Palm Canyon
Victor
This trail is one of the most scenic trails in the Indian Canyons. It is best to access this trail by hiking a mile south on the Palm Canyon Trail. The victor Trail will take the hiker out of the shade of the palm trees, up and onto the ridge that overlooks the canyon and return the hiker to the Trading Post making a three mile loop.
Distance
2.7 Miles
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Gain
365 Feet
Fifteen miles long, Palm Canyon is one of the areas of great beauty in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, which the Cahuilla people so expertly used, and its abundant Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) are breathtaking contrasts to the stark rocky gorges and barren desert lands beyond. A moderately graded foot path winds down into the canyon for picnicking near the stream, meditation, exploring, hiking or horseback riding. While in Palm Canyon visit the Trading Post for hiking maps, refreshments, Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets, weaving, and conversational cultural lore.
Andreas Canyon
Andreas
Andreas Canyon is considered the world’s second largest California Fan Palm oasis. Ancient rock mortars adorning the entrance to the canyon remind visitors of the presence of the first people. The trail starts at the rail Information Board located just north of the bridge. It leads west along the north side of the perennial Andreas Creek for 0.5 mile, then it crosses the creek at the fence and returns along the upper stream terrace to the parking area. Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views of rock formations, sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, and the magnificent California Fan Palm (Washingtonian filifera), all surrounded by the harsh desert environment.
Distance
1.2 Miles
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation Gain
200 Feet
The contrasting greens of the magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius beckon the desert-weary traveler to this lush oasis. A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek. One can still see bedrock mortars and metates used 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.
Murray Canyon
Murray Canyon
This is a popular trail in Indian Canyons with a bit of a variation to explore two separate trails in one hike. Murray Canyon Trail is well known for ending at the Seven Sisters Waterfall. On the way back from enjoying the waterfall, take a right at the Coffman Trail junction. Coffman will loop through the desert floor and go left to head back to Murray Canyon. Take Murray Canyon back north which will lead you back to the Andreas Canyon parking area.
Distance
4.7 Miles
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Gain
450 Feet
Murray Canyon is an easy to moderate hike south from Andreas Canyon. Foot and equestrian trails take visitors to beautiful recreation areas featuring many palm trees. Fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a Peninsular Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its own secluded beauty. The endangered Least Bells Vireo bird is also known to nest here.