You came to California for some well-deserved fun and relaxation in the California sun. Experience a different side of California and make your way to the California desert and Palm Springs. Its desert climate turns up the heat – and the fun – during your vacation. Head to nearby Thousand Palms and marvel at the uniqueness of the Coachella Valley at the Coachella Valley Preserve.
The Preserve
The 17,000+ acre site made up of a system of three preserves. The land combination is overseen by a combination of federal, state, and private conservation efforts made possible by the landmark Habitat Conservation Plan of 1986.
It is home to native species of plants and animals. Some key habitats include freshwater aquatic/wetland, desert sand dunes, palm woodland oasis, desert wash, desert scrub, and desert riparian. The preserve is also home to several oases, including the Thousand Palm Oasis, fed by water seeping out of the San Adreas Fault.
Location & Contact Info
The preserve visitor center and entrance is just 10 miles east of Palm Springs, and seated in the bluffs and mesas of the Indio Hills. Its location offers breathtaking sweeping views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park. The official address is 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms, California. You can call 760-343-1234 for information, including directions.
Sensitive Species
The preserve was originally a way to protect from the endemic situation faced by the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, a species found on the sand dunes at the southern edge of the preserve. Other rare and listed species use the habitat, including the critically endangered desert pupfish in Simone Pond. You may also come across the western yellow bat, or the Swainson’s hawk. Watch out for the rosy boa slithering through the shadows, and the federally endangered Coachella Valley milkvetch, too.
Hiking
Pack your hiking gear, like sun protection, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots and shoes. Once you arrive, there are a number of trails to explore. These include the McCallum, Hidden Palms, Moon Country, Pushawalla Palms, and Willis Palms trails. Most of the trails are loops of various lengths and moderate difficulty. You’ll want to first stretch your legs on McCallum, a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that’s a good warm up for the more difficult trails to come. Anytime is a great time for hiking, but some trails have advised times of the year to visit.
Preserve Fun with Ryson Vacations
When planning your getaway, make sure to book a home that will preserve memories and fun, in addition to being close to Coachella Valley Preserve, provided by Ryson Vacations. We offer homes as large as five bedrooms.
Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Lounge indoors in beautiful living spaces, or enjoy the view from a balcony or patio, or spend some time relaxing near the pool at select rentals.
Contact us today!
