Palm Springs: Indian Canyons

 Date: February 27, 2011
Time: 9:30 am
Near: Palm Springs, CA 92264
Difficulty:  Moderate
Trail Type: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back

Summary: 

Hiking on February 26th and/or 27th and Optional "Comfort Camping" in a Resort Hotel.  When signing up, please indicate the options you are interested in.

1. Saturday Hike – February 26th – Tahquitz Canyon: 1:30 pm meet at visitor center for a 2 1/2 hour Ranger lead interpretive hike (2 miles).  Admission is $12.50.  Get there earlier if you wish to spend time at the Visitor’s Center.

2.     2. Sunday Hike – February 27th – Indian Canyons (Andreas & Murray):  9:30 am meet at parking lot for Andreas Canyon.  Map available at entrance – Admission is $9.00

3.    3. “Camping Out” Friday – Sunday (2 nights) – availability for 3 additional people ($30.00 per person x 2 nights)

4.    4.  “Camping Out” Saturday – Sunday (1 night) – availability for up to 10 additional people ($30.00 per person).

On Saturday afternoon, after the hike, Menard will be hosting a wine and cheese reception at the Palm Canyon Resort, followed by dinner for those who wish to join us.  Robert will be cooking his famous Italian dinner.  This will be complimentary for all the hikers whether you stay at the hotel or not.  If you have a different favorite drink, please bring.

Saturday: Tahquitz Canyon

Address: 500 W. Mesquite, Palm Springs, (760) 416-7044.  From Downtown, go south on S Palm Canyon Drive, past E Ramon Rd about .5 miles, then turn right on W Mesquite Ave for about .3 miles.  Meet at the Visitor’s Center.  Website:  http://www.tahquitzcanyon.com/

The Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a two-mile loop trail that leads to Tahquitz Falls and back. From the Visitor Center to the falls you will be gaining 350 feet in elevation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall (seasonal), rock art, ancient irrigation systems and artifacts, along with cultural and educational exhibits. Self-guided hikes or Ranger-led hikes are available. Located at the entrance to the canyon, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, offers exhibits, an observation deck, and a theatre room for viewing a video that narrates the legend of Tahquitz Canyon. Admission to Tahquitz Canyon is: Adults $12.50.

Sunday: Andreas Canyon & Murray Canyon – We will be doing both

Address: 38500 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92264, (760) 416-7044.  From Downtown, go south on S Palm Canyon Drive, past E Ramon Rd about 3.6 miles.  After entering the Indian Canyons, take the road to the right up to the parking area. We will meet there.  Website:  http://indian-canyons.com/

Andreas Canyon
Length: About 4 miles round trip

A favorite scenic trail leads through the canyon, passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek, where one can still see the bedrock mortars and metates used by the Native Americans centuries ago for preparing food. This tranquil setting is excellent for photography, bird watching or a picnic at one of the tables along the trail.  The Andreas Canyon Trail is an easy trail that takes the hiker up the right side of the canyon, following a stream that wanders through groves of California fan palms. The contrasting greens of magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius beckon the desert-weary traveler to this lush oasis. The canyon is a stark contrast to the usual desert-hiking trail due to the abundant vegetation that grows along the stream. One almost feels like they are in a "jungle" environment, instead of desert. There is an option to via the other side of the canyon, or you can return the way we came. The left side of the canyon gives the hiker a view of the canyon from above it a little, and is very much worth the effort.

Murray Canyon Trail

Length: 3 to 6 miles depends on the group

The Murray Canyon trail is a moderately difficult hike that gives the hiker more of a challenge than Andreas Canyon. It will take you further and higher into the San Jacinto mountains than the Andreas Canyon Trail, and it is abundant in California fan palms and other desert vegetation which makes it a nice change from so many of the other Palm Springs area hikes. The trail wanders through the canyon and along the stream for a lot of the journey, so be extra careful when ever there is strong or high runoff as the rocks can be very slippery. During the winter you can see the gorgeous snowcapped Murray Canyon.

“Camping Out” Palm Springs Style in a Resort Hotel

Palm Canyon Resort
2800 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 866-1800.  Directions:  from downtown PS go south on S Palm Canyon Drive about 3.5 miles.  http://www.thepalmcanyonresort.com/about/

Surrounded by tropical landscaping and a serene atmosphere, Palm Canyon Resort of Palm Springs features a dramatic rock formation with cascading waterfalls around a 1.5-acre swimming pool and sun deck. Explore lush grottos, an in-cave whirlpool spa, and spectacular water slides.

Resort Amenities: ?In-cave Whirlpool Spa, Patio Dining, Poolside Bar, Fitness Center, Air-Conditioned Indoor Basketball, Air-Conditioned Indoor Volleyball, Dry Sauna & Spa Center.

We will be staying in either 1 or 2 bedroom villas with full kitchen, living room and patio.  The 1 bedroom villa sleeps 4 and the 2-bedroom villa sleeps 6.  For Saturday night a minimum of 3 signups will be necessary to hold the room(s).  Please confirm by Wednesday evening, February 23rd.

Co-hosts:  Menard Jaramillo and Robert Roxbury