Autumn Ushers in New Hours at Living Desert

PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS, CA – Autumn ushers in an all-new season in the desert. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, the grounds of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will open at 8 a.m. for both members and non-members with full zoo amenities opening at 9 a.m.

The Zoo will remain open until 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m.

The Living Desert’s three, nature preserve hiking trails also will reopen to zoo guests and members at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1. Hikers can select trails of varying degrees to enjoy nature and the beauty of the outdoors in autumn.

The Discovery Loop is a brief, quarter-mile interlude, while the Adventure Loop rambles for a mile through desert wash habitat and across a rocky bajada. The Wilderness Loop offers an adventurous 5-mile hike up or down a boulder-strewn canyon and along a rocky ridgeline with stunning and far-reaching vistas.

Hikers must observe all posted signage and stay on the designated trails, as they are a nature preserve. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open every day in autumn, except Christmas Day, through May 31, 2020.

“It’s going to be an exciting year as The Living Desert celebrates its 50th Anniversary,” Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert, said in a prepared statement. “Not only do we have our annual favorites scheduled, we also have a variety of exciting events and announcements that are coming soon.”

Popular annual events throughout autumn and beyond include the following:

• La Gran Fiesta: Saturday, October 12
• Howl-O-Ween: Saturday, October 26 & Thursday, October 31
• WildLights: Select nights November 26 – December 28
• Fairytale & Frog Day: Saturday, February 8
• 50th Anniversary Gala: Saturday, March 7
• Palm Desert Brew at the Zoo: Saturday, April 4
• Spring Eggstravaganza: Saturday, April 11

For more information about The Living Desert and upcoming events, visit LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-5694.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top destination in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or click here.