Murray Canyon Trail – Palm Springs
Murray Canyon Trail is a moderate 4.7-mile hike in the Indian Canyons of Palm Springs, California. It is celebrated for its picturesque views and leads hikers to the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfall.
The terrain includes gentle elevation gains and the unique experience of crossing seasonal streams, making it an excellent choice for hikers and equestrians. The trail offers an opportunity to explore the beauty of the desert landscape while providing a serene escape into nature.
Trail Details
| Trail type | Out-and-back with a loop option via Coffman Trail |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 4.7 miles (round trip) |
| Elevation gain and loss | 450 feet, -450 feet |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 33.759554, -116.547590 |
| Location | Indian Canyons, Palm Springs |
| Season | Winter and Spring (for seasonal water) |
| Information Number | 760-323-6018 |
| Website | https://www.indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons |
Getting to Murray Canyon Trailhead
To reach the Murray Canyon Trailhead from Palm Springs, head south on South Palm Canyon Drive, then turn left onto East Murray Canyon Drive. Follow this road until you arrive at the Andreas Canyon parking area.
The trailhead is located at the south end of the parking lot. For visitors coming from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East and merge onto CA-111 South, continuing into Palm Springs. From there, follow the directions to the parking area. There is ample parking available at the trailhead.
The Trail
Starting from the Andreas Canyon parking area, hikers will embark on a half-mile trek across the desert floor, taking in the breathtaking rock formations that define this region. As the trail leads into Murray Canyon, it meanders along the canyon’s edge, providing views of the surrounding landscape.
The trail features several stream crossings, particularly during the winter and spring when Murray Canyon Creek flows with seasonal water. This adds a refreshing element to the hike, but hikers need to be cautious while traversing these areas.
As you approach the trail’s end, a highlight awaits the Seven Sisters Waterfall. This 12-foot waterfall is a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the sound of cascading water, and snap some photos.
After spending time at the waterfall, hikers can return the way they came or take a right at the Coffman Trail junction. The Coffman Trail loops back through the desert floor, providing a slightly different perspective of the area before reconnecting with the Murray Canyon Trail.
The trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species and desert flora. Keep an eye out for unique desert plants along the way, which add to the scenic beauty of the trail.
