Trails

Currently, a 24-foot wide corridor designed for public hiking and equestrian use occurs along the west Refuge boundary, and through the northern portion of the Refuge (see map). Because the main objective of the Refuge is to protect designated critical habitat for wildlife threatened with extinction, we ask that you stay on the trail at all times. The remainder of the Refuge is closed to public entry.

Another trail is available at nearby Thousand Palms Oasis. This trail, the McCallum Trail winds through the Thousand Palms Oasis, crosses over the San Andreas fault and through a wash before ending at the lovely McCallum Palm Grove. The distance to the grove is 1 mile. While the path is fairly level, there are areas of soft sand. You will need to retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Brochures with information about longer hikes and equestrian trails can be picked up at the Thousand Palms Visitor Center.

Pets are not allowed anywhere on the Refuge or Preserve. Please bring plenty of water to drink and wear good walking shoes. There is no smoking allowed in the palm oasis.

The Coachella Valley is one of the fastest developing areas in the country, with as many as 40,000 people visiting the Refuge and Preserve each year. The Center for Natural Lands Management owns and operates a visitor center at the Thousand Palms Oasis which is open to the public and operated primarily by volunteers. Popular activities on the Preserve include hiking, wildlife observation, horseback riding, and photography. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, closing July and August. Because the Preserve encompasses lands under the jurisdiction of five different agencies, rules regulating public use vary dramatically from one area to another.

For general information or questions, please call the Coachella Valley NWR at 760-348-5278, or call the Thousand Palms Visitor Center at 760-343-2733. Individuals and groups are welcome to visit the Preserve. Commercial groups are requested to call for reservations.