This is very interesting walk, 10 minutes from downtown. It shows what the presence of water can do, and perhaps should alert us to what this area would look like if it disappears.The area is well looked after is worth the modest price of admission.
We started out early when it was cool and hiked Andreas Canyon first since it's a short hike. Then we hiked Murray Canyon which turned out to be more challenging than expected, but we enjoyed it very much! We are 70 years old and it took us 2 1/2 hours. There are some treacherous rocky climbs near the end and the waterfall at the end wasn't worth it, but the hike itself was beautiful. There are several creek crossings where you have to jump from rock to rock. I only got a wet foot once. I suggest starting early when it's cool and take plenty of water.
The grove of palm trees along the river is a pleasant and cool. And then you can take any number of trails into the desert and heat. The snack bar was very nice and the rangers were very friendly.
It costs $9 an adult to get into this area but there are lots of hike choices. We did a relatively short hike called Palm Canyon. It was really neat to be in a dessert area and yet in amongst the huge palm trees and a little stream of water. For those of us used to hiking in Canada , the terrain is quite different. If you choose to do the longer hikes you are definitely hiking rock and dessert. Very hot so make sure you have sunblock, hats and water.
It costs to enter. The hiking is fine, but not spectacular. There is water flowing in spots. There are some trees, but afternoons get hot. Suggest taking the drive to Joshua Tree.
Bring Water and Margaritas. The views are fabtastic and ...oh Sunscreen and Hat are needed but there are plenty of Oasis to stay and enjoy shade and even a picnic.
There are four different canyons...Palm, Murray, Andreas and Tahquitz Canyon. All could be considered easy to moderate hikes with Tahquitz probably being the rockiest but worth the hike to see the 60' waterfall.
There are several hikes to take, we always pick the easy, shorter ones to get a taste of the place. First we took a mini hike (walk really) to the mini falls. Then a short walk/hike around the creek and palm trees. I stopped continuously to take photos, so may be an hour. At the visitor center/shop outside was hanging hummingbird feeders who put on a great display for photos. There is only one tour at 10am for the day! There were rangers sitting around talking. There is a talk (no walk) at 2pm about the area.
Truly a magnificent place with great trails but the staff does not share the joy of such a natural marvel. From the admission lady who appeared inconvenienced to the staff in the Trading Post the attraction needs to recruit people that appreciate the fact the public deserves to be better treated than the staff we encountered.
Andreas canyon is an easy 1 mile loop that is definitely worth doing for any type of traveler. Great views, cool oasis, and easy walk. Good for all ages but just a little difficult for the very elderly.