Trailspotting Hiking California, New Hampshire and More

Andreas Canyon, Palm Springs CA

• 4-star hike
• 1 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 170 feet
• Palm Springs, CA | Southwest US
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Several hikers traverse a winding dirt trail through a desert landscape dotted with tall palm trees, dry grasses, and rugged rock formations. The clear blue sky and bright sunlight suggest a warm, arid climate. A wooden trail sign stands to the right, indicating a designated hiking route, possibly within a nature reserve or park.

On the narrow trail between creek and rocky outcropping.

Water flowing through Andreas Creek has carved a narrow oasis into layered sandstone, forming a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. Within this sheltered canyon, dense groves of California fan palms rise above the creek, providing cool shade for hikers exploring the short one-mile loop trail.

Hiking clockwise, the route begins with a half-mile stretch across open desert, offering wide views of the red sandstone walls of Andreas Canyon on one side and the rugged San Jacinto Mountains on the other. At the midpoint, the trail meets Andreas Creek, then follows its shaded banks back toward the start, weaving between the water and the towering canyon cliffs.

Along the creek, California fan palms, mesquite, and cottonwoods thrive, their greenery standing out vividly against the arid hillsides. Keep an eye out for morteros, which are grinding holes worn into the bedrock by generations of Cahuilla people. These were once used to process mesquite beans, palm fruits, and other native foods. The creek’s flow changes with the seasons, typically strongest from winter through late spring, while summer often brings only intermittent surface water.

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⬤ 4★ Andreas Canyon Loop 1.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 170 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ Per-person park entrance fee

Although the loop is short, we rate it as moderate due to a few rocky steps along the exposed section. Those seeking an easier start might prefer hiking counter-clockwise, following the shaded creekside first and deciding later whether to complete the loop or turn back. Trail conditions vary from packed sand to uneven rock.

The trail lies within Indian Canyons, managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The area is open daily from 8am to 5pm, though from July through September access is limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A per-person entrance fee is collected at the gate. For the latest details, visit the official link at the bottom of this page.