Welcome to Palm Springs Parks
Palm Springs area
parks offer an incredible diversity. The desert landscape creates a back
drop for miles of hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback
riding. Wildlife, native desert plants, and interesting trees create an
environment that seems to bring out a special connection with nature in
those who travel the paths here. From the famed vast acreage of the Joshua
Tree National Park with its interesting jagged rock formations to the
sacred grounds of the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, Palm Spring parks
are quite incredible.
Anza-Borrego
Desert State Park
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - shared by Imperial, Riverside,
San Diego counties - is about a two-hour trip from Palm Springs.
However, distance isn't a factor for park admirers because they
travel farther than that just to see Anza-Borrego's wildlife. Bighorn
sheep, golden eagles, iguanas, kit foxes, and roadrunners are among the
park's fascinating native residents. About 110 miles of riding with
hiking trails snake through the 600,000-acre state park. Visitors may
enter the park from State Highway 2.
Coachella
Valley Preserve
Miles of hiking trails meander through the highly visited Coachella Valley
Preserve, which is off of Palm Springs Canyon Road in Palm Springs. The
preserve, a popular camping area, is known for its Thousand Palms Oasis
hiking trail. Stretches of sightly fan palms are spotted in this area.
The park is open from dawn to dusk. The preserve's Visitors Center
is open from 8 a.m. to noon.
Joshua Tree
National Park
This national landmark is packed with nine campgrounds and half a dozen
hiking trails. The 74,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park is enclosed by
five mountains: the Coxcomb Mountains to the east, the Cottonwood and
Eagle mountains on the south, the Little San Bernardino Mountains on the
west, and the Pinto Mountains to the north. The park, which is part of
the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, is just a short jump from Los Angeles
(about 140 miles east of the city). Visitors flock to the park to observe
its wildlife and interesting rock formations and to enjoy recreational
activities. Camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking,
and hiking are just a few of the activities enjoyed at the national park.
Visitors can access the park from Joshua Tree Village or Twentynine Palms
city.
Knott's Soak
City USA
Youths love to splash around at this 21-acre water park. Knott's Soak
City USA features more than a dozen water slides and an 800,000-gallon
wave pool. Amenities at the park include rental cabanas, lockers, and
dressing rooms. The park is located at 1500 Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs.
Call the park at (760) 327-0499 for information about its hours of operation.
Lake Cahuilla
Park
Lake Cahuilla Park is a gaping recreational area located at the foot of
the Santa Rosa Mountains, about three miles south of La Quinta and Indio.
Park amenities include picnic facilities, swimming pools, camping areas,
showers, and a dump station. Visitors can take advantage of the fishing
or horseback and camel riding opportunities at Lake Cahuilla Park.
Palm Springs
Dog Park
Dogs and their owners can roam together as one happy family at this park.
The Palm Springs Dog Park is probably the closest dogs will get to canine
heaven. The 1.6-acre park, located behind Palm Springs' city hall,
allows pups and dogs to run freely in a beautiful setting. Dual drinking
fountains for short and taller pooches, 11 fire hydrants, and pooper scoopers
are some of the park's clever amenities. Palm Springs Dog Park is
located at 222 Civic Drive North. Call (760) 322-8362 for more information
and park hours.
The Living
Desert Zoo and Gardens
Visiting families observe a variety of desert animals at this 1,200-acre
wildlife and botanical park. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens also features
hiking trails and picnic areas. The park, which is open year-round, has
daily hours except on December 25, when it is closed. It is located at
47-900 Portola Ave. in Palm Desert.
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