://www.hiking-in-ps.com/araby.php
Indian grinding hole in Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon Irrigation Canal Spillway
Tahquitz Creek looking out over Coachella Valley
Tahquitz Canyon Water Slide
Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center
Araby Trail Marker Palm Springs, even their public signs embrace mid-century architecture.
Araby Trail over looking Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. In the bottom left hand corner is Bob Hope's house.
Palm Springs Mobile Home Village, where the snowbirds come to nest in winter.