Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley have some of the best hiking trails I’ve ever seen. They range in levels from easy to extreme. But one of the best hiking trips I took recently was the Tahquitz Canyon hike. It’s not easy to find if you’re driving around looking for it. Head south on Palm Canyon. Just before Palm Canyon turns to the east, you will see a street called Mesquite. Make a right on Mesquite and proceed towards the mountain and you will see the entrance and visitor’s center for Tahquitz Canyon.
Once you get started on the hike you will be surrounded by beautiful desert scenery, which will take you high above and provide aerial views of the City of Palm Springs. From this altitude, you can also see the San Andreas Fault in the distance. There is also mystical folklore that makes this hike even more intriguing. This land has been inhabited by ancestors of the Cahuilla Indians for over three thousand years.
According to folklore, Tahquitz was the first chosen leader of the ancient Cahillian people, who did not use his powers for good. He was banned from the tribe and forced to live in this canyon that now bears his name. As the story goes, he kidnapped a beautiful Cahuilla Indian maiden and forced her to live with him. Tahquitz later killed her when she returned to her people.
Many have reported seeing Tahquitz lurking high on the cliffs above the trail, ready to swoop down and carry someone off and eat their soul. Till this day, many Cahuilla tribe members will warn others not to fall asleep in the canyon because Tahquitz will steal and eat their soul. Many people have been found in that canyon dead, but sitting up as though they were waiting to die.
The hike last about two and a half hours and be sure to take a camera because you’re going to see some very beautiful sights. The hike is rated at a moderate level, but the Park Ranger will tell you, “If you can make it from the parking lot to the visitor’s you should be able to make the hike with no problem.”
I would recommend you wear hiking boats. If you don’t have hiking boots, maybe some high-top shoes with non-skid soles. This is very important because of the snakes, spieders, and scorpians indigenious to that area. The admission is $12.50 for adults, $6.00 for children between the ages of 6 – 12. Tahquitz Canyon is open daily from October through July 4th weekend, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. During July through September, Tahquitz is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. But whatever you do, don’t take a nap.
Want to find out more about The Legend of Tahquitz in Palm Springs , then visit Mitchell Sussman’s site on how to choose the best palm springs vacation for your needs.
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