We finally reached the 60 ft waterfall of Tahquitz Canyon Trail named Palhanikalet and it was beautiful. A big rock sat in the middle of the pool and someone was climbing it. Unfortunately Ranger Ralph had to ask them to get down. There is no rock climbing allowed on the hike, too many people getting hurt. The water was icy cold and the moment I put my feet in I felt stinging all around my ankles. I could only stay in a few seconds before I couldn’t take it any longer and had to get out. However, there were some people that went all the way in and walked around the back of the rock. I’m not sure how they stood there without screaming and letting the water fall over their entire bodies. I just thought that was crazy. Way too cold!
If you look to the top of the waterfall at just the right angle you might be able to catch a glimpse of the steel rods used to bring a horse to the top of the falls in 1937. Director Frank Capra used the waterfall to represent the mythical land of Shangri-La in his film “Lost Horizon” where in one of the shots a horse rider brings his horse to the edge to overlook the falls. I did not see the steel rods and Ranger Ralph said that he hasn’t been able to locate them, but he hears of visitors noticing them occasionally.
We started our journey back down to the mouth of the canyon on the other side of the river. This is where the highest point along the trail is located and you can see the entire valley below. It was an amazing view.
We made good time on the way down, eventually stopping at what is currently called The Jesus Rock only because while they were cleaning the canyon someone had graffitied it with the word “Jesus.” However, this rock does have some significances to the canyon. It is where Jim Morrison held a private performance for a live audience.
Our last stop was at Cock wo wit (Piled Boulders). When looking at this spot from a distance it looks like an face overlooking the valley below. When you arrive at the base of it you can see a big X formed in the rocks. It was an ancient rock shelter where the oldest artifacts in the canyon were found dating over 2000 years ago. I could only look at these rocks with their huge cracks in them and think back to when Ranger Ralph told us that a cracked rock meant that a soul had been set free. A very spiritual concept for a very historic place.
Tahquitz Canyon is a great place to go hiking. Possibly even the best hike I’ve been on so far. Before you start your hike stop at the visitor’s center. They have walking sticks available to borrow. If you get lucky there might be some left. We were there at a prime time so we were unable to snag one, but they aren’t necessary for the trail.
The trail is great for all ages and relatively easy. It’s mainly flat with gradual inclines and many steps, but nothing too strenuous. Ask one of the employees at the visitors center how many steps there are to the waterfall and you will get a wide range of 100-300. Maybe you can count and help them know the true answer.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife hiding between rocks and behind bushes. Birds, lizards, snakes, big horned sheep, and many other animals can be found in the canyon, even dragon flies along the water’s edges. Most of these animals are of little concern, but rattle snakes are common in the area. Just be careful and you should be ok. While we didn’t see any while we were out, one of the other hikers did stumble upon one.
So next time you’re in Palm Springs, go out and hike Tahquitz Canyon Trail!
Feel Attract Explore with Janet 