Palm Canyon's narrow layout limits sunlight, and some researchers suggest that heat trapped in the walls keeps the trees warm at night. There are about 50 trees in the main stand of Palm Canyon, with a handful of others in crannies nearby. The oldest trees reach 20 feet or more. The stand appears to be perpetuating. A study in 1986 found that smaller trees were establishing themselves at the base of older trees.
Some trees still have black trunks.
A final mystery is why older palms appear extremely well-groomed. While the younger palms have fronds that fold downward as they die, creating a petticoat effect from top to bottom, the older trees somehow prune themselves, with their dead fronds falling off and decomposing. This forms a growing bed for new trees. The dirt road running east from U.S. 95 is graded, but it can be a bit rough depending on the recent weather. Vehicles with high clearance and cars with prudent and patient drivers can make the trip easily.