Wild Lands & Rivers
Palm Canyon Creek
Size: 8.1 miles
Management Agency: San Bernardino National Forest
Location: Riverside County
Description:
Palm Canyon Creek supports the largest California fan palm oasis in the United States. Relics from millions of years ago, the abundance of these native palms is nationally significant and unique. Palm Canyon’s seasonal surface flows, year-round springs, and high water table are crucial to maintain the palm oasis and provide important water sources for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep.
Palm Canyon also provides habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo, and it is home to many other sensitive bird species, including summer tanager, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, and gray vireo.
Native Americans have used Palm Canyon for more than two thousand years. A pre-historic trail follows the canyon and is used today by Native Americans for traditional purposes. The trail is also a popular route for hikers and mountain bike riders.