Some much needed shade...

The money shot! Tahquitz Falls is seasonal, so I'm very thankful that I got to experience it. It's about 60 feet high--amazing! I could have sat here all day and enjoyed the fabulousness...

A mortar used by the Cahuilla Indians.

After the hike we watched a video that explained how the canyon got its name:

The canyon's name is rooted in Cahuilla lore. Tahquitz was a legendary Indian shaman who was banished to the canyon when he used his powers selfishly. The tribe believes that his spirit lives within the canyon walls and that it can be seen as a green comet sweeping across the sky. According to the story, Tahquitz is still searching for the souls of those who venture too near his lair.

So, yeah, apparently people die in the canyon and they blame Tahquitz...that would have been nice to know before our hike! Luckily, we made it out alive!