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Hiking the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail

Home » DESTINATIONS » North America » United States » California » Hiking the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail

Last Modified: August 23, 2023 //  by Anda //  17 Comments

If you are ever in Palm Springs, California, don’t miss the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail, one of the most beautiful areas of the in the Sonoran Desert of the Coachella Valley. This 2 mile loop that travels through a dramatic desert landscape on a narrow rocky trail is one of the hidden gems in the USA.

Many people think the North American Desert region is this arid land where nothing grows. A landscape dominated by sand and rocks. But that’s not the case of the Tahquitz Canyon, which enjoys a lot of desert vegetation and even a seasonal waterfall.

Table of Contents

  • The Legend of Tahquitz Canyon
  • A Brief History of the Canyon
  • Hiking the Tahquitz Canyon Trail
  • The Tahquitz Canyon Fall
  • Tips for Hiking the Loop Trail

The Legend of Tahquitz Canyon

the Sonoran Desert
Sonoran Desert

The people became angry and they banished Tahquitz to this canyon that now bears his name. He made his home high in the San Jacinto Mountains in a secret cave below the towering rock known today as Tahquitz Peak.

Tahquitz Canyon trail
Tahquitz Canyon

The legend says that his spirit still lives in this canyon. People can sometimes see him as a large green fireball streaking across the night sky. When he stomps about the canyon, the ground is shaking and strange rumblings are heard deep within the mountains.

A Brief History of the Canyon

Owned by the Agua Client tribe of the Cahuilla Indians, the Tahquitz Canyon wasn’t always the well-maintained area you see today. For centuries, tales of a Cahuilla Indian shaman who was roaming the canyon kept people away from it.

In more recent times, the Canyon became an attraction for some gangs who liked to party here. Hippies and homeless took up residence in the canyon caves and began spray-painting graffiti on the boulders and trashing the area.

the stream running through Tahquitz Canyon
The stream running through Tahquitz Canyon

In 1969, after several such incidents, the Cahuilla Indians were forced to close the canyon to the public. Tahquitz Canyon remained closed for 30 years, until 1998, when the Aqua Caliente Tribal Council organized a big clean up and the restoration of the canyon.

It was only in 2001 that Taquitz Canyon was finally open to the public for hikes.

Hiking the Tahquitz Canyon Trail

To get on the trail you have to pass through the Visitor Center. There is a $12.50 entry charge which may seems a little steep for such a small attraction. However, seeing how well they maintain the area, you realize it’s not actually that much.

Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center
Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center

At the Visitor Center you will receive a map with some points of interest which you can easily locate along the trail. You have the option to walk through the canyon by yourself, which we did, or opt for a guided tour.

Hiking in the canyon
Hiking the Tahquitz Canyon Trail

Going up the canyon, take the left side which is a little shaded and come back down on the right, which is the easier part of the trail. The 2 mile long looping trail is a little steep and sometimes rocky, with many rock steps to climb, but is not difficult. 

The views are gorgeous, you walk surrounded by beautiful native plants and you may even spot some wildlife. For the most part of the year, a sparkling stream runs through the canyon floor — a flow that for thousands of years made life possible for the Indians who populated the area. There are a couple of small bridges crossings the water which proves the trail is really maintained.

The Tahquitz Canyon Fall

The climaxing the hike up the canyon is the spectacular Tahquitz Canyon Fall that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. The 60-foot drop of water pours beautifully over the rock straight into a pretty deep pool. 

Even after the drought of the past several years, there is still enough water in the waterfall. For the desert area this kind of waterfall is quite impressive, since in Southern California waterfalls are rather small and scarce.

Tahquitz Canyon Fall
Tahquitz Canyon Fall

From the Tahquitz Canyon Fall, the trail turns back towards the valley and starts descending. Along the way, you find a shaded smaller waterfall with a pond.

Small waterfall and pond in Tahquitz Canyon
Small waterfall and pond in Tahquitz Canyon

Tips for Hiking the Loop Trail

Best time to visit the canyon and hike the trail is in the early morning, before the sun is overhead. The desert gets hot pretty quickly, even if it’s not summertime. We visited the area in April and the temperature was around 85ºF in midday.  In summer the temperatures go up to over 100ºF in this area.

