Tahquitz Canyon

Just about a 10 minute drive west of bustling Palm Springs is the desert oasis of Tahquitz Canyon! This 2 mile loop trail has plenty to see along the way including numerous hummingbirds, rocky riverbeds and wild sheep. The end of the trail leads to the stunning Tahquitz Falls! The perfect short hike with unique desert landscapes. Can’t wait to visit again soon! $15 per person with free onsite parking. Water bottles must be filled to enter the trail.

The trailhead for the Tahquitz Canyon loope is a couple miles from downtown Palm Springs. There is a plenty of parking in the parking lot. The trail has a $15 access fee and the park rangers will verify you have at least 32 oz of water. You can purchase water at the ranger station. There is a souvenir shop and bathrooms. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip. Mostly a single track trail with a lot of step ups and step downs. On 10/27/2023 the water flow at the falls was heavy. The water was very cold and you can swim to the falls, I am 6’5” and I could not touch the bottom. There is a lot of shade at the falls and plenty of room and big rocks to sit and relax

We went to the park today, Black Friday. We were surprised how busy it was. It cost $15.00 per person over the age of 13, no family rate and no dogs allowed. There is only one trail to follow and there are a few signs a long the way to ensure you do not leave the trail. The waterfall was dry but there was a small pond of water at the bottom. The massive rocks were cool to walk around and the scenery was beautiful with the sun reflecting. The walk only took an hour with two kids, a 12 year old and a 15 year old. We enjoyed the walk however; for the length of the trail, and the fact there is only one trail, we thought the price was a bit steep.

Review for April 2021. I had an absolutely great time here at the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is absolutely wonderful. I'm not guilty , to say that I love the wilderness. The weather in April is absolutely perfect. Maybe 85 90 degrees. With lots of wind and Breeze to cool you off. Always wise to carry plenty of water when you're hiking. Other than that you should be able to have a great time.

My family visited the falls many times over 50 years ago. No visitors center. No fees. Not many people around. Just a dirt trail leading to the falls. We would spend time in the pool at the bottom of the falls cooling off. It was a wonderful spot. We rarely saw other people there. Coors Beer used the falls in one of their tv ads. I really have no desire to see what has become of it now. I saw and enjoyed it at it's best.

The hike itself is quite easy, but the fee is far too steep. The scenery is lovely and the trail is well maintained, but I just couldn't be convinced that it was worth the cost, especially with it being so heavily trafficked and unchallenging. If you like to recirculate your money, by all means enjoy yourselves here, but I tend to be more frugal when it comes to an activity with so many free options abounding.

Beautiful 1.2 mile walk into the canyon. The waterfalls was a mere trickle, but still beautiful. The $12.50 entry fee is steep. There are other much nicer, free hikes around.

10/03/2021: We went a day before to make sure we knew if we could purchase tickets ahead of time. Glad we went because we found out you are asked to carry 32oz water. I've seen many people in different hiking trails who do not carry water and it's surprising to see this. Dehydration is not something you want to face. Please bring water, carry a stick if you have bad knees or borrow one if they are available. Becareful with following trails, you can easily get distracted and go the wrong way. Highly recommend you go at 7:30am to avoid the heat. There's no water in the waterfall right now but worth the $15 to help preserve these indigenous lands.