Within a short distance of Palm Springs, one can explore Indian Canyons which is the home to ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians.
The best way to be introduced to this special place is to go on a Tribal Ranger led hike. As we hiked through Andreas Canyon, our leader pointed out various plants and their various uses. The Honey Mesquite tree was a very useful food source for the Indians.
The morteros in the rock were used for grinding the nuts and seeds. It is a reminder of the constant hard work that the women played in providing food for their family.
This reconstructed Kish is a traditional winter home made out of palm fronds and flexible branches from the Desert Willow trees.
The Ramada is an example of a summer home which would be much cooler in the blistering 120degree desert afternoons.
Along the way, we saw a blooming Hedgehog Cactus...
as well as this Barrel Cactus. Contrary to common belief, the water found in this cactus would make you sick if you decided to drink it!!
The California Fan Palm Oasis here in Palm Canyon is the largest one in the world. These palm trees drink about 40 gallons of water a day. Quite a lot of water especially in the desert where water is scarce. Indian Canyons is definitely a place I'd recommend to go exploring!
