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Shiprock: A Desert Sentinel

Discover Shiprock in Palm Springs: A geological marvel with cultural significance, offering breathtaking desert views and a glimpse into the past.

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Shiprock, near Palm Springs, is a striking rock formation resembling a 19th-century ship. Formed over 250 million years ago, it holds geological and cultural significance for the Cahuilla Band of Indians. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and explore the surrounding desert landscape.

A brief summary to Shiprock

  • Palm Springs, California, 92262, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the extreme heat of the Palm Springs summer.
  • Bring plenty of water and sunblock, and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.
  • Respect the cultural significance of the site; do not climb on the rock and adhere to any posted guidelines.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photography opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Palm Springs, head west on CA-111. Follow CA-111 for approximately four miles. Shiprock will be visible on the left. Turn left onto the access road to reach the site. There is a limited amount of parking available. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Palm Springs, take SunLine bus route 1 towards Whitewater. Check the SunLine Transit Agency schedule for the most up-to-date information. Get off at a stop near Shiprock on CA-111 and walk a short distance to the site. A single ride fare on SunLine is $1. SunRide, SunLine's microtransit service, is another option for $3, including transfers to local routes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Shiprock will cost approximately $15-$25. Taxi rates start at $3.00 plus $2.25 per mile. UberX rates from PSP to Palm Springs start around $17. Be aware that prices may vary based on demand and time of day.

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Discover more about Shiprock

Shiprock, a prominent geological formation located near Palm Springs, California, is a captivating landmark that draws visitors with its unique beauty and historical significance. Rising approximately 1,583 feet above the high-desert plain, Shiprock presents an awe-inspiring sight, its silhouette reminiscent of a 19th-century Spanish galleon, hence its name. Formed over 250 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era, the area was once submerged beneath a vast, shallow sea. Over millennia, layers of silt and decaying marine organisms accumulated on the seabed, gradually compressing into sedimentary rock. Tectonic uplift and erosion sculpted the landscape, eventually revealing Shiprock as a resilient remnant of this ancient marine environment. The rock's composition, primarily volcanic breccia and dark dikes of igneous rock, further attests to the region's complex geological history. Beyond its geological significance, Shiprock holds cultural importance for the indigenous peoples of the area, particularly the Cahuilla Band of Indians. Known to the Cahuilla as 'kista cavel' (sharp-pointed rocks), Shiprock symbolizes their enduring connection to the land. In 2017, the City of Palm Springs formally protected the area and added commemorative stones with plaques, thanks to the efforts of Jono Hilder and the Friends of Palm Springs Mountains. Visiting Shiprock offers a variety of experiences. Photography enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to capture the rock's striking form against the backdrop of the desert landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows and vibrant colors. While climbing the rock formation is forbidden to preserve its integrity and respect its cultural significance, visitors can wander around the fields up to the base of San Jacinto Mountain.

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