Nature and Hiking Trails
Experience the untouched beauty of the Colorado Desert.
The Living Desert's Natural Sanctuary
Experience the serenity and raw beauty of the desert by exploring the Zoo’s 50+ desert gardens, featuring roughly 1,200 plant species!
Chihuahuan Garden
Wild Americas
Within this garden, native northern Chihuahuan desert plants thrive and showcase their resilience in the arid landscape. Prickly pear cacti, towering yuccas, and majestic sotols adorn the sandy terrain, creating a picturesque scene that truly captures the essence of North America's largest hot desert.
Within this garden, native northern Chihuahuan desert plants thrive and showcase their resilience in the arid landscape. Prickly pear cacti, towering yuccas, and majestic sotols adorn the sandy terrain, creating a picturesque scene that truly captures the essence of North America's largest hot desert.
East Africa and Madagascar Gardens
African Safari
Explore plants from the Horn of Africa and the thorn forests of southwest Madagascar. Acacia, Commiphora, and Boswellia (frankincense) are typical trees found in East Africa and with 150 million years of separation from Africa, the island of Madagascar has many plant species that occur nowhere else on Earth.
Explore plants from the Horn of Africa and the thorn forests of southwest Madagascar. Acacia, Commiphora, and Boswellia (frankincense) are typical trees found in East Africa and with 150 million years of separation from Africa, the island of Madagascar has many plant species that occur nowhere else on Earth.
Foothills of Sonora
Wild Americas
Explore the Foothills of Sonora Garden where the Sonoran Desert and tropical deciduous forest meet. This unique environment is where plants co-exist at either their southern limits or northern limits due to rainfall and/or temperature, comingling in a mosaic of succulents and arborescent cacti and short tree forest. Also, the home of our jaguar habitat.
Explore the Foothills of Sonora Garden where the Sonoran Desert and tropical deciduous forest meet. This unique environment is where plants co-exist at either their southern limits or northern limits due to rainfall and/or temperature, comingling in a mosaic of succulents and arborescent cacti and short tree forest. Also, the home of our jaguar habitat.
Baja California
Wild Americas
Find yourself immersed in the unique landscape of Baja California when you step into this garden. Inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by the peninsula’s unique and sarcocaulescent plant species such as the whimsical Boojum tree and the gnarled Baja elephant tree.
Find yourself immersed in the unique landscape of Baja California when you step into this garden. Inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by the peninsula’s unique and sarcocaulescent plant species such as the whimsical Boojum tree and the gnarled Baja elephant tree.
Mojave and Upper Colorado Desert Gardens
Wild Americas
These two gardens represent our own local desert environs and the opportunity to discover more about what's in your own backyard. The Mojave Desert Garden replicates our high desert with the iconic Joshua tree and its cohabitants including desert tortoises. And the Upper Colorado Desert Garden replicates the western edge of our subdivision of the Sonoran Desert near the Santa Rosa Mountains and along the eastern slopes of the Peninsular Ranges where chaparral transitions into desert.
These two gardens represent our own local desert environs and the opportunity to discover more about what's in your own backyard. The Mojave Desert Garden replicates our high desert with the iconic Joshua tree and its cohabitants including desert tortoises. And the Upper Colorado Desert Garden replicates the western edge of our subdivision of the Sonoran Desert near the Santa Rosa Mountains and along the eastern slopes of the Peninsular Ranges where chaparral transitions into desert.
The Living Desert's hiking trails are closed for the season and will re-open on October 1.
Hiking Trails
Experience the untouched beauty of the Colorado Desert.
Dive deeper into the wonders of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Beyond our captivating animal residents and botanical wonders, we offer a pristine nature preserve waiting to be explored. Experience the serenity and raw beauty of the desert, and let nature’s whispers guide your journey.
Hiking Trails Operating Hours:
Oct 1 – May 31: 8am-4:00pm
*Closed: June 1 – Sept 30
*Closed: June 1 – Sept 30
Discovery Loop
Distance: 0.5mi
Accessibility: Flat and and sandy
Take a 15-minute peaceful stroll through desert woodland, where palo verde and smoketree create a serene backdrop. Along the way, enjoy the informative signs teaching you about the desert world around you.
Adventure Loop
Distance: 1.5mi
Accessibility: Relatively flat with gentle inclines.
Venturing deeper into the heart of the desert, this trail offers a climb to broad views of the San Andreas Fault. Along the way, you will even experience a desert wash or arroyo.
Wilderness Loop
Distance: 5mi
Elevation Gain: 736ft
Accessibility: Includes rock scrambling and steep inclines.
For those looking for a challenge, this long trail takes you through rocky areas and up to high spots with great views. Climb, scramble, and jump through boulders in the rocky canyons, reaching panoramic views that reward your efforts with breathtaking vistas of the Coachella Valley.
Safety First in the Desert
Your safety is our top priority as you discover the wonders of the desert. While embracing the beauty of our nature trails, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. Follow our guidelines to ensure a safe journey through this delicate ecosystem, where your mindful steps help maintain its natural balance.
Bring 2 Quarts of Water
per Hiker
Stay on Maintained
Trails Only
Pack Out What You
Pack In
Dress Appropriately for the
Weather
Overnight Camping is Not
Permitted
Trailhead Gate Closes
at 4pm
Do Not Feed
Wildlife
Hike at Your
Own Risk
Enjoy Wildlife from
a Distance
Become a Member
Become a part of our mission to conserve and celebrate the beauty of the desert. As a member, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to our trails and many more exclusive perks.