Tachevah Canyon

Hike Tachevah Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Hike Tachevah Canyon

Grand is great and all, but little canyons can make big impressions too. Take Tachevah Canyon’s rim-to-rim hike in the San Jacinto mountain range.

This 4.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike features some dynamic desert landscape. The North Carl Lykken Trailhead is clearly marked, and–trail bonus—keep an eye out for grazing bighorn sheep.

Hike Tachevah Canyon Rim to Rim San Jacinto mountain range

The hike gets down to business immediately, ascending almost 300 feet. At the apex, rest at the picnic table as you take in your first big view of Tachevah Canyon and the Palm Springs desert beyond. Descending into the canyon you’re likely to notice bright yellow brittlebushes and red chuparosa shrubs.

Hike Tachevah Canyon Rim to Rim San Jacinto mountain range

After just over a mile, you’ll come to a flat rock face with water runoff. It’s easy to spot, as the light granite is in stark contrast to the dark and colorful surroundings.

Plentiful water runoff forms a waterfall here. The trail is easy enough to follow, though at 1.6 miles there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it right turn up the other hillside of Tachevah Canyon.

Hike Tachevah Canyon Rim to Rim San Jacinto mountain range

You’ll be able to spot a few chollas and barrel cactus. Follow the trail up until you reach a three-way fork marked by a hiking sign. This completes the rim to rim.

From the I-10 take the CA-111 interchange toward Palm Springs. After 9.1 miles turn right onto W. Via Escuela. Turn left onto N. Via Norte and then right at the third cross street onto W. Chino Canyon Rd. and then a left onto W. Panorama Rd. Make a slight left onto W. Cielo Dr., and the trailhead will be at the end of the road. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View