The Los Angeles Wildfires
Greater Palm Springs has not been directly impacted by the LA wildfires. We want to extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to everyone affected in the Los Angeles area. For current Greater Palm Springs conditions, LA Relief accommodation offers, and more information View Resource Page
Palm Tree Oasis

Native American Culture

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

We acknowledge the Cahuilla People as the original stewards of the land on which we now gather. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the indigenous people in this place. We pay our respect to the Cahuilla People past, present, and emerging who have been here since time immemorial. 

 

HISTORY

Greater Palm Springs history dates back long before the arrival of the steam engine. Some archaeological evidence suggests the first Native people have resided in the area for more than 8,000 years.

Today, five tribes representing two major Native cultural groups make their home in the nine-city area that comprises Greater Palm Springs. Those tribes are:

 

 

Five other federally recognized tribes of the Cahuilla people that occupy land from Thermal to Banning to Anza include: Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians of the Cahuilla Reservation, Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians of the Los Coyotes Reservation, Morongo Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians of the Morongo Reservation, Ramona Band of Cahuilla, and Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians.

To learn more about the Native American History of Greater Palm Springs, click here.

EXPLORE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

Spend a day immersing yourself in the rich Native American heritage of Greater Palm Springs by visiting these three museums in and around the destination.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum 

Cabazon Cultural Museum 

Malki Museum 

Cluster of palm trees in the Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons, which are the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, are sacred to the tribe. The canyons are filled with Washingtonia filifera palm trees, which provided shelter during the hot months of summer.
A Transformative Journey of Wellness

A Transformative Journey of Wellness

This video was produced for Visit Greater Palm Springs by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions

DISCOVER MORE OF GREATER PALM SPRINGS' HISTORY

Historical Spa Bath House - CREDIT NEEDED

CELEBRATING OUR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

While many visitors to Greater Palm Springs are familiar with its Hollywood and Rat Pack history of the 1950s and ’60s, what they might not know is that this Southern California oasis and the... Read More

The Tahquitz Canyon waterfall flows heavily after a storm

The Best Hikes in Tahquitz and Indian Canyons

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation is home to the stunning landscapes of Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons, which include several waterfalls and the largest Washingtonia filifera... Read More

Indian Canyons

Native American Bird Singing

Bird singing is one of the time-honored rituals at the heart of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' cultural heritage. Bird songs are a way to share the history, stories, culture, and language... Read More

Morongo Pow Wow

Annual Native American Cultural Events

Greater Palm Springs offers a variety of must-attend Native American cultural events throughout the year. Experience one-of-a-kind celebrations and start planning your visit with this comprehensive... Read More

An expansive vegetable garden at Temalpakh Farm farm under a shade structure with a worker in the distance.

Unique Things About Temalpakh Farm

It's been said that nature is the best healer. And those looking for food that is good for not only themselves but also for the planet need look no further than Temalpakh Farm in Coachella. Created,... Read More

Scenic Tahquitz Canyon

The Legend of Tahquitz

This vast Southern California desert has been home to humans for millennia, including the beautiful Tahquitz Canyon, ancestral land of the Agua Caliente People and home to a 60-foot waterfall,... Read More

 

 

 

Read the newest edition of Me Yah Whae the official magazine of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Read The Latest Edition

me-yah-whae

Discover Everything

Greater Palm Springs Has To Offer

Request a Free Visitors Guide Request a Free Visitors Guide
Sign up for our E-Newsletter Sign up for our E-Newsletter
Top
  • Visitor Center:  
  • Monday – Friday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • 70100 Highway 111
  • Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Certified Autism Center Logo

Visit Greater Palm Springs, a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC)
Sponsors
Agua Caliente
BMW Performance Driving School Thermal
El Paseo Logo
The Living Desert
Palm Springs Art Museum Logo
GCVCC logo The Living Desert logo BMW Performance Center logo El Paseo logo Agua Caliente Casinos logo Acrisure Arena logo PGA West logo Farm Palm Springs logo

© 2025 Visit Greater Palm Springs. All rights reserved.