Scenic Canyon Opens in Palm Springs

A scenic canyon in Palm Springs that briefly appeared in the 1937 movie classic “Lost Horizon” was reopened to tourists last week after three decades. Access is by guided tour.

Tahquitz Canyon is on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, just off South Palm Canyon Drive, the main thoroughfare of Palm Springs. Among the highlights are a 60-foot waterfall where, in Frank Capra’s cinematic tale of Shangri-La, a woman dives with her horse into the pool at the base; artifacts from the Cahuillas’ ancestors; and the habitats of coyotes, mountain lions and other animals, including endangered species.

The tribe declared the canyon off-limits to visitors in 1971 after the area was littered and defaced by rock music fans and other visitors. But homeless people, spring break revelers and others continued to trespass for some time afterward.

A new visitor center at the canyon entrance, 500 W. Mesquite, has educational exhibits, including pottery, arrowheads and other Indian artifacts. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Walking tours last about two hours and are offered hourly 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 adults and $5 children 12 and under. Tour reservations are recommended. Telephone (760) 322-0057..