Written by the Spirit of Sofia Team, villa hosts in Palm Springs, CA | Updated: July 2026
This guide was put together by our team, drawing on direct experience managing properties in Palm Springs, combined with a review of local tourism resources, recent guest conversations, Google Reviews, Tripadvisor, Expedia, AllTrails, and traveler discussions on Reddit and travel forums. Trail details were verified against Indian Canyons’ official trail maps, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, and the Greater Palm Springs Visitors Bureau as of June 2026. We update this content periodically as trail conditions, hours, and pricing change on the ground.
Most visitors arrive in Palm Springs expecting heat, mid-century architecture, and long pool days, but few anticipate a 60-foot waterfall crashing into a desert canyon just minutes off the main road on the Palm Springs waterfall hike.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find here, and we’ve helped hundreds of guests discover these trails firsthand from our property on the doorstep of the Indian Canyons.
The waterfalls in Palm Springs are fed by snowmelt and rainfall from the San Jacinto Mountains above.
That water channels through Tahquitz, Murray, Andreas, and Palm Canyons, creating palm-shaded oases and seasonal cascades that most visitors never know exist.
This guide covers all 10 waterfall hiking trails worth your time, including which ones are worth the effort right now and which ones to skip depending on your fitness level and the season.
At a Glance: 10 Best Palm Springs Waterfall Hiking Trails Compared
Use this table to match a trail to your group before you pick up your hiking shoes.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Waterfall Type | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahquitz Canyon (Tahquitz Falls) | 1.8 mi loop | Moderate | 328 ft | 60-ft seasonal | $12.50/adult |
| Seven Sisters (Murray Canyon Trail) | 4 mi RT | Easy-Moderate | ~500 ft | 12-ft seasonal | $12/adult |
| Andreas Canyon Loop | 1 mi loop | Easy | 200 ft | Hidden seasonal falls | $12/adult |
| West Fork Falls | 0.1 mi RT | Easy | Minimal | Seasonal boulderfall | $12/adult |
| West Fork Trail (full) | 5 mi RT | Challenging | 1,400 ft | Views + seasonal | $12/adult |
| Palm Canyon Trail | 2-15 mi | Moderate | Up to 3,520 ft | Stone pools + cascades | $12/adult |
| Fern Canyon Trail | 4.3 mi RT | Moderate | 600 ft | Seasonal oasis pools | $12/adult |
| Maynard Mine Trail | ~4 mi RT | Challenging | ~2,300 ft | Seasonal Andreas Canyon falls (view) | $12/adult |
| Murray Canyon + Coffman Loop | 5-6 mi loop | Moderate | 600 ft | Seven Sisters + ridge views | $12/adult |
| South Lykken Trail (Tahquitz Falls viewpoint) | 8.8 mi RT | Hard | 2,171 ft | Aerial view of Tahquitz Falls | Free |
What Visitors Often Don’t Realize
Most Palm Springs waterfalls are seasonal. If you arrive in July expecting roaring falls, you’ll be disappointed.
The best flow runs from December through April. Indian Canyons are also weekends-only from July 5 through September 30.
We always remind guests to check the Indian Canyons website before heading out during the summer months.
Looking for more routes beyond waterfalls? Explore a complete trail collection here: Palm Springs Hiking Trails: 25 Best Routes & Map (2026), ideal for extending your hiking itinerary.
The 10 Best Waterfall Hikes in Palm Springs, CA: Trail-by-Trail Breakdown
Discover the most scenic desert escapes with this trail-by-trail guide to the 10 best waterfall hikes around Palm Springs, where hidden oases and canyon streams reveal a surprising side of the desert.
1. Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall Hike (Tahquitz Falls) – Best Overall Palm Springs Waterfall Hike
Address: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
If there’s one waterfall hike in Palm Springs that genuinely earns its reputation, it’s Tahquitz Falls. We send almost every guest here first.
The payoff is a 60-foot waterfall dropping into a clear pool surrounded by canyon walls, and you reach it on a 1.8-mile loop that’s manageable for most fitness levels.
