Because of this many vacationers are trying to get away from cookie-cutter tourist destinations and are turning to exotic and natural destinations where they can truly explore all of the wonders that the natural world has to offer. For these people, a T-shirt boasting of their latest vacation destination simply will not do. They want to experience the beauty and adventure that can only be found while exploring the great outdoors.

For these adventurous few, Palm Springs, California is a vast desert playground with every nook and cranny just waiting to be explored. From lush oases to deep, haggard canyons and soaring mountainous peaks, Palm Springs has a little bit of something for every nature lover.

Palm Springs Canyons

Palm Springs is a hiker's paradise, which is evident by the many hiking trails mapped out in and around its many scenic canyons and gorges. Here the diversity of wildlife is as contrasting as the breathtaking landscape. From catching a glimpse of the rare and endangered Bighorn Sheep to watching the clever antics of the smallest desert creatures, the canyons of Palm Springs are a must see for any visitor to the area.

• Tahquitz Canyon is situated on the Agua Caliente Reservation and is one of the most beautiful desert attractions to be found in Palm Springs. Boasting of a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, abundant native wildlife and plants, a hike through this unique and diverse canyon will not be forgotten any time soon.
• Palm Canyon features fifteen miles of mapped trails that gives hikers an intimate glimpse of the area's indigenous flora and fauna situated against a contrasting, rugged landscape of rocky red and gold gorges and the barren desert lands in the distance. Here you can hike, explore, picnic and horseback ride against the breathtaking canyon backdrop.

Palm Springs Oases

A beautiful contrast to the barren desert landscape are the many lush oases of Palm Springs. Consisting mainly of tall Fan Palms, the oases offer more than just respite from the extreme desert temperatures, which descend upon the area daily. The oases of Palm Springs are intricate ecosystems boasting of numerous different kinds of plant and animal life including snakes, rodents, lizards and spiders.

• Thousand Palms Oasis is situated on the Coachella Valley Preserve and straddles the San Andreas Fault line. Consisting of emerald green undergrowth, soaring Fan Palms and the endangered Valley Fringe-toed Lizard, the Thousand Palms Oasis is the perfect place to start your tour of the Oases of Palm Springs.
• Palm Canyon Oasis is located in Palm Canyon on the Agua Caliente Reservation and features more than 3,000 native Palms ranging in size from diminutive to grand in stature.
• The Oasis of Mara, formerly known as Twentynine Palms Oasis, is located in the Joshua Tree National Park. Once revered as an “Oasis of Fertility” by the natives, this oasis is indeed a fertile ground for many types of flora, fauna and wildlife.

As you can imagine, visiting and exploring just these few Palm Springs natural attractions could occupy a vast amount of time and keep a nature lover distracted for days. But there are also many more natural attractions to be found in the Palm Springs area. From scouting for endangered animals and plants to absorbing the unique and contrasting beauty that can only be found in Palm Springs, you will not be sorry when you choose this desert playground as your next natural vacation destination.