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CaliforniaHiking Guides

Hiking Guide: Andreas Canyon

Andreas Canyon

Contents

Overview

Note: Indian Canyons has recently re-opened after closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andreas Canyon is a natural desert oasis near Palm Springs in Indian Canyons. The 1-mile hike is short, beautiful, and well-shaded by endemic California fan palms. The park is managed by the Cahuilla Indians and closes at 5pm. Admission is $9 per adult.

A babbling brook (Andreas Creek) runs along the sandy canyon bottom, with large granite boulders scattered around. Buff-colored cliffs rise hundreds of feet above, creating a photogenic backdrop. Most visitors take multiple breaks to relax as they walk the canyon.

Andreas Canyon lies within the boundaires of Ague Caliente Indian Reservation
Andreas Canyon lies within the boundaries of Ague Caliente Indian Reservation

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 1 mile
  • Hike Time: 1 hour
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 129 feet
  • Fee: $9 per adult, $5 per child
  • Dogs: No
  • Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Andreas Canyon (aka Canyon Loop)

In February 2020, Kim, Maia, and I hiked the Andreas Canyon Loop. I carried 2-year-old Maia in our Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier for the first half mile of the hike then let her down to hike the last half mile.

Max (the author) and Maia pose in front of the canyon
Max (the author) and Maia pose in front of the canyon
The perennial Andreas Creek flows along the canyon bottom, below a palm canopy
The perennial Andreas Creek flows along the canyon bottom, below a palm canopy
Rock mortars, like the one shown here, were used by ancestral Cahuilla Indians to grind mesquite pods
Rock mortars, like the one shown here, were used by ancestral Cahuilla Indians to grind mesquite pods

Rock mortars

Map

Location

From Palm Springs, head south on Palm Canyon Drive and take it all the way out of town to the Indian Canyon Entrance in the foothills. Turn left onto Palm Canyon Drive and continue for 0.8 miles. Park in the dirt lot at the mouth of Andreas Canyon.

Get Directions

Resources

Links

Photos

Kim checks out the view from just above the canyon
Kim checks out the view from just above the canyon
Kim and Maia rest in the shade below the palms
Kim and Maia rest in the shade below the palms

California fan palms

Andreas Creek

Wild mushrooms! A rare find in the desert
Wild mushrooms! A rare find in the desert

More Palm Oasis Hikes Near Palm Springs

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