Palm Canyon, Palm Springs CA
• 5-star hikes
• 2 to 3 mile options
• Easy | Gain 220 to 370 feet
• Palm Springs, CA | Southwest US
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Entering Palm Canyon on the out-and-back route.
Palm Canyon sits in the folds of the San Jacinto Mountains, where thousands of California fan palms cluster along a drainage that holds water when much of the surrounding desert does not.
Two routes lead to the canyon from the Trading Post trailhead. The shorter approach follows the Palm Canyon Trail directly into the canyon bottom, remaining shaded beneath the palms. The alternative route forms a 2.7-mile loop, beginning with the Victor Trail, which climbs over rocky terrain to a ridge offering exposed but elevated canyon views before descending to join Palm Canyon Trail for the return.
Water is not constant in Palm Canyon. The creek often runs dry for extended periods, particularly from late spring through fall. During winter and early spring, following rain, water flows through sections of the drainage. If hiking during wet months, expect possible water crossings, particularly near the start of the Victor Trail.
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4★ Palm Canyon
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
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4★ Palm Canyon & Victor Loop
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions |
| $ Per-person park entrance fee |
A side trip to West Fork Falls shouldn't be overlooked, as it lies only a short distance from the trailhead at the Trading Post parking area. The falls flow more consistently than the main canyon, fed by springs in the upper drainage, and are best viewed from December through March.
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.
The fun Victor Trail sports elevated canyon views.
Looking into Palm Canyon from the trailhead.
Tangents:
• Official: Indian Canyons Palm Springs
• AllTrails Public: Palm Canyon, Victor Loop
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