The trail starts at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center on West Mesquite Avenue. We always tell guests to spend 10 minutes in the visitor center first.
The exhibits on Cahuilla history give real context to the canyon, and rangers are stationed at the trailhead and available to answer questions.
TripAdvisor hikers like that the path is well-maintained with a moderate elevation gain of 328 feet, crossing through native desert flora and distinctive rock formations along the way.
A few practical notes: the entry fee is $12.50 per adult as of 2026. Dogs are not permitted.
The falls are best viewed between December and April when flow is strongest, particularly in the days immediately following rainfall. Summer hours are restricted, and the park closes at 5 pm daily, so plan your start time accordingly.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1.8-mile loop |
| Duration | Approx. 55 minutes |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 328 feet |
| Entry Fee | $12.50 per adult |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
| Best Season | December to April |
If you plan to visit both Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons, go to Indian Canyons first. The staff there gives out discount coupons for Tahquitz Canyon at the exit.
Also: go early. By 10 am on weekends, the Tahquitz parking area fills up fast. We tell guests to aim for an 8 am start to have the trail nearly to themselves.
2. Seven Sisters Waterfall – Murray Canyon Trail (Most Scenic Hiking in Palm Springs Waterfall)
Seven Sisters Waterfall is the waterfall hike our guests talk about most after they get back. Named for seven streams of water flowing one into the other, this seasonal, multi-tiered 12-foot fall sits at the end of a 4-mile round-trip hike through Murray Canyon.
The trail starts at the south end of the Andreas Canyon parking area. You’ll cross an open desert section of about half a mile before entering the canyon mouth.
From there, the path winds through Murray Canyon, crossing the mountain-fed stream more than 12 times before ending at Seven Sisters.
Those creek crossings are part of the experience. TripAdvisor guests mention bringing water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet.
Murray Canyon is less visited than Palm Canyon, which gives it a quieter, more secluded feel. Lucky hikers may spot Peninsular Bighorn Sheep on the ridge above, and the Least Bell’s Vireo, an endangered bird species, is known to nest here in spring.
Flow peaks between January and April; outside those months, the creek can be dry.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4 miles round trip |
| Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. 500 feet |
| Waterfall Height | 12-foot seasonal multi-tier |
| Best Season | January to April |
3. Andreas Canyon Loop and Hidden Falls – Best Easy Palm Springs Hike with Waterfall
Address: Andreas Canyon Trailhead, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Andreas Canyon is the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm oasis, and the one-mile loop here gives you one of the most accessible waterfall experiences on any Palm Springs waterfall hiking trail.
It’s ideal if you have guests with limited mobility, children, or anyone short on time.
The trail starts at the Information Board just north of the bridge. You’ll head west along the north side of Andreas Creek for 0.5 miles, then cross the creek and return along the upper stream terrace.
Ancient rock mortars line the canyon entrance, evidence that the Agua Caliente Cahuilla lived and worked here for thousands of years.
More than 150 plant species grow within half a mile of the trailhead, including sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, and the distinctive California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera).
Reviewers on Yelp say that the hidden seasonal falls here are modest but beautiful.
Don’t expect a roaring drop. What you get is a lush, shaded creek environment that feels genuinely surprising after the open desert surrounding it.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1 mile loop |
| Duration | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | 200 feet |
| Best For | Families, beginners, short trips |
4. West Fork Falls – Easiest Waterfall Hike in Palm Springs
Address: S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
West Fork Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Palm Springs, and a trail that never gets the credit it deserves.
Located only 340 feet from the Trading Post parking lot, this waterfall flows from an opening between two massive boulders wedged tightly against each other, collecting in a small natural pool below.
TripAdvisor hikers mention that it’s best viewed from December through March, when snowmelt and winter rain push enough water through the rocks to create a visible cascade.
