Tachevah Canyon

Grand is great and all, but little canyons can make big impressions too. Take Tachevah Canyon’s rim-to-rim hike in the San Jacinto mountain range.

This 4.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike features some dynamic desert landscape. The North Carl Lykken Trailhead is clearly marked, and–trail bonus—keep an eye out for grazing bighorn sheep.

The hike gets down to business immediately, ascending almost 300 feet. At the apex, rest at the picnic table as you take in your first big view of Tachevah Canyon and the Palm Springs desert beyond. Descending into the canyon you’re likely to notice bright yellow brittlebushes and red chuparosa shrubs.

After just over a mile, you’ll come to a flat rock face with water runoff. It’s easy to spot, as the light granite is in stark contrast to the dark and colorful surroundings.

Plentiful water runoff forms a waterfall here. The trail is easy enough to follow, though at 1.6 miles there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it right turn up the other hillside of Tachevah Canyon.

You’ll be able to spot a few chollas and barrel cactus. Follow the trail up until you reach a three-way fork marked by a hiking sign. This completes the rim to rim.

From the I-10 take the CA-111 interchange toward Palm Springs. After 9.1 miles turn right onto W. Via Escuela. Turn left onto N. Via Norte and then right at the third cross street onto W. Chino Canyon Rd. and then a left onto W. Panorama Rd. Make a slight left onto W. Cielo Dr., and the trailhead will be at the end of the road. No dogs.