Taquitz Canyon

Centuries ago, ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla (Kaw-we-ah) indians settled in the Palm Springs area.  They developed complex communities.  With an abundant water supply, the plants, animals and Indians thrived.

They grew crops of melons, squash, beans and corn.  They gathered plants and seeds for food, medicines and basket weaving.

The Mouth of the Canyon - Kak wa wit

Named more than 3,000 years ago by Evonganet "Great Chief" of the Cahuilla people.

It was a hot day and we arrived at the Canyon early - we hiked in the shade of the canyon walls on the climb up to the waterfall.  The sound of the water echoed off the canyon walls - really cool!

Tahquitz Falls - Water Falling Down

Originally named Pal hani kalet by Ca wis ke on ca, leader of the Fox Tribe, who first settled here more than 2,000 years ago.  They believe it is a place of power.  When you enter you're tired and weak, when you leave you are rejuvenated and energized.

We found a nice spot to sit and each lunch enjoying the view of the falls.  A friendly hummingbird put on a show for us.  She flew and fluttered all around the entire time we were there.  Maybe she was trying to lure us away from a nest - she followed us all around the falls area - amazing!!!

Remnants of the Lebacho-Tahquitz Creek Ditch - originally built in 1830 to bring water from the canyon to the village for drinking and irrigation.

Rock Mortar

This would have been used to crush grain or acorns for cooking.

Its thought that these depressions or indentations were caused by grains of sand swirling in water continuously over a long period of time.  

We have seen these in Lake George also - they're called Indian Kettles - at the northern end of the lake and also on Mohican Island - cool to see!

Pictograph also known as pictogram - It is a prehistoric drawing on ancient rocks and is essentially a picture of the objects they signify.

Artifacts found in this area are believed to be more than 2,000 years old!

The Agua Caliente Indians were industrious and creative with a reputation for independence, integrity and peace.  They believed this productive land of their ancestors would always be theirs.  However, in 1876, the US Federal Government deeded in trust to the Agua Caliente people 32,000 acres for their homeland.  At the same time, they gave the Southern California Railroad ten miles of odd sections of land to encourage the company to build a railroad.

Of the reservation's 32.000 acres, some 6,700 lie within the Palm Springs city limits.  The remaining sections fan out across the desert and mountains in a checkerboard pattern.

Not sure I understand the purpose of dividing the land in a checkerboard pattern.

The Legend of Tahquitz

Tahquitz was the first shaman created by Mukat, the Creator of all things.  Tahquitz had much power, and in the beginning he used his power for the good of all people.  Tahquitz became the guardian spirit of all shamans and he used his power to do good.  But over time, Tahquitz began to use his power for selfish reasons.  He began to use his power to harm the Cahuilla People.  The people became angry and they banished Tahquitz to this canyon that now bears his name.  He made his home high in the San Jacinto Mountains in a secret cave below the towering rock known today as Tahquitz Peak.  It is said that his spirit still lives in this canyon.  He can sometimes be seen as a large green fireball streaking across the night sky.  The strange rumblings heard deep within the San Jacinto Mountains, the shaking of the ground, and crashing of boulders are all attributed to Tahquitz as he stomps about the canyon.