At least not until recently and boy was I missing out on a real treasure! I go to Joshua Tree National Park maybe 2-3 times a year for wildflowers, hiking and stargazing and to Palm Springs an additional 2-3 times a year, so it's kind of embarrassing for me to admit that I hadn't even heard of this place. But now that I know, I am eager to sing its praises!
Living Desert is located out in Palm Desert, about 2 1/4-hours east of Los Angeles or 20-mins east of Palm Springs and boasts 1200 acres, divided into "North American" and "African" sections. It features a fantastic collection of the flora and fauna one would expect to find in the world's desert environments. There are the usual suspects, giraffes, zebras, etc., several aviaries, a fantastic big horn sheep habitat, and the 'Fanciful Fliers' exhibit which is a large greenhouse with loads of beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds. At least, that's what I was told by those who went in. I have a phobia of insects, which, unfortunately, includes butterflies. I know, they're odd things to be 'afraid' of, but that's why phobias are defined as "irrational". The park also has some of the most beautiful collection of flowers and cacti that I can recall seeing outside of a full on arboretum.
Those with kids will find plenty of things to keep the little ones occupied, including a large model railroad display that will distract kids of all ages for a good long while. In the middle of the park, there is an 'endangered species' themed carousel ($2, children under 42" free, but must be accompanied by an adult), a Discovery Center with plenty of hands on exhibits and an ant lab where you can see over 10,000 ants do whatever it is that ants do. Ever ride a camel? You can do that at Living Desert too ($5)!
Mobility limited or just can't stand the thought of having to trudge through the whole park on foot? There are shuttles ($6 for adults, $3 for kids 3-12 for an all day pass) that run continuously all over the park (except for the wilderness area I'll describe below) to help get you and yours from point A to point B when B feels more like Z.
Now here's the thing that sets Living Desert apart from every other zoo/animal park I've ever been to: an almost 5 mile long trail that meanders through 1100 acres of Sonoran desert environment. Don't feel up to such a long walk? There are two shorter loops, 1/4- & 1-mile, that give you a glimpse of what the desert landscape has to offer. But be warned. This place, while beautiful, is also dangerous. Treat it like how you would treat a hike out into the wilderness. Bring plenty of water and hat for shade. It may still be part of the park, but it may be a while before someone else comes around, especially on a hot day!
What are you waiting for? Get off the couch, put down the remote, drop the XBox controllers, forget about Facebook (except to check in at LD!) and hop into your car and check it out. It's an easy day trip from Los Angeles or San Diego, or can be part of a fantastic weekend adventure!
General admission: $14.25 ($12.75 w/ AAA)
Children (7-12): $7.75
Children under 3: Free
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October 1 to May 31)
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM (June 1 to September 30)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October 1 to May 31)
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM (June 1 to September 30)