In dry years or summer months, there may be little to see. But for a quick, no-effort waterfall stop on the way to or from the longer Palm Canyon Trail, it’s worth the 5-minute walk.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 340 feet from parking (minimal) |
| Duration | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Season | December to March |
| Best For | Quick waterfall stop, families with young children |
5. West Fork Trail (Full) – Best Challenging Palm Springs Hiking Trail with waterfall
Address: S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
If you’re looking for a genuinely demanding waterfall hike in Palm Springs, the West Fork Trail delivers.
From the Palm Canyon Trail junction (about 900 feet south of the Trading Post), the West Fork Trail climbs 1,400 feet over 2.5 miles of switchbacks.
Reddit threads mention that the payoff is a combination of dramatic high-canyon views, a chance at spotting mule deer or Bighorn sheep on the upper slopes, and access to the upper reaches of Palm Canyon, where seasonal water features remain longer than the lower-canyon trails.
The trail terminates at the junction of the Jo Pond Trail and the West Fork North Trail.
If you want the most scenic challenge on any waterfall hiking trail near Palm Springs, this is our top pick.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5 miles round trip |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Elevation Gain | 1,400 feet |
| Wildlife Sighting Chance | High (Bighorn sheep, mule deer) |
6. Palm Canyon Trail – One of the Longest Hiking Trails in Palm Springs with Waterfalls
Address: Indian Canyons Trading Post, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Palm Canyon is the world’s largest naturally occurring California Fan Palm oasis, with more than 2,500 mature palms lining the canyon floor.
The trail itself runs 15 miles one way to Highway 74, but most hikers do a 2-mile out-and-back from the Trading Post, which gets you into the heart of the palm grove and alongside the canyon stream.
TripAdvisor hikers mention that if you are chasing the waterfall experience specifically, the stone pools and cascades are found deeper in the canyon, particularly after wet winters.
Ranger-led interpretive walks depart from the Trading Post every weekend at 10 am if you want cultural context alongside the scenery. The Trading Post itself stocks refreshments, Native American art, and hiking maps.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 2 to 15 miles (your choice) |
| Duration | 1 hour to full day |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 250 ft (short) to 3,520 ft (full) |
| Connecting Trails | West Fork, East Fork, Victor, Fern Canyon, Vandeventer, Dry Wash |
7. Fern Canyon Trail – Best Hidden Gem Waterfall Hike in Palm Springs
Address: Indian Canyons overflow parking lot (near Trading Post), Palm Springs, CA 92264
Fern Canyon is what we recommend to guests who want the Indian Canyons experience without the crowds in Palm Canyon.
It’s a 4.3-mile out-and-back through a genuinely varied terrain: sandy washes, a steep rocky climb of about 600 feet gaining panoramic canyon views, then a descent into a narrow canyon that opens into a small, shaded palm oasis.
The oasis itself hosts ferns and water-loving plants fed by seasonal moisture, and the whole section feels like a secret.
Guests often mention that when there’s enough moisture (typically November through March), the ferns come alive, and the oasis holds standing water.
It’s also a logical extension hike from Palm Canyon Trail: instead of turning back at the last junction, take the hard right onto Fern Canyon for a completely different environment within the same day’s hike.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4.3 miles round trip |
| Duration | Approx. 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 600 feet |
| Best Season | November to March for oasis greenery |
8. Maynard Mine Trail – Unique Vantage Point for Andreas Canyon Waterfall
Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Maynard Mine Trail is one of the lesser-known waterfall-adjacent hikes in Palm Springs. The trail was originally an access route to a tungsten mine on the ridge between Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon.
Starting from the south side of the Andreas Canyon parking area, the trail heads west for 1.4 miles before climbing sharply to the ridgetop.
The steep ascent of approximately 1,600–1,700 feet means this is not for casual hikers.
But the reward is significant: sweeping views across both canyons, a seasonal waterfall visible in Andreas Canyon to your right when water is flowing, and the small Maynard Mine entrance at the ridge end.
