The most popular spot for hiking is the nearby Indian Canyons, at the end of South Palm Canyon Drive (tel. 800/790-3398 or 760/325-3400; www.aguacaliente.org). The Agua Caliente tribe dwelled here centuries ago, and remnants of its culture can be seen among the streams, waterfalls, and palm groves in Andreas, Murray, and Palm canyons. The striking rock formations and herds of bighorn sheep and wild ponies are more appealing than the Trading Post in Palm Canyon, but the shop sells detailed trail maps. The Tribal Council charges admission of $8 per adult; $6 for students, seniors, and military; and $4 for kids ages 6 to 12. The canyons are closed to visitors from late June to early September. The canyons are open 8am to 5pm, and guided hiking tours and ranger lectures are also available.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore Tahquitz Canyon, 500 W. Mesquite, west of Palm Canyon Drive, also in Agua Caliente territory. This scenic canyon, home of the waterfall in Lost Horizon, was closed to the public for nearly 30 years after careless squatters suffered injuries in the canyon, and hippies made it an all-night party zone, vandalizing land considered sacred. The tribe cleaned up decades' worth of dumping, and now that vegetation has regrown, they have begun offering 2 1/2-hour ranger-led hikes into their most spiritual and beautiful place. The 2-mile round-trip hike is of moderate difficulty; hikes depart daily at 8am, 10am, noon, and 2pm. The fee is $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 12; call tel. 800/790-3398 for recorded information, or 760/416-7044 for reservations (recommended).
Ten miles east of Palm Springs is the 13,000-acre Coachella Valley Preserve (tel. 760/343-1234), open daily from sunrise to sunset. It has springs, mesas, both hiking and riding trails, the Thousand Palms Oasis, a visitor center, and picnic areas.
If you're heading up to Joshua Tree National Park, consider stopping at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve (tel. 760/363-7190), which was once an Indian village and later a cattle ranch. It's open daily from 7:30am to sundown. The park's high water table makes it a magnet for birds and other wildlife; the lush springs and streams are an unexpected desert treat.
