Tahquitz Canyon is located in the southern part of California's San Jacinto Mountains, near the city of Palm Springs. Owned and operated by the Aqua Caliente people, the canyon is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the desert landscape and the surrounding mountains. The cost to enter Tahquitz Canyon is $15/person, but that also includes access to a guided ~2-mile hike that is offered periodically throughout the day (8 am, 10 am, noon, 2pm). We joined about 25 other people on a busy Friday in February for the 10 am ranger-led interpretive hike.

The trail is rated as moderate, with some steep and rocky sections, but it is generally accessible to most hikers. The trail is comprised of two connected loops so hikers can take different paths if they want. The elevation gain is about 351 feet. Along the way, we enjoyed views of towering rock formations, native vegetation, and the canyon's vibrant colors. However, the best part of the hike was learning more about the canyon itself and its history.

If you are thinking of hiking the Tahquitz Canyon trail, you might want to check out our this video excerpt.

Tahquitz Falls

The Tahquitz Canyon Trail took us through a scenic desert landscape to the base of a gorgeous 60-foot waterfall. The falls was originally called “Pal hani kalet by Ca wis ke on ca” and it is thought to be a place of power by the Aqua Caliente people. For most hikers, the falls serves as the half-way point on the hike and a place to wait in line for a selfie by the falls. A few people braved getting into the water, and our guide told us that there are other waterfalls in back of Tahquitz falls that are off-limits.

Who Was Tahquitz?

Tahquitz is a figure from Cahuilla Native American mythology and folklore, and is considered to be a powerful shaman or sorcerer. He is said to have lived in the San Jacinto Mountains near what is now Palm Springs, California, and is often depicted as a malevolent spirit or trickster who caused chaos and mischief in the world of the Cahuilla people. According to legend, Tahquitz was a powerful shaman who used his knowledge of magic and sorcery to manipulate the natural world and control the spirits of animals and plants. He was feared and respected by the Cahuilla people, who believed that he had the power to cause droughts, floods, and other natural disasters if he was angered or offended. Our guide told us that his spirit still lives in a secret cave below a large rock that bears his name. Strange canyon rumblings, boulder crashes, and other events are sometimes attributed to Tahquitz as he angrily walks about the canyon.

Folklore on Tahquitz Canyon

Rock in Tahquitz Canyon that some say was once a lost maiden

Along the hike, our ranger told us stories of the Aqua Caliente people in relation to the landscape around us. Indeed, the Cahuilla tribe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years, have their own creation story that involves the canyon. According to their myth, the world was created by a powerful being named Mukat, who shaped the land and created the first humans. The Cahuilla believe that Tahquitz Canyon was one of Mukat's most sacred creations, and they continue to honor it to this day.

My favorite was the thestory of the young maiden who got lost from her tribe, and a rock sitting on top of a huge bolder suddenly appeared in the area where she disappeared. The rock is named “Cow is ice la” in honor of the woman who had the power to turn herself into the rock.

Artifacts in Tahquitz Canyon

Our guide also pointed out were a number of artifacts had been along our hike, some of which are more than 1,500 years old. Rocks were ground down to make mortars used by the Aqua Caliente people and then used to create medicines or prepare meals.

Water from Tahquitz Canyon

For me, one of the most interesting things about Tahquitz Canyon are the hydrologic features, including the (1) the Lebacho-Tahquitz Creek Ditch and (2) USGS Gaging Station.

The Lebacho-Tahquitz Creek Ditch

About ½ to the Tahquitz Falls, we saw remnants of the Lebacho-Tahquitz Creek Ditch, which was originally built by the Aqua Caliente People 1830 to transport water from the Tahquitz Creek to their village in present-day Palm Springs. A large earthquake in the 1850s caused the water flow in the creek to change from a year-round flowing stream to a seasonal water source. Nonetheless, the ditch could still be used to irrigate crops and played a vital role in the development of the region's agricultural economy. In the early 20th century, the federal government helped line the ditch with mortar and cobblestone and also added a diversion dam. However, in 1926, a flash flood wiped much of that work and the ditch was never rebuilt. Today, the Lebacho Tahquitz Creek Ditch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an important part of the region's history and cultural heritage.

Part of the Diversion Dam in Tahquitz Canyon

USGS Gaging Station

About ¾ of the way to Tahquitz Falls, our guide pointed out the US Geological Survey (USGS) gaging station, which is still used today. The station measures the water level and flow of Tahquitz Creek, a major tributary of the Coachella Valley's Whitewater River, using a stream gage, which consists of a metal frame with sensors that measure the height and velocity of the water. This data is transmitted to a computer system, where it is processed and made available to the public.

The data collected at the Tahquitz Canyon gaging station is used by a variety of organizations and individuals, including water managers, flood forecasters, hydrologists, and recreational users. For example, the data can be used to monitor the water supply for local communities and agriculture, to plan for flood control measures, and to assess the suitability of the creek for recreational activities such as hiking and swimming.

Plant Life on Tahquitz Canyon

Flowers of the chuparosa bush (a/k/a butterfly bush) tasted like fresh cucumber

As we traversed the canyon, our guide also pointed out some of the unique plants that adapted to the hot and arid environment of the desert. We had fun with a couple of plants.

Tahquitz Canyon is dotted with thousands of the creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata). This plant is a shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall and has small green leaves. Our guide encouraged us to cup part of the bush in our hand and smell it. The aroma is that of a recent rain.

Another plant commonly found in Tahquitz Canyon is the chuparosa (Justicia californica). This plant is a small, evergreen shrub with bright red, tubular flowers that bloom throughout the year. The chuparosa is an important source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators. With prompting from our guide, I ate part of one of the red flowers and it tasted like fresh cucumber!

Are There Other Hikes in Tahquitz Canyon?

For more experienced hikers, the Tahquitz Peak Trail offers a more challenging trek to the summit of Tahquitz Peak. This 8-mile round trip hike is rated as difficult, with steep climbs, switchbacks, and a total elevation gain of over 2,500 feet. However, hikers who make it to the summit are reportedly rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For clarity, we did not do the longer hike as we felt like the shorter hike to Tahquitz Falls was sufficient.

When hiking on Tahquitz Canyon, it is important to come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. The desert environment can be harsh and unforgiving, so hikers should also be aware of the potential for heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other hazards. When we purchase our tickets for the hike, we had to verbally confirm that we had enough water for a 2.5-hour hike. In the summer, I’ve heard that hikers have to show that they have at least 2 liters of water/person before being able to access the trail.

Are the Better Hikes in the Palm Springs Area than Tahquitz Canyon?

While we enjoyed our hike in Tahquitz Canyon, I think there are better hikes in the Palm Springs area. Our guide had been on the job less than a month, and he needed help with his communication skills. For the most part, I got the gist of what he said, but then had to research topics after our hike. I’m sure he will get better….

My other criticism is the cost. In generally, I think that $15/person is a little pricey for a hike. Sure, there is a really tall waterfall and nice views, but the price still seems a little steep. Plus, cost is the same whether hikers do the guided one or not. I would like to hike Tahquitz Canyon again, and it would be nice if there was an option for a self-guided hike that was half the cost.

Lastly, I should note that are a lot of great hikes in the area that are FREE. Our favorite free hike during our stay in the Palm Springs area was the Coachella Valley Preserve a/k/a Thousand Palms Oasis (although donations are welcome).

Exploring Tahquitz Canyon