Maynard Mine, Palm Springs CA


• 4-star hike
• 6 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 2,310 feet
• Palm Springs, CA | US Southwest
.
View from inside a dark mineshaft looking out toward a sunlit mountainous landscape. The rough, rocky interior of the shaft frames the scene, with green shrubs, uneven terrain, and distant peaks beneath a partly cloudy sky.
Looking out from within Maynard Mine.

Maynard Mine Trail is a 6-mile round-trip route in the Indian Canyons, just south of Palm Springs. It follows an old access path to a former tungsten mine perched on the ridge between Andreas and Murray Canyons. The trailhead begins beside the popular short loop through Andreas Canyon.

From the parking area, the route heads west for a quarter mile across relatively flat terrain before climbing steeply up the ridge dividing the two canyons. The ascent passes through strikingly tilted rock formations before reaching the ridgetop, where it drops about half a mile to a narrow razorback ridge. An end-of-trail sign marks the official terminus, but the mine entrance lies roughly 200 feet farther on, just over the north edge of the ridge.
⬤ 4★ Maynard Mine Trail   5.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,310 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
 $  Per-person park entrance fee

Because the trail climbs 2,300 feet in full sun, an early start is strongly advised. However, the park gates open at 8am, so plan accordingly. There is no shade or water along the route, so hikers should bring more water than expected and supplement with salt or electrolyte tablets. Sunblock is essential.

The steady elevation gain rewards hikers with sweeping views across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. On the ascent, a seasonal waterfall in Andreas Canyon may be visible to the right of the trail when water is flowing.

Maynard Mine Trail lies within Indian Canyons, managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The area is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with access limited to Fridays through Sundays from July to September. A per-person entrance fee is required at the gate. For current hours and conditions, check the official Indian Canyons website.

A hiker in a red shirt and dark pants walks toward the camera along a dirt trail through a desert mountain landscape. The path is lined with dry grass, shrubs, and rocky terrain, with rugged hills and scattered clouds in the background. Early morning sunlight filters through the sky, casting long shadows and creating a calm, golden-hour atmosphere.
An early morning start to avoid heat on the climb.

Jagged rock formation rises sharply in the foreground of a rugged desert mountain landscape. The rocky terrain is dotted with shrubs and tufts of grass, and a worn trail winds through the scene. In the distance, steep peaks stand beneath a clear blue sky streaked with wispy clouds.
Hiking through striking terrain of jagged rock formations.

Three hikers in athletic clothing and hats walk along a dirt trail through a rocky mountain landscape. Sparse vegetation lines the path, and rugged peaks rise in the background beneath a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds. The scene captures the spirit of early morning adventure in a vast, sunlit wilderness.
Approaching the top, looking into the San Jacinto Mountain Range.

Split image showing a desert mountain trail and a mine entrance. On the left, a trail sign stands among rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, pointing to Maynard Mine Trail and Andreas Canyon with a note to return the same way. On the right, a person in a red shirt and dark pants crawls into a small mine opening carved into a hillside, surrounded by dry brush and rocks.
A small opening to the small Maynard Mine.

Tangents:
• Official: Indian Canyons Palm Springs
• AllTrails Public: Maynard Mine Trail
• Comment: Facebook Group, Reddit


Best hiking trails and rail trails in California
Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.
Trailspotting the Southwest (Horseshoe Bend)
Trailspotting the Southwest
See our growing collection of hikes from the Southwestern US states.
Mastodon Icon   Bluesky Icon   Facebook Icon   Flipboard Icon   Reddit Icon   RSS Feed Icon
Subscribe for new trail reviews

Trailspotting is non-commercial and ad-free.
Content provided without warranty of accuracy. Copyright © 2025 Stuart Green all rights reserved. About Trailspotting.com