Explore the beautiful trail in Palm Springs – the Murray Canyon Trail and its captivating and refreshing Seven Sisters Falls. This trail takes you through desert landscapes and a surprising oasis. Let's dive into what makes this hike a must-do when you visit Palm Springs.
Getting Started
Starting at the Murray Canyon Trailhead within the Indian Canyons, the hike starts with an easy walk through native plants and tall palm trees. The peaceful beauty of the desert gives a hint of what's to come.
Oasis Escape
As you continue along the trail, you'll find yourself in the middle of tall palms and a lush landscape. The cool stream offers a welcome break from the desert heat, inviting you to dip your toes and enjoy the sounds.
Seven Sisters Falls: Nature's Masterpiece
The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the Seven Sisters Falls. These falls, named for their seven tiers, create a beautiful contrast against the rocky backdrop. It truly is a journey through one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen. Be prepared to walk alongside (and cross over) the stream, stopping to enjoy all the small waterfalls.
Exploring Further
Beyond the falls, the trail's rock structures and wild cacti make every step and corner exciting and wonderous. I can't say enough how cool this landscape is.
Things to Know
Duration/Distance: The hike from the parking lot to the final waterfall is approximately 2 miles, so a roundtrip of about 4 miles. It took us around 2.5 hours with plenty of stops along the way.
Stay Prepared:Â Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a snack.
Check Conditions:Â Before heading out, check for any trail updates or closures.
Shoes: You'll want to wear hiking shoes, and I highly recommend water shoes (I wore Tevas) so you can cross the stream easily. If you don't want to get your shoes wet, you will be hopping on some rocks and balancing on a few logs. Note: There are ten stream crossings.
Early Start:Â Beat the heat by starting your hike early in the day, especially in warmer weather.
Reward: If you like beer, there are many beautiful viewpoints to have a nice cold one!
From Downtown Palm Springs:
Head South:Â Start by heading south on South Palm Canyon Drive.
Turn Left:Â At the intersection with East Palm Canyon Drive, turn left.
Continue Straight:Â Follow East Palm Canyon Drive for approximately 3 miles.
Arrive at Indian Canyons:Â You'll reach the entrance to Indian Canyons. Look for signs directing you to the parking area.
From Interstate 10:
Take Exit 111:Â If you're traveling on Interstate 10, take Exit 111 for CA-111 toward Palm Springs.
Head South:Â Merge onto CA-111 South and continue for approximately 9 miles.
Turn Left:Â Turn left onto East Palm Canyon Drive.
Drive to Indian Canyons:Â Continue on East Palm Canyon Drive for approximately 2 miles until you reach the entrance to Indian Canyons. Follow signs for parking.
Parking and Trailhead Access:
Park:Â Once you arrive at Indian Canyons, park your vehicle in the designated parking area.
Pay Entrance Fee:Â Before starting your hike, you'll need to pay the entrance fee at the Indian Canyons Visitor Center. Fees may vary, so be sure to check ahead of time.
Trailhead Location:Â The trailhead for Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Sisters Falls is well-marked within Indian Canyons. Follow signs and directions provided by park staff.
Begin Your Hike:Â From the trailhead, follow the clearly marked path to start your adventure towards Seven Sisters Falls.
Distance/Level: The trail spans approximately 4 miles round trip. Along the way, you'll encounter roughly 10 water crossings and some sections with steep inclines. However, overall, the hike is considered moderate in difficulty.