Besides the loop trail there are also some side trails that are fun to hike, so be sure to pick up the trail map at the Visitor Center.

AGA_6625

The canyon has very little shade, no restroom facilities and no drinking fountains. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water. Also, use the bathrooms at the Visitor Center before you start the hike. 

The hike is good exercise, although relatively short – about one hour return. The canyon and the waterfalls are well worth the effort and the entrance fee that you pay. Parking is also very easy.

Category: California, DESTINATIONS, United StatesTag: Hiking trips

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grey World Nomads

    April 30, 2016 at 10:33 am

    I remember the documentary “The desert is alive” which opened my eyes for the beauty of the desert. I don’t like the extremes though of the cold nights and the hot days, but other than that beautiful photo opportunities at dawn and dusk. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      May 1, 2016 at 1:56 am

      I don’t like extremes either, but that’s the desert.

      Reply
  2. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    April 24, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    Considering how many times I’ve visited Southern California, it’s surprising that I’ve never been anywhere near Palm Springs. This looks like a beautiful place to hike. I think that I’d also opt to do it without a tour as I like to take my time to snap a photo whenever I wish without having to keep up with the group. Was that snake a poisonous one? I’d freak out and run instead of taking a picture.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      April 25, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      I’m not sure it it was poisonous, but it was really small and I wasn’t going to touch it anyway.

      Reply
  3. Sand In My Suitcase

    April 24, 2016 at 11:03 am

    We enjoy hiking, so no doubt we’d enjoy this hike in Tahquitz Canyon! From friends who winter in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, we know there are quite a few good trails around. They also say that it’s best to go in the morning – when the air is crisp and before the sun is strong – besides, you also want to spend a little time by the pool in the afternoon, they say :-). Nice that you caught a picture of that little snake (garter snake?).

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      April 24, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      Little snake, Janice, or I wouldn’t have been so close to it (LOL!)

      Reply
  4. northierthanthou

    April 24, 2016 at 12:25 am

    That does look like a beautiful hike. The snake must have been a particularly cool encounter.

    Reply
  5. Rhonda Albom

    April 23, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    What a beautiful looking hike.

    Reply
  6. Elaine J. Masters

    April 23, 2016 at 11:53 am

    I’ve heard about this canyon for so long! Great to see your pictures and get some guidance.

    Reply
  7. Brooke of Passport Couture

    April 23, 2016 at 11:52 am

    It’s unfortunate people trashed the area and it had to remain closed for so many years, but I’m glad they were able to reclaim and clean up the canyon. Love your photos of the hike, especially the one of the snake, it’s beautiful and scary at the same time!

    Reply
  8. Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)

    April 23, 2016 at 2:36 am

    This hike sounds absolutely wonderful and easy enough for a family to tackle, if it’s only an hour. It would be amazing to walk in such stunning surroundings and to see those waterfalls. I’ll definitely be doing this if we ever visit the area. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  9. Michelle

    April 22, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I love visiting deserts because they are so different than where I live in Florida. I’ve visited the desert in southern California, but nothing was growing when I was there, but it was still very interesting and beautiful. I also visited Tuscon Arizona after the rainy season and it was gorgeous like your photos.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      April 23, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      If you like hiking in the desert, you’d surely enjoy Tahquitz Canyon, Michelle.

      Reply
  10. Cathy

    April 22, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Looks beautiful, especially the waterfall! We definitely wouldn’t be there mid day- way too hot for hiking!

    Reply
  11. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    April 22, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    I haven’t heard of this canyon before and it actually is an easy day trip for me too. Love what the desert has to offer. We’re going to need to check this out soon. Thanks for all the tips.

    Reply
  12. Melodie K

    April 22, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    You’re so right, Anda ~

    The North American desert is a beautiful place, full of color. (But, of course, you’re “preaching to the choir” here!) 🙂
    Happens we passed near Tahquitz Canyon just a few days ago ~ taking a short hike as a break from so much driving would have been a good idea! Anyway, there’s much to enjoy in the area, including the Living Desert in Palm Desert . . . lots of fun.

    Reply
  13. Linda

    April 22, 2016 at 9:56 am

    Such a beautiful place for a lovely long walk!

    Reply

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