Desert in a Minute: The Ancient History Behind Palm Springs’ Ship Rock

As NBC Palm Springs resident historian, Steve currently produces the “Desert in a Minute” segments, highlighting fascinating stories from the Coachella Valley’s past and the unique landmarks that define the region.

One of those landmarks is Ship Rock, a striking formation located near Highway 111 in Palm Springs.

Long before it became known by its modern name, the Cahuilla people called the formation Kista Eval, meaning “sharp pointed rocks.” Today it is better known as Ship Rock, a name believed to come from its resemblance to a Spanish galleon ship, although there is no official record explaining exactly how that name was adopted.

At first glance, Ship Rock can appear to be a massive piece of weathered wood. In reality, it is rock — incredibly old rock that formed more than 250 million years ago.

Geologists believe the formation began at the bottom of a prehistoric tropical sea. Over time, layers of silt and the remains of marine organisms were compressed and hardened into rock.

As tectonic forces shifted the Earth’s crust, the rock slowly traveled thousands of miles northward along the western side of the San Andreas Fault. Eventually, geological forces lifted and tilted the formation as the granite mass of Mount San Jacinto pushed upward.

The dramatic result is the unusual rock formation visitors see today.

Aside from one small plaque asking visitors to help preserve the site, Ship Rock remains largely untouched by human development.

For those who want to see this natural wonder up close, it is easily accessible thanks to its location just off Highway 111 — making it one of the easiest geological landmarks in the Coachella Valley to visit.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.