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Indian Canyons

Indian Canyons on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation just outside of Palm Springs, California was home to the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians. Here, one of the four distinct areas, Palm Canyon of the Andreas Canyon, includes the world’s largest California Palm Oasis. Rock formations like this one line the walls of the canyon. One can only imagine the force it took to heave these heavy rocks into formations such as this one.

The Andreas Creek, a perennial creek, rushes over rocks and boulders past the base of these skirted palms.

Skirted palms huddle together as their feet stay cool in the water.

Reds, grays and brown hues of rocks rise above the canyon. California Golden Eagles and Red Tailed Hawks ride the currents above. One Golden Eagle sat high upon a rock…watching for a mid afternoon snack.

Strands of skirted palms and fan palms march along the creek. With over 150 species of plants within a half mile, this is a great hike for exercise, bird watching, photography and cooling off near the creek. Touching the water it was cool, but not cold. On the lower side of the creek, as you climb over rocks through the palms you are treated to a cooling effect for your hike. Dramatically different, the upper side takes you through more open desert area where the temps rise significantly. As you might expect the views are equally as diverse.

This is definitely an area of contrasts…beauty…mystery.