Andreas Canyon in Palm Springs, CA

 The Andreas Canyon is part of the Indian Canyons area of the Cahuilla Nation, just outside of Palm Springs.  The Canyon is a great place to explore.  There is a one-mile trail into the canyon, a pretty flowing stream, shade from the beautiful palms, picnic benches and stunning rock formations.  There are artifacts left by the ancestors of the Cahuilla people, such as grinding holes and metates.  There is plenty of parking and you don't have to walk much to enjoy the birds and stream, which comes from a natural spring supplemented by snow melt.

A day pass for the area is $12 per person for adults.  There are lots of great trails in the area.  The roads are well maintained and if you don't want to hike, drive up to the trail head for Palm Canyon - a 10-minute drive away - and enjoy the amazing view into that canyon.  There is a small store up there with snacks, books, toys and clothes.