Coachella Valley Preserve

1. About the Coachella Valley Preserve

• What is the Coachella Valley Preserve System?
  • The Coachella Valley Preserve System is made up of a rare habitat—palm woodland oasis and desert wetland. This type of ecosystem is endangered with the water supplied by the springs along the San Andreas fault line.
• Why was the Coachella Valley Preserve originally designated?
  • The Coachella Valley Preserve was originally designated to protect the fringe-toed lizard that can be found in the sand dunes of the Coachella Valley.
• What rare and endangered species can be found in the preserve?
  • The CNLM also protects the Thousand Palms Canyon, home to rare and endangered species such as yellow bats, Swainson’s hawks, Rosy Boas, and pupfish.
• What is the history of the Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve?
  • Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve started as a camping site in the early 1900s when the Wilhelm family purchased 80 acres of the oasis and camped there for decades.
  • In 1945, Paul Wilhelm began renting out campsites and cabins after inheriting the land from his father.
  • Over the next several years, a 15,000-tree palm nursery was planted, dams were installed, and reservoirs were added for water activities and fishing.
• How did environmental regulations come into place for the Preserve?
  • In 1972, Justin Dart purchased 19,000 acres of land in the Coachella Valley, including Thousand Palms Oasis.
  • By 1977, committees were working to incorporate environmental regulations into the Preserve.
  • In 1978, the US Fish and Wildlife proposed a 170-square mile preserve to protect endangered plant and animal species.
• Who manages the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve today?
  • In 1983, The California Nature Conservancy purchased Thousand Palms Oasis, and within a few years, donations helped establish a refugium for pupfish, The Nature Conservancy, and land management efforts.
  • In 2014, the Thousand Palms Oasis was acquired by CNLM, which currently manages and mitigates the land and ecosystems.
• What other preserves are part of the Coachella Valley Preserve System?
  • The Coachella Valley Preserve System is nearly 19,000 acres in total, with the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve covering 880 acres of that land.
  • Other preserves include Edom Hill/Willow Hole Preserve and The Whitewater Preserve, which are found on the west side of the preserve.

2. Visiting Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

• Where is the Visitor’s Center located, and what are its hours?
  • A Visitor’s Center with a locked parking lot is maintained by CNLM and can be found at the trailhead hub system of the Coachella Valley Preserve.
  • Gates open at 7 AM all year round and close at 5 PM during winter and 6 PM during summer.
  • Carpooling or traveling by group transportation is recommended as the parking lot is small and gets crowded quickly in the summertime.
• What hiking opportunities are available at the Preserve?
  • There are 28 miles of pedestrian trails with easy to moderate difficulty ratings and picnicking areas available.
  • Trails wind through diverse habitats, including the endangered desert palm oasis.
  • Dogs and bikes are not allowed on hiking trails.
  • Maps can be downloaded from the website when the Visitor’s Center is not open.
  • Visitors must stay on marked trails and remove all trash they bring in.
  • There are a few trails suitable for horseback riding; however, no horses are allowed in the oases, and all equestrian trails are marked.
• Are guided hikes available at the Preserve?
  • Guided hikes from the Visitor’s Center are available from October through March for the Thousand Palms Oasis.
  • Guided hikes for the Coachella Valley Preserve are offered year-round, with most hikes starting before 10 AM.
  • The guided hike schedule is themed and available on the Coachella Valley Preserve website.
  • Some hike themes include:
    • Indian Palms Plant Hike
    • Guided Bird Walks
    • Tour of Two Oases
    • Nature Walks
    • Explore the Ecology of a Fault Line
  • Hikes are close to or just over 2 miles long and have a designated Hike Leader.
  • Reservations are not required, and a $5 donation is suggested.
  • Hikers should wear sunscreen, hats, and bring water.
  • Close-toed shoes must be worn.
• Where can visitors picnic in the Preserve?
  • Visitors will find picnic shelters and tables at:
    • Thousand Palms Oasis
    • Pushwalla
    • McCallum Grove
  • These sites can be found on the map available online or in the Visitor’s Center.
  • No fires or BBQs are allowed at picnic sites due to the endangered and threatened status of much of the flora and fauna.
  • CNLM asks that all visitors remove everything they bring into picnic areas, including uneaten food and garbage.

29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms California, 92276, Phone: 760-343-1234