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Shiprock: A Desert Sentinel

Discover Shiprock in Palm Springs: A 250-million-year-old geological wonder with cultural significance and stunning desert views. Easily accessible off Highway 111.

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Shiprock, near Palm Springs, is a striking geological formation that resembles a 19th-century Spanish galleon. Formed over 250 million years ago, it holds cultural significance for the Cahuilla Band of Indians and offers stunning desert vistas.

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 about four miles. Shiprock will be on the left. Turn left onto the access road to cut across CA-111. There is limited parking available. There are no fees for parking or access.

  • Public Transport

    From Palm Springs City Center, take the SunLine bus Route 24. Get off at the stop on South Palm Canyon Drive near East Alejo Road. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk east on E Alejo Road to Shiprock. A single ride on SunLine costs approximately $1. Check the SunLine Transit Agency's official website for accurate times.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Palm Springs, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Shiprock is a convenient option. Set your destination as 'Shiprock' in the app. The ride is short, typically costing between $8 and $12, depending on demand and traffic.

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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. This natural wonder offers a compelling blend of geological intrigue, cultural heritage, and scenic vistas, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers exploring the Palm Springs region. Geologically, Shiprock's origins trace back over 250 million years to the Paleozoic Era when the area was submerged beneath a vast, shallow sea. Over millennia, layers of silt and decaying marine organisms accumulated on the seabed, gradually compressing into sedimentary rock. Subsequent 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. The effect makes the rock look like wood. Beyond its geological significance, Shiprock holds cultural importance for the indigenous peoples of the area, particularly the Cahuilla Band of Indians. While the more famous Shiprock in New Mexico is revered by the Navajo, the Palm Springs Shiprock, known to the Cahuilla as 'kista cavel' (sharp-pointed rocks), symbolizes their enduring connection to the land. In 2017, the City of Palm Springs formally protected the area, adding commemorative stones with plaques to honor its significance. Visiting Shiprock offers breathtaking views, a glimpse of prehistoric rock, and a connection to the Cahuilla Band of Indians.

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