This is one of the 24 oases along the San Andreas Fault zone where the native California fan palm, Washingtonia filifera, is found, and it is one of the few publicly owned. (See Indian Canyons Palm Groves). Twenty-three palms are located in this group.

To the north is the "badland" topography of the Indio Hills.  The canyon to the north presents an intricately sculptured landscape, characterized by a labyrinth of gorges separated by ridges varying from sharply crested to nearly flat-topped.  Various Cenozoic formations are visible here.

Integrity:  The area is frequently used as a picnic ground.

Use:  Educational, observational, light recreation.

November 1975

Riverside
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2005 Steven Louis Hartman