Operating Times
Oct 1st through May 31st: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with last admission at 4:00 pm.
June 1st through Sept 30th: 7:00 am to 1:30 pm with last admission at 1:00 pm
Closed Christmas Day.
Reservation Notes
Reservations are now required in advance. Eticket will have details.
Duration
3-4 hours
Booth Location
The Living Desert 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Nearest Intersection
Haystack and Portola
Parking
On grounds. NO Charge for parking.
Age Requirements
Child Ticket: 3 to 12 yrs old. Under 3 are free. Discount for Senior Age 62+ and Military
Notes
The Living Dessert asks that you abide by these rules:
+ Covid-19 additions for now: Masks for all visitors
+ One-Way Traffic: There will be a one-way traffic flow through the Zoo in a counterclockwise direction.
+ Indoor activities and keeper chats will remain closed
+ Visits will be walking on-own only as shuttles will not be operating
+ Food will be offered on a grab-and-go basis-no seated dining indoors or outdoors
+ Daily attendance capacity will be limited
+ Please do not feed or annoy the animals:
+ No smoking in exhibit buildings, cafe or gift shops:
+ Visitors are asked to stay on the marked paths and walkways:
+ Plants are for all to enjoy and are not to be picked or trampled:
+ NO PETS ALLOWED except for service dogs Do not brings pets and leave them in your car. Temperatures rise quickly in the dessert and can be life threatening to your pet!
+ Drink lots of water
Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably closed toe. Hats, sunscreen, even an umbrella is recommended for all seasons. Winter day temperatures sometimes warrant a jacket or sweater. Plan an early hour visit in the summer as temperatures can reach 100 degrees by noon. Paved pathways throughout The Living Desert make exploring accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Adult wheeled strollers and Zebra-themed children's strollers are available for a $3.00 donation | First aid stations, baby changing stations, pay phones and ATMs are available No locker facilities are available Photo Credits: Bert Buxbaum, The Living Desert