Andreas Canyon, an easy desert hike in Palm Springs, California
One evening during a trip to Palm Springs my in-laws drove up to meet up with us for a couple of hours and we decided to go on an easy hike to Andreas Canyon within Indian Canyons located on the outskirts of town. We had a full evening planned so we opted to take the easiest hike through the Andreas Trailhead. Surrounded by harsh desert this was truly an oasis of unusual, alike-like landscapes and a great hike when you have limited time.
The Andreas Trailhead is a 1.2-mile loop trail following the Andreas Creek.
Alien-Like Rock Formations in Andreas Canyon
andreas Creek and California Fan Palms
One evening during a trip to Palm Springs my inlaws drove up to meet up with us for a couple of hours and we decided to go on a hike to Indian Canyon located on the outskirts of town. We had a full evening planned so we opted to take the easiest hike through the Andreas Trailhead. Surrounded by harsh desert this was truly an oasis of unusual, alike-like landscapes and a great hike when you have limited time.
Planning a trip to Palm Springs? Check out my post on an amazing place to see all kinds of cactus and desert plants Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium
andreas Canyon an Oasis in the desert
andreas Creek and California Fan Palms
The Andreas Trailhead is a 1.2-mile loop trail following the Andreas Creek which makes its way through this trailhead and is responsible for this small oasis in the middle of the desert. Once home to the Cahuilla people, you can still see bedrock mortars and metates used hundreds of years ago to prepare food.
The Andreas Canyon trail was fairly easy hike to navigate and my father-in-law was able to navigate most of it with his cane. We didn’t do the full loop, stopping at some point before you would have to cross the creek and returning the way we came.
Our walk was relatively light on critters and birds. You can hear them but we didn’t really see any flying around. We did come across a little lizard along our walk but did not see other critters I’ve read warnings about from spiders to rattlesnakes.
Planning a trip to Palm Springs? Check out my post on a perfect day in Joshua Tree National Park.
As you walk through the rocky trail you are surrounded by strange looking rock formations on one side, and a mix of California fan palms, willows, Cottonwoods, sycamores and the Andreas Creek on the other. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places this unique hike gives you a glimpse of what life was like for the first peoples who lived here. The Andreas Canyon also has the world’s second largest California fan palm oasis.
Desert Life you may find
A lizard and a tarantula
At the end of our hike I heard someone shout “tarantula!” and to my surprise, I ran… towards the shouting voice. I am not a spider person but there was something so intriguing of seeing one in person in the wild. It’s always exciting when you come across unique wildlife while exploring the great outdoors. We also spotted a teeny little lizard along the trail which was actually the only life form we saw on the trail. I’ve read you could come across rattlesnakes and other critters so be cautious where you step.
If you love the desert and canyons, check out my post on a day in Grand Cayon National Park for more desert eye candy.
Indian Canyons Details
Trail Name: Andreas
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 Ft.
Distance: 1.2 Mile Loop
Know Before You Go
Andreas Canyon is the easiest and shortest hike according to their website but you will still encounter some steps, rocky ground, and elevation. Wear hiking shoes and dress appropriate for the desert. You may encounter various wildlife like lizards and spiders as seen above.
It cost $9 per adult for entry and hours run 8am-5pm. Visit their website for more specific information on operating days and hours.
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