Reddit threads specified that the trail is entirely exposed with no shade or water, so an early morning start is essential. The park gates open at 8 am; plan to be on the trail by then on warm days.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approx. 4 miles round trip |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. 2,300 feet |
| Shade | None – early start required |
| Waterfall | Seasonal Andreas Canyon falls (visible from the trail) |
9. Murray Canyon + Coffman Trail Loop – Best Waterfall Loop Hike Near Palm Springs
Address: 2019 E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Murray Canyon + Coffman Trail Loop is the version of the Seven Sisters hike we suggest to guests who want more mileage and a different return route.
You take Murray Canyon Trail into Seven Sisters, then on the way back, turn right at the Coffman Trail junction instead of retracing your steps.
Coffman Trail climbs to a saddle with outstanding desert views before looping back toward the Andreas Canyon parking area.
The full loop runs 5 to 6 miles with around 600 feet of elevation. It’s a smart way to see both a waterfall and ridge-top canyon scenery on a single outing.
Hiking poles are recommended for the creek crossings and the Coffman descent by TripAdvisor hikers.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5 to 6 miles loop |
| Duration | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. 600 feet |
| Highlights | Seven Sisters waterfall + ridge saddle views |
10. South Lykken Trail (Tahquitz Falls Aerial Viewpoint) – Free Waterfall View Hike in Palm Springs
Address: Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
South Lykken Trail doesn’t take you to a waterfall, but it gives you one of the best aerial views of Tahquitz Falls available anywhere.
From the trail’s ridgeline, you can look directly down into Tahquitz Canyon and spot the falls in the distance, making it a great alternative for hikers who want a challenging trail without paying the Tahquitz Canyon entry fee.
The trail runs 8.8 miles round trip with 2,171 feet of elevation gain, all of it fully exposed. Wildflowers (purple and yellow brittlebush, barrel cactus blooms) appear along the cliffs from November through April.
Reddit threads cite that the bighorn sheep sightings are common enough that rangers actively monitor for them.
There’s a picnic area about 1.8 miles in on both the north and south sides where most day-hikers turn around.
Start early. By late morning in spring, the exposed switchbacks become very warm.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8.8 miles round trip |
| Duration | 5 to 5.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Elevation Gain | 2,171 feet |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Dogs Allowed | No (Bighorn sheep protection) |
| Waterfall View | Aerial view of Tahquitz Falls from the ridgeline |
Tahquitz Falls vs Murray Canyon vs Seven Sisters: Which Palm Springs Waterfall Hike is Right for You?
This is the question we get asked most often by guests comparing their options. Here’s our honest breakdown:
| Stats | Tahquitz Falls | Murray Canyon (Seven Sisters) | West Fork Falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 1.8 mi loop | 4 mi round trip | 340 ft from parking |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy-Moderate | Easy |
| Waterfall Size | 60-foot drop | 12-foot multi-tier | Small seasonal |
| Crowd Level | High (weekends) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best Season | Dec-Apr | Jan-Apr | Dec-Mar |
| Entry Fee | $12.50/adult | $12/adult | $12/adult |
| Swimming | No (pool fenced) | No | No |
| Dogs | No | No | No |
| Best For | First-time visitors, couples | Hikers wanting solitude | Quick stop, families |
Choose Tahquitz Falls if…
- You want the most dramatic single waterfall in Palm Springs
- You prefer a shorter, well-maintained loop with ranger support
- You’re visiting for the first time and want the definitive waterfall experience
- You’re booking a morning hike before a Palm Springs lunch or pool afternoon
Skip Tahquitz Falls if…
- You’re visiting between June and September without checking the updated hours first
- You have dogs with you – no exceptions apply on this trail
- You’re hoping to swim at the base; the pool is fenced off to protect the ecosystem
Choose Seven Sisters (Murray Canyon Trail) if…
- You want more mileage and a quieter canyon experience
- You enjoy stream crossings and a wilder, less-managed trail feel
- You’re visiting January through April, when water flow is at its best
- You want the option to extend into the Coffman Loop for extra mileage
Skip Seven Sisters if…
- You’re visiting in summer – the creek dries up, and the entry is often very dusty due to horse use on the trail
- You’re not comfortable with wet feet or multiple stream crossings
Before You Book: Indian Canyons Entry Information
All Indian Canyons trails (Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Palm Canyon, West Fork, Fern Canyon, and Maynard Mine) require a single entry fee of $12 per adult and $6 per child as of 2026. An annual pass is available for $125 per person.
