Welcome to Palm Canyon, and to the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians — and welcome aboard. I'm Ranger Quinn, and I'll walk this beautiful oasis with you. And riding along with me is Ranger Boone Merrick — he carries the tales, and you'll be hearing plenty from him along the way.
Now, before you take a step, walk to the edge of the overlook here by the Trading Post and just look down into the canyon — because the sight is astonishing. Down there, threading along the creek in the bottom of this dry, rocky desert canyon, is a great green river of palm trees: thousands upon thousands of native California fan palms, one of the very largest oases of its kind anywhere in the world. In the middle of one of the hottest, driest places in America, a shaded, cool, living green paradise. That's where we're going.
And first, the most important thing to understand: this is not a park, and it's not a ruin. This canyon, and these palms, belong to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians — a living, sovereign Native nation who have called these canyons home since time immemorial, and who own, protect, and care for this land today. You are a guest on sacred ground. So a few respectful rules: you'll have paid the tribe's admission at the gate; dogs are not allowed on these trails, out of respect for this cultural place; stay on the trail; and if it's rained, be aware this canyon can flash flood. The walk down is a short, steep, switchbacking path, then an easy stroll along the creek. Take your time, tread lightly, and be a good guest. When you're ready, head on down into the oasis — and let's meet the palms.
