PALM SPRINGS

city, Riverside county, southern California, U.S., in the Coachella valley, at the foot of Mount San Jacinto (10,804 feet ). Originally known as Agua Caliente (Hot Water) for its hot springs, it had become a stage stop between Prescott, Ariz., and Los Angeles by 1872. In 1884 Judge John Guthrie McCallum established the Palm Valley Colony on the site that later developed as a model desert resort. Incorporated as a city in 1938, it includes within its boundaries parts of the Agua Caliente Indian reservation. Palm Springs developed into a glamorous desert resort and residence, frequented by Hollywood motion-picture stars and other luminaries. It features luxurious hotels, fashionable restaurants and boutiques, and vast recreation areas for tennis, swimming, hiking, skiing, and especially golf (some 50 golf courses lie within a 20-mile [32-kilometre] radius). Joshua Tree National Park is located nearby. Pop. (1991 est.) 41,017.