The canyons are open daily from October 1 through July 4 (8 am to 5 pm), and Fridays through Sundays only from July 5 through September 30.
Park gates open at 8 am; you must be out by 5 pm, or your vehicle will be towed. Check indian-canyons.com for current conditions before heading out.
Want to go deeper into the region’s natural beauty? Check this expanded guide: Coachella Valley Hikes: 25+ Stunning Trails Guide (2026), perfect for serious hikers planning multiple days outdoors.
The Question We Get Asked Most About Waterfalls in Palm Springs
“Can we see waterfalls in Palm Springs in the summer?” The honest answer is: probably not, and it’s not worth planning your trip around it.
Most waterfall hikes in Palm Springs peak between December and April. Indian Canyons cuts back to weekend-only access after July 4.
Tahquitz Canyon stays open daily, but the falls can be thin or dry in low-rainfall years after May. Summer in Palm Springs is genuinely hot (temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit are normal in July and August).
If you’re visiting in summer and want a cool outdoor experience, the Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto is the answer.
Best Time for a Palm Springs Waterfall Hike: Season-by-Season Guide
Timing your Palm Springs waterfall hike correctly makes an enormous difference. We’ve seen guests arrive in August expecting to see roaring falls and leave disappointed.
Here’s what each season actually looks like on the ground.
| Season | Months | Waterfall Flow | Trail Conditions | Crowd Level | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Jan-Feb | Best – snowmelt + rain | Cool, comfortable | Lower | Best for waterfalls |
| Spring | Mar-May | Strong early, fades by May | Perfect weather + wildflowers | High (peak season) | Best overall experience |
| Summer | Jun-Sep | Near zero | Extreme heat (100F+), weekend-only hours | Lower (heat deters visitors) | Not recommended |
| Fall | Oct-Dec | Builds again by Dec | Comfortable, quieter trails | Moderate | Great for hiking, waterfalls start returning |
Summer Heat Considerations
Palm Springs summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Indian Canyons are reduced to weekend-only access after July 4.
If you’re visiting in summer and still want to hike, the South Lykken Trail at dawn is one of the few reasonable options since it starts in the cooler morning air and offers shade from the ridgeline.
Otherwise, we suggest the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as a heat-free alternative: the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet sits in a completely different climate zone with alpine trail access all summer.
Not sure when to plan your hiking trip? This breakdown of timing can help: What Is the Best Month to Visit Palm Springs? (It Depends on Your Trip), Choose the perfect season for waterfall trails.
What We Tell Our Guests Before They Head Out
We always share the same three tips with anyone heading out on a Palm Springs waterfall hike: First, carry more water than you think you need. Three 16-oz bottles per person minimum, even on a 2-mile loop. Second, start before 9 am.
The heat and the crowds both arrive together. Third, download your trail map offline before you leave. Cell service inside the canyons is unreliable, and we’ve had guests who couldn’t navigate back to the trailhead without it. AllTrails has offline maps for all Indian Canyons trails.
Parking Reality Check
Tahquitz Canyon has its own paid parking lot at the visitor center. There’s also on-street parking on West Mesquite Avenue if the lot fills, but plan on arriving early on weekends.
Indian Canyons has a large parking area near the Andreas Canyon trailhead and a Trading Post lot for Palm Canyon.
Both can fill by 10 am on spring weekends. South Lykken Trail is free and uses on-street parking along West Mesquite Avenue (north end) or South Palm Canyon Drive (south end). Do not park in the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center lot unless you’re paying for that trail.
Spirit of Sofia: Your Private Base for Palm Springs Waterfall Hikes
Spirit of Sofia is one of the most convenient and stylish stays in Palm Springs for guests planning a waterfall hike experience nearby.
