Indian Canyons
Palm trees in the desert by the Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons are a collection of three beautiful canyons in the Palm Springs area. The Palm Canyon is fifteen miles long and features a stunning array of the indigenous flora and fauna of the area. The Andreas Canyon offers visitors an opportunity to explore a real desert oasis complete with lush palm-filled trails. Murray Canyon is the least visited of the three Indian Canyons, but the beautiful area provides an ideal setting to observe the local endangered Peninsula bighorn Sheep and least bells vireo bird.
Indian Canyons
38500 S Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, California 92264-9332
theindiancanyons.com
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
A Grevy's zebra at the Living Desert Zoo
The Living Desert is a 360 wilderness preserve. It is currently the only American zoo and garden dedicated entirely to conserving the deserts of the world. While located in Palm Springs, the Living Desert examines the flora and fauna of all desert areas in the U.S., including 10 desert ecosystems. More than 400 animals are on display, many of them endangered species like the Grevy's zebra, Arabian oryx and Peninsula bighorn sheep.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47-900 Portola Ave.
Palm Desert, California 92260
livingdesert.org
Moorten Botanical Gardens
A flowering plant inside the cactarium
The Moorten Botanical Gardens offer visitors a fantastic opportunity to examine an array of desert plants. There are over 3,000 cacti and other desert plants in the collection, all of which are organized by their native geographic region. There are gardens for every desert area from Arizona to South Africa. Outdoor favorites of many visitors include the boojum trees, the arborescent Euphorbia and a two-story tall Pachypoium. Inside the "cactarium" greenhouse are even more cacti and succulents, including plants from as far as Namibia.
Moorten Botanical Gardens
1701 S Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, California 92264
(760) 327-6555
Knott's Soak City
When the hot desert weather has done you in, try taking a break at the only water park in the area, Knott's Soak City. There are more than 20 water rides and attractions, including a wave pool and a simulated river for your relaxed floating pleasure. If you want something more exciting, try the seven story tall Dare Devil Tower slide. This 21-acre play land is the perfect way to cool down after a great exploration trip through the desert.
Knott's Soak City
1500 S Gene Autry Tr.
Palm Springs, California 92264
(760) 327-0499
knotts.com/public/park/soakcity/palm_springs/
