Indian Canyons in Palm Springs
Indian Canyons lies in Palm Springs on tribal land, a separate destination from Rancho Mirage. Palms, canyon scenery and trails make a visit a chance to experience the valley on foot. Start by choosing the amount of walking your group can manage, then plan water, the weather and the journey to the entrance. The rules of the land apply to independent visitors and guided groups alike.
Two guided combinations approach the canyons differently. One joins an open Jeep ride with a guided hike and starts at 100 S Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Another combines an electric bicycle and walking, with a guide, helmet, water and snacks. Both include canyon admission. Check the meeting instructions for your chosen departure before setting out.
Our picks: Indian Canyons
Choose the Jeep trip for a guided hike, or the e-bike outing for a ride with a guide. Both include Indian Canyons entry.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Indian Canyons Jeep and hiking trip
- Entrance fee to the Indian Canyons
- Bottled water and granola bars
Ride in an open-air Jeep and explore on foot with a naturalist guide.
Check availability →
Indian Canyons guided e-bike outing
- Entry fee to the Indian Canyons
- Bottled water
- Snacks
A guided outing with an electric bicycle and helmet. Consider the season and heat when planning.
Check availability →Desert excursions
Compare departure points and the details of each guided trip.
Entry and opening times
Day admission is available at the Toll Gate at 38520 S Palm Canyon Drive, or at the Agua Caliente counter in the Palm Springs Visitor Center. The published adult admission is 12 USD; seniors aged 62 and over and students with identification pay 7 USD, and children aged six to twelve pay 6 USD. Younger visitors should check their applicable conditions before travelling. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The published schedule distinguishes a daily season from a Friday through Sunday summer season. The final vehicle entry is at 16:00. Check the calendar for your date, especially around the seasonal change at the start of October, and leave enough time for your walk before closing. The park does not offer ranger-led hikes from July through September.
Hiking and regional alternatives
Choose a canyon walk that fits the heat, your experience and your available water. Stay on designated trails and use designated parking. The operator asks hikers to carry at least one US quart of drinking water per hiking hour and turn around when half their supply remains. That rule makes the return part of the plan, not an afterthought.
For another outing, Bump & Grind begins at Painters Path in Palm Desert. Its upper section closes annually from February 1 through April 30; check signs for the route you intend to follow. The Art Smith route to the first oasis is another regional option and is not the whole trail. These are separate places with their own conditions, not extensions of Indian Canyons.
Nature, wildlife and conservation
The palms and rocks of the canyon form a distinctive desert setting on tribal land. Animals including bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes and mountain lions occur in the area, but no sighting is guaranteed. Give wildlife space, remain on the marked route and follow instructions at the entrance. A guide can help explain the landscape without changing the rules that protect it.
Do not bring pets or drones, light fires, consume alcohol, climb rocks or take bicycles onto hiking trails. The e-bike and hiking combination does not grant permission to ride on trails closed to bicycles. Treat the cycling and walking portions as directed by the guide. Protecting access means keeping to the designated areas and carrying out your visit with care.
Planning a day in the valley
Check the forecast before choosing a longer walk and carry sun protection as well as water. Allow time to reach Palm Springs from your base, and read the tour instructions rather than assuming transport from your accommodation. If you book the Jeep and hike, travel to the stated Palm Springs meeting point; for the bicycle outing use the instructions supplied with your reservation.
Compare other landscapes at Joshua Tree National Park and the Palm Springs wind farm. The seasonal guide helps you plan outdoor time, while getting here covers arrival and local transport. Each destination has its own admission and access rules.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Indian Canyons?
The canyons are in Palm Springs on tribal land. Rancho Mirage is a separate city in the same valley.
Can I cycle on the hiking trails?
Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails. Follow the guide during the cycling and walking portions of a combined trip.
What should I carry?
Bring drinking water and sun protection. The operator asks for at least one US quart per hiking hour and advises turning back at half your supply.