We design our space as a base where adventure and comfort come together, especially for groups who want both nature and celebration in one trip.
TripAdvisor guests love how our private pools, lush hedged privacy, and group-friendly layout make Spirit of Sofia feel like a hidden resort built for unforgettable Palm Springs getaways.
- The vibe: We offer an eclectic, bohemian, Old Hollywood-inspired setting with bright colors, neon accents, and tall hedges that create total privacy after a long day outdoors.
- The location: We are located at 1491 Vía Soledad, just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, close to the airport, and about 25 minutes from Coachella grounds, making early morning hikes and returns easy.
- The stay options: Guests can book individual rooms or choose a full buyout of our 12-bedroom side, 11-bedroom side, or the entire 23-bedroom resort for large groups.
- Key amenities: Two heated pools, hot tubs, steam room, BBQ areas, cabanas, bikes, and outdoor dining spaces.
Plan your stay with us at Spirit of Sofia and turn your Palm Springs waterfall hike trip into a full private retreat experience.
Beyond the Trails: What to Do After Your Palm Springs Waterfall Hike
Palm Springs rewards hikers with a full day’s worth of options once you’re back off the trail.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The tram runs from Valley Station (2,643 ft) to Mountain Station (8,516 ft) in under 10 minutes. At the top, Mount San Jacinto State Park has 54 miles of alpine trails, a completely different climate zone, and views over the entire Coachella Valley. It’s a genuinely dramatic contrast to the desert canyons below.
- Joshua Tree National Park: About a 45-minute drive from central Palm Springs. The park’s rock formations, open desert, and night skies are worth the trip, especially on clear winter evenings. The main West Entrance is off Highway 62 in Twentynine Palms.
- Natural Hot Mineral Spas: Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs both have natural mineral spring facilities. Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs and Well Spa at Miracle Springs are popular options for post-hike recovery.
- VillageFest: Every Thursday evening on Palm Canyon Drive, the street fair draws local vendors, food, and live music. It’s a great low-effort option after a morning on the trails.
If you’re based at Spirit of Sofia during your trip, we’re about 10 minutes from the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center and just over 15 minutes from the Indian Canyons entrance.
We’re happy to put together a morning hike itinerary based on your group’s pace and the current water conditions.
After a full morning on the trails, our two swimming pools, steam room, and alfresco dining setup make the recovery part feel just as good as the hike itself.
If you’re planning a solo adventure around these trails, don’t miss this detailed guide: Ultimate Solo Travel Guide Palm Springs: 10 Best Tips (2026); it helps you hike smarter, safer, and more confidently.
Start Planning Your Palm Springs Waterfall Hike
Palm Springs surprises most hikers. You don’t expect a 60-foot waterfall at the end of a desert canyon, or a palm-shaded oasis filled with birdsong half a mile from an open desert parking lot.
But that’s what’s here, and these 10 trails give you the full range, from a 5-minute walk to West Fork Falls to a full-day challenge on the West Fork Trail.
Our advice: if you’re visiting between January and April and can only do one trail, go to Tahquitz Canyon. If you have a full morning and want more variety and fewer people, head to Murray Canyon for Seven Sisters and consider adding the Coffman loop on the way back.
If you want something free, challenging, and completely different, start at the South Lykken trailhead at dawn and watch the sunrise over the valley from the ridgeline.
We’re based right here in Palm Springs at Spirit of Sofia, and we update this guide as conditions change. If you’re staying with us and want trail-specific advice based on current water flow and crowd conditions, just ask at check-in.
We know these canyons well, and we’re happy to point you toward exactly the right waterfall hike for your group.
FAQs | Palm Springs Waterfall Hiking Trails
1. What are the 10 best waterfall hikes in Palm Springs?
The 10 best waterfall hiking trails near Palm Springs are: Tahquitz Canyon (Tahquitz Falls), Seven Sisters via Murray Canyon Trail, Andreas Canyon Loop and Hidden Falls, West Fork Falls, West Fork Trail (full), Palm Canyon Trail, Fern Canyon Trail, Maynard Mine Trail, Murray Canyon + Coffman Loop, and the South Lykken Trail for an aerial view of Tahquitz Falls.
