If a horse is a girls best friend, then I have a best friend named King Tut.
We met in November on an outdoor adventure trip arranged by Visit Palm Springs. We didn’t trade friendship bracelets or secrets, but we shared a beautiful ride through the Indian Canyons, a place I shall not soon forget.
The day began at Smoke Tree Stables, located in the heart of South Palm Springs. I wore my riding boots and borrowed a dusty cowboy hat.
We loaded the horses onto the trailer and discussed the perils of bull riding on the short drive to Agua Caliente Indian Reservation.
King acted shy at first. He shuffled his feet and kept his eyes toward the ground. I offered him some gentle words of encouragement as we set foot on the trail.
Before long, we came to the side of a river. The water was lined with hundreds of skirted palm trees for as far as the eye could see. I never would have imagined water rushing through the desert canyon, but this was no mirage. King carefully stepped into the water and carried me across.
The trail got steep as we climbed to a lookout. From the rocky canyon, I gazed up at Mount San Jacinto, where I hiked through lush woods and meadows just a few months before. I patted King on the back, while I took in the surrounding views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the city of Palm Springs.
We returned to the desert floor and followed the river, crossing back and forth through the water. I heard there is a series of waterfalls upstream called Seven Sisters. I will come again to see for myself.
Back at the trailhead, King and I said our goodbyes. Though our friendship was brief, these canyons will always remind me of him.
Horseback Riding in Palm Springs:
- Smoke Tree Stables has been family owned and operated for over 65 years. For pricing and schedule of guided horseback tours, please visit SmokeTreeStables.com.
- Aspen Mills Bakery in Palm Springs prepares delicious boxed lunches, and they deliver! Order ahead and enjoy lunch under the shade of ancient palm trees.
Special thanks to Smoke Tree Stables, Aspen Mills Bakery and Visit Palm Springs for the horse-riding adventure and delicious lunch!
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