Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
344.00 ft (104.85 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.10 mi (3.38 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail located near Palm Springs, California. The trail starts from the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center and runs through the canyon leading to a scenic waterfall. Within Tahquitz Canyon you will see native plants, native wildlife, a 60-foot waterfall, and rock art. This beautiful  area is also extremely culturally significant to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. 

Tahquitz Canyon Trail is short, but steep, and gains 350 feet in total. Throughout the length of the journey, there is little shade and the terrain is mostly rocky and somewhat technical. It is recommended that visitors bring sufficient food and water, as well as appropriate clothing to protect themselves from the sun. 

To access the trail, you will need to purchase a day-hike ticket from the Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center, which also offers educational and cultural exhibits, artifact displays, an observation deck, and a theater showing The Legend of Tahquitz.

SEASON / HOURS OF OPERATION

The visitor center is open year round, however, the hours of operation may vary. 

  • October 1 - July 4: 7:30am - 5:00pm daily.

  • July 5 - September 30: 7:30am - 5:00pm Friday-Sunday only. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center: 1-760-323-6018





 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Admission Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Waterfall. Scenic Views. Culturally significant.

Cons

No Shade. Fee to hike the trail.

Trailhead Elevation

537.00 ft (163.68 m)

Highest point

864.00 ft (263.35 m)

Features

Historically significant
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Big vistas
Native artifacts

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Rosa + San Jacinto National Monument
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, California

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