2. When is the best time to see waterfalls in Palm Springs?
The best waterfall flow happens between December and April, with January through March being peak season. Spring also brings wildflowers and comfortable hiking temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (October to December) is ideal for hiking conditions as temperatures drop, with waterfalls beginning to return by late November or December.
3. Are the Palm Springs waterfalls year-round?
No. Most waterfalls in Palm Springs are seasonal, fed by snowmelt and rainfall from the San Jacinto Mountains. Tahquitz Falls and Seven Sisters typically flow from December through April. West Fork Falls is best viewed from December through March. By late spring, most falls either slow significantly or dry up entirely until winter rains return.
4. How much does it cost to hike to Palm Springs waterfalls?
Tahquitz Canyon charges $12.50 per adult and $6 per child (2026 rates). Indian Canyons (which covers Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Palm Canyon, Fern Canyon, Maynard Mine, and West Fork Falls) charges $12 per adult and $6 per child, with annual passes available for $99. The South Lykken Trail is free, with on-street parking available at both trailheads.
5. Are dogs allowed on Palm Springs waterfall trails?
Dogs are not permitted on trails within Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, or the South Lykken Trail (which runs through Bighorn sheep territory). There are no exceptions on any of these trails. If you’re traveling with a dog, desert-adjacent trails on BLM land like parts of the Art Smith Trail in Palm Desert may be more suitable options.
6. How difficult are waterfall hikes in Palm Springs?
Difficulty ranges considerably. The Andreas Canyon Loop and West Fork Falls are rated easy and suitable for families with young children. Seven Sisters via Murray Canyon Trail is easy to moderate, with stream crossings that require some care. Tahquitz Canyon is moderate. The West Fork Trail full route and Maynard Mine Trail are challenging, with steep elevation gains of 1,400 and 2,300 feet, respectively.
7. What should I bring for a Palm Springs waterfall hike?
At minimum: at least 3 liters of water per person, sunscreen SPF 50 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, sturdy hiking shoes (not sandals for Murray Canyon due to stream crossings and horse use), a downloaded offline trail map, snacks, and a small first aid kit. For Murray Canyon and West Fork, water shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet are also useful.
8. How far is the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall hike from downtown Palm Springs?
The Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center is located at 500 West Mesquite Avenue, about a 5-minute drive from the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The Indian Canyons entrance (which serves Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Palm Canyon, and connected waterfall trails) is roughly 5 miles south of downtown, about a 10 to 15-minute drive via South Palm Canyon Drive.
9. What is the Tahquitz Falls hike like?
The Tahquitz Falls hike is a 1.8-mile loop starting and ending at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center. After a 10-minute flat section, the trail climbs 328 feet through distinctive rock formations, native desert plants, and canyon habitat before arriving at the 60-foot waterfall and its base pool. The total hike takes most people 45 to 60 minutes at a comfortable pace.
10. Can I swim at the Palm Springs waterfalls?
Swimming at the base of Tahquitz Falls is not permitted; the pool area is fenced to protect the ecosystem. Seven Sisters waterfall at the end of Murray Canyon Trail does not have a formal swimming area, though some hikers wade in the creek during the approach. West Fork Falls collects in a small pool, but it’s too shallow for swimming.
Sources Consulted:
- Indian Canyons official trail maps and website (indian-canyons.com)
- Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center (tahquitzcanyon.com)
- Greater Palm Springs Visitors Bureau (visitgreaterpalmsprings.com)
- Visit Palm Springs official site (visitpalmsprings.com)
- AllTrails Palm Springs waterfall trail listings and reviews
- Google Reviews for Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, and South Lykken Trail
- Tripadvisor listings and traveler reviews (June 2026)
- Expedia destination content
- Reddit r/palmsprings and r/hiking trail discussions
- Palm Springs Life magazine (Fern Canyon feature)
- Our team’s direct experience managing guest stays in Palm Springs
