Living Desert Returns to Regular Park Hours

As cooler temperatures return, the Living Desert and Zoo will open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, Oct. 1

PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS – On Saturday, Oct. 1, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens returns to its regular hours, opening daily 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 —the Discovery Loop, Adventure Loop and Wilderness Loop —will also reopen to guests and members at 8 a.m. beginning Oct.1. While each trail offers varying degrees of difficulty, they all feature beautiful views of the natural desert surroundings. Hikers must observe all posted signage and stay on the designated trails. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open daily through May 31.

Also beginning Oct. 1, new hours announced for popular Zoo activities. Giraffe feedings are offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for an addition fee of $6 for members and $8 for non-members. Rides on the endangered species carousel are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at $3 per ride.

“We look forward to welcome our members and guests to experience all of the adventure and fun this season at The Living Desert,” Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert, said in a statement. “There is always something new to discover including an exciting line up of events and new programming, and of course the amazing wildlife we all love.”

Coinciding with the return to regular hours, The Living Desert will be hosting a Desert Tortoise Celebration on Oct.1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free for members or with paid park admission, this special event invites guests to learn about the endangered desert tortoise, California’s state reptile, as well as learn how they can help this native desert species. There will be a special keeper connection, trivia and crafts, and the opportunity to meet with a variety of The Living Desert’s conservation team and community partners including US Fish and Wildlife, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Joshua Tree National Park, and the California Turtle and Tortoise Club, among many others.

The following popular annual events also return to the Zoo this season:

• Howl-O-Ween – October 29 & 30, 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
• WildLights – select nights, November 22 – December 30, 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
• Zoobilee Annual Gala – March 4, 2023.
• Glow in the Park – nightly, March 15 – April 30, 2023.

Also returning for the season are field trips, camps, and family programming, as well as travel opportunities and private safari tours. The Living Desert is open daily, except Dec. 25. For more information about The Living Desert and upcoming events and programs, click here or call (760) 346-5694.