KICK-BUTT SELF-DEFENSE: Lori Hartman Gervasi, author

The admission price to the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday nights can’t be beat — everyone gets in for free.
‘The canyons are wild
and natural. They are
the largest oasis of its
kind for the California
fan palms. We have a
lot of people who come
here to look at birds
and the wildflowers.’
The canyons are open from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. daily. Rocky Toyama, director of
rangers for the tribe, leads guided hikes
for a small fee.
“We introduce people to the culture and
the plants and animals, and we give lectures
too,” he said. “The canyons are wild and
natural. They are the largest oasis of its kind
for the California fan palms. We have a lot
of people who come here to look at birds
and the wildflowers.”
Fifteen miles long, Palm Canyon offers a
moderately graded, paved foot path that
winds down into the canyon for picnicking
near the stream, hiking, exploring
or horseback riding. At the top
of Palm Canyon is the Trading Post, where
visitors can buy hiking maps, refreshments,
Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry,
pottery and baskets.
“Most of our hiking trails lead out of
Palm Canyon,” Toyama said. “We have
many trails from hard to easy, and there is
no end to the trails.”
One particularly beautiful trail is the
3-mile-long Palm Canyon-Victor Trail Loop.
“It’s very scenic and you cross the stream
twice,” Toyama said. “You walk along the
water and under the palm trees.”
Tahquitz Canyon features a seasonal
60-foot waterfall (which is expected to be
flowing until May or June), rock art, ancient
irrigation systems and artifacts. The
Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center at 500 W.
Mesquite, Palm Springs. To reserve a rangerled
interpretive hike, call 760-416-7044.
Andreas Canyon showcases magnificent
natural California fan palms and more than
There are 125 golf courses within a 40-minute drive of downtown Palm Springs.
PAlM SPringS ChAMber of CoMMerCe
150 species of plants within a half-mile
radius. A scenic foot trail leads through
the canyon, passing groves of palms,
unusual rock formations and the Andreas
Creek. Murray Canyon is accessible from
Andreas Canyon and offers a hike through
the stream.
After a day of enjoying majestic canyons,
head downtown to enjoy the restaurants,
clubs and shops. North Palm Canyon Drive
is especially happening on Thursday nights
for Villagefest, when about 200 vendors
offer arts and crafts, food, live entertainment
and fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Visit www.palmspringsvillagefest.com
for details.
Also on Thursday evenings, admission is
free between 4 and 8 p.m. at the Palm
Springs Art Museum, which features
contemporary art, glass art, modern
architecture and design, photography and
more. Stop by the museum’s café and enjoy
the outdoor sculpture garden while taking
in the art.