THE COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE
October 9, 2009 by BeHere Editor
Filed under IN THE DESERT
The Coachella Valley Preserve is located 10 miles east of Palm Springs in the bluffs and mesas of the Indio Hills, near Thousand Palms, California.
Set along the San Andreas fault, the preserve is dotted with beautiful standing ponds, Fan Palm oases including including the Willis, Hidden Horseshoe, and Indian Palms and is home to many endangered species like the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard and the Pupfish.
Join Christopher Baker, travel writer, as he takes us on a quick tour.
The Coachella Valley Preserve system was designed to protect and endemic, threatened animal, the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, found nowhere else in the world, this lizard is a member of a rich array of organisms specialized to live on sand dunes
Desert sand dunes harbor one of the most species rich communities found in our southwestern deserts.
There is fewer than 5% of that habitat remaining in viable condition. Over the years, the lure of mild winter temperatures and beautiful scenery has resulted in an explosion of human development.
As canyons filled with houses, development pushed into the valley’s center, blocking the vital sand movement processes that keep the dunes alive. Today the majority of the remaining, viable dune habitat is contained in the Coachella Valley Preserve system.
On any given day you may see a Coyote, Roadrunner, rabbits, a Rattlesnake and yes, if you are lucky the elusive Fringe-toed Lizard!
There are over 20,000 acres of pristine desert landscape protected within the preserve with miles and miles of nicely marked trails for hiking and exploring.
Get a map at the Visitors Center and you will find a trail perfectly suited to your fitness level.
Hiking from the rustic visitors center to the top of Vista Point takes you through two of the major Palm groves and gives you an overall perspective of the vast desert dunes.
For a wonderful day hike for the entire family, plan an early morning departure. Bring a light jacket for potential weather changes, and while in the desert, always remember to carry sunscreen and plenty of water.
There is so much more to the Palm Springs desert resorts area than wonderful restaurants, world class golf, gorgeous pools and non stop shopping. Take a day, hop in the car and explore what nature has to offer. It’s spectacular!
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