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Discover the Rich Cahuilla Native American Heritage in Greater Palm Springs

While many visitors to Greater Palm Springs know its iconic Hollywood and Rat Pack era of the 1950s and '60s, fewer realize that this Southern California oasis and its surrounding mountains were first settled by Native Americans—the Cahuilla people—over 2,000 years ago.

These peaceful hunter-gatherers lived in independent clans across the region, thriving on the abundant palm groves, mountain valleys, streams, hot springs, and underground aquifers that provided ample shelter, food, and water.

Today, descendants of the Cahuilla continue to steward their ancestral lands on federally recognized reservations. In the nine-city Greater Palm Springs area, key tribes include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, and Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. As dedicated environmental stewards, these tribes positively impact the local economy through successful business ventures like resorts and casinos.

Immerse yourself in their vibrant traditions at the Cabazon Cultural Museum in Indio or the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum—opened in 2022—in Palm Springs' Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, near the tribe's sacred hot mineral spring and a new 40,000-square-foot spa.

Discover the Rich Cahuilla Native American Heritage in Greater Palm Springs

For an active adventure, hike the pristine Indian Canyons, ancestral homeland of the Agua Caliente Band. Trails in Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon offer stunning vistas and native plants and wildlife. Nearby, Tahquitz Canyon features a 60-foot waterfall and a visitor center with compelling cultural exhibits.

Discover the Rich Cahuilla Native American Heritage in Greater Palm Springs

Evening entertainment awaits at the area's tribal casinos, boasting lively nightlife and exceptional dining.

Cap off your cultural journey with relaxation at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa's luxurious Sunstone Spa.

Discover the Rich Cahuilla Native American Heritage in Greater Palm Springs

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