Hiking Trail Guide: Victor Trail-Palm Canyon

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Victor Trail-Palm Canyon

Distance
2.5 miles

Elevation
300 feet gain

Difficulty
2/10

City
Cathedral City ,CA (92234) 102.6 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Palm Springs, drive south along Highway 111/Palm Canyon Drive and bear right at the fork signed for South Palm Canyon Drive. Continue for 2.8 miles, then bear right at the sign for Palm Canyon/Andreas Canyon. Follow the signs to the entrance kiosk (stop here-a fee is required per person for entrance), then continue along the main road until reaching its end at two large parking lots near the Palm Canyon Indian Trading Post. To reach the trailhead, walk east from the Trading Post to end of the "overflow" parking lot, continue north where the trail is evident, cross the stream, and continue to the confluence of washes-the Victor Trail sign is located south and up the slope.

Description

This trail loop combination (Victor Trail/Palm Canyon Trail) offers some of the best views within the Indian Canyons. Magnificent views can be seen of cactus-studded canyons, lush-green palm-treed oases, and majestic mountains (the San Jacintos) along the loop's various elevated vista points. The trail is rugged throughout (particularly the Victor Trail), characteristically rocky and uneven in many places, with most of the elevation gain (about 200-300 feet) occuring within a mile. Sturdy boots, a hat, and LOTS of water are essential-temperatures can easily range in the 80-90 degree range even in the autumn and spring. Also, in years with good rainfall, water levels in the canyon are high (late winter and early spring months)-there are two stream crossings to negotiate, so be prepared.

Map / Directions: