Palm Springs is more than a desert getaway — it’s a place with deep cultural roots, where history, nature, and indigenous heritage come together in breathtaking ways. Long before Palm Springs became a renowned resort destination, it was home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Ancient Origins in the Canyons
Centuries ago, the ancestors of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians settled in the Palm Springs region, developing advanced and enduring communities within the Indian, Tahquitz, and Chino Canyons. Visitors can still find traces of these ancient settlements: rock art, petroglyphs, house pits, stone foundations, reservoirs, trails, and food processing areas.
Archaeological research has confirmed that Tahquitz Canyon has been continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years, highlighting its importance to Cahuilla culture. The Cahuilla called the area Sec-he, meaning boiling water, a reference to the natural hot mineral springs that still flow today. When Spanish explorers arrived, they named the site Agua Caliente, or hot water. Eventually, the name "Palm Springs" was adopted, honoring both the native Washingtonia filifera palm tree and the famous mineral springs.
The first bathhouse at the hot springs, circa 1910. Photo credit: Palm Springs Historical Society.
Preserving a Sacred Homeland
In 1876, the United States federal government deeded 32,000 acres of ancestral land in trust to the Agua Caliente people. At the same time, land was also granted to the Southern California Railroad, creating a unique checkerboard pattern of ownership that still exists today. Approximately 6,700 acres of the reservation lie within Palm Springs city limits, while the rest stretches across the surrounding desert and San Jacinto Mountains.
The arrival of the Sunset Limited at Palm Springs, 1940.
Palm Springs and the surrounding area were described as a recreation oasis as early as the 1890s. Tahquitz Canyon and three southern canyons are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Palm Canyon, part of the Indian Canyons, is considered the world's largest California Fan Palm Oasis.
The Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians remains actively involved with the City of Palm Springs.
Explore Agua Caliente Culture Today
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians continues to play a vital and active role in the Palm Springs community. Visitors can immerse themselves in this vibrant culture through the following experiences:
Indian Canyons & Tahquitz Canyon Tours
Join a ranger-led hike through the ancient palm groves and discover waterfalls, natural streams, and historic sites. These trails offer a glimpse into the spiritual and practical lives of the Cahuilla people.
Red Jeep Tours
For a more adventurous experience, take a guided Red Jeep Tour through Indian Canyons. These off-road excursions offer an exciting way to explore the canyons' geology, native plant life, cultural history, and breathtaking desert scenery — all while learning from expert guides.
👉 Book a Red Jeep Tour of Indian Canyons
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Located in downtown Palm Springs on the original site of the sacred hot springs, this museum (part of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza) offers exhibitions, educational programs, and artifacts that celebrate and preserve Cahuilla heritage.
👉 Explore the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
💧 Relax at the Spa at Séc-he
Located in the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, the Spa at Séc-he offers an immersive wellness experience centered on the sacred healing waters of the ancient hot mineral spring. Enjoy mineral baths, massage therapy, and restorative spa rituals rooted in the traditions of the Agua Caliente people.
👉 Learn more about the Spa at Séc-he
🎞️ Native Film Festival
Every March, the Native Film Festival shines a spotlight on Indigenous stories from around the world, with films featuring Native American, First Nations, and other Indigenous filmmakers. Visit www.aguacaliente.org for event updates.
🎰 Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Enjoy gaming, dining, and live entertainment daily at the Agua Caliente Casino in downtown Palm Springs, where tradition meets modern hospitality.
⛳ Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Tee off at one of two premier golf courses originally developed for and frequented by celebrities. Today, Indian Canyons Golf Resort remains one of the top golf destinations in the Coachella Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon?
A: The best time to visit is from October through April, when temperatures are cooler. Springtime often brings blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls.
Q: Do I need a reservation for Red Jeep Tours?
A: Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended as tours can sell out, especially during peak season. Visit Red Jeep Tours for availability.
Q: Can you soak in the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs?
A: While the original springs are sacred and not open for public bathing, you can enjoy a luxurious experience at the Spa at Séc-he, which offers mineral water-fed pools and spa services.