Oswit Canyon
‘Not one shovel’
OSWIT CANYON
Palm Springs, California
- HOURS: DAWN - DUSK
- STAY ON TRAIL AT ALL TIMES
- STREET PARKING
- DO NOT DISTURB OR REMOVE WILDLIFE OR NATURAL RESOURCES
- NO DOGS
- NO BIKES, E-BIKES OR MOTORIZED VEHICLES
- NO DRONES
- NO LOUD MUSIC OR NOISE
- NO PICNICKING
- NO SMOKING
History
In 2016, Jane Garrison was admiring the beauty of Oswit Canyon when a hiker informed her of the impending plans to destroy the spectacular canyon by building hundreds of homes and a large flood retention system. Jane jumped into action and Save Oswit Canyon (SOC) was formed. For almost five years, SOC led an unwavering campaign to save Oswit Canyon which included collecting over 5,000 signatures from residents, a city initiative, fundraisers, a hard-hitting legal battle and much more activism. SOC never gave up the mission: “Not One Shovel, Not One House” in Oswit Canyon. Finally, in October 2020, SOC purchased the 114 acres in Oswit Canyon for over 7 million dollars with grants from state and federal agencies, the City of Palm Springs and generous donations from caring individuals.
Acres of spectacular alluvial fan. Home to endangered bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, and others!
Trail Map
Reminder of what
Oswit Canyon could have been...
LEFT: The left side of this photo shows the 1/4 mile long retention dam that would be visible to anyone on S. Palm Canyon (~530’ elevation), Indian Canyons, Canyon Heights, most of Andreas Hills, and all nearby hiking trails due to its elevation (dam was supposed to be at ~720’ elevation).
RIGHT: Oswit Canyon is now protected in perpetuity. Red outline is the property boundary. The right side is S. Palm Canyon, where you can see cars parked daily for hiking. North is up in this photo.
Oswit Canyon's wildlife we are protecting...
