Coachella Valley Preserve
Coachella Valley Preserve
4.5
About
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
772 reviews
Excellent
510
Very good
205
Average
34
Poor
13
Terrible
10
Mark H
Irvine, CA936 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Drivers, please drive below the 45-mph recommended speed because there are pedestrians. Visitors: the Preserve is only open some days per week. The parking area is closed. Park across the road, look before opening a door on the left side of your vehicle, and cross the road carefully.
As you enter the parking area, a trail to the left leads to a hill overlooking the Preserve. The entrance area has two toilets, two picnic tables, information signs, and a helpful docent. The McCallum Trail and San Andreas Trail are open for a short way. Some trails are partly closed and as a result you cannot reach some of the informational signs. I have read those signs in the past when those trails were still open.
FYI, the Mission Strand of the San Andreas Fault blocks the flow of underground water. The water rises to the surface creating a small oasis with native California fan palm trees and bird life.
As you enter the parking area, a trail to the left leads to a hill overlooking the Preserve. The entrance area has two toilets, two picnic tables, information signs, and a helpful docent. The McCallum Trail and San Andreas Trail are open for a short way. Some trails are partly closed and as a result you cannot reach some of the informational signs. I have read those signs in the past when those trails were still open.
FYI, the Mission Strand of the San Andreas Fault blocks the flow of underground water. The water rises to the surface creating a small oasis with native California fan palm trees and bird life.
Written January 6, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joaniemaria
Eldridge, IA5,447 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
A great place to hike. The boardwalk was closed because of all the rain earlier in the month, but we were able to hike over to the pond and other areas nearby. This is a nice, flat and sandy hike for all ages. The path is low, so it is a good place to get out of the wind. It feels warm on the sand. Lovely palm trees.
Written March 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol and Ray L
Lancaster, PA268 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had been here several years ago so we were a little disappointed that the visitor's center was closed because we remembered that the lady had been very helpful with advice with what trails to take. We hiked back to the Simones Pond but the gate was closed, so we hiked up to the Vista with a beautiful view, and then hiked the Moon Country trail, which is pretty long, but we enjoyed. We also hiked the Willis Palms Trail, and it is so interesting to be hiking in the desert and then come upon the beautiful Oasis. We enjoyed all of the trails on a beautiful day and would recommend going to this place even when the visitor's center is closed.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjcraig3131
Williamsburg, VA6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Don’t bother trying to visit. Travelled 40 minutes to visit. Parking lot closed (Docent remarked w pride that it would never reopen…hard to understand why he was happy that cars forced to park on loose sand on shoulder of busy road). Boardwalks closed. Trails and steps in much disrepair. Handrails falling down or at knee level, steps 2 ft or more high. I’ve been to site a dozen times in past 10 years. Won’t go again, it’s a mess and very uninviting. Complete lack of maintenance resulting in a wasted experience in a place that used to be so inviting.
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ855
Palm Springs, CA479 contributions
Feb 2023
This is a lovely example of a palm oasis that is easily accessed from the Palm Springs area. While there is adequate interpretation, it is a bit run-down. Given staffing shortages parts might be closed without warning. The parking lot was shut so everybody had to park along the shoulder of the road. There was not a lot of staff to point you in the right direction. Oddly enough, there was no interpretation of the San Andreas Fault as part of the displays. The signage is incredibly poor, and there are no mile or distance markers included anywhere. A temporary sign saying the Simone Pond is closed means what? Are other things accessible? Which one is the Simone Pond? And so forth. There was nobody to ask besides other visitors who seemed bewildered. That being said, the environment on good weather days is lovely. The boardwalks can get a little muddy so wear decent shoes. It seems like an ideal birdwatching area if you got there early in the morning when it opened. There were picnic tables near the visitor center. There were no amenities including water. Bring your own bottled water. I would still recommend dropping in. It would be great if there was a phone number to call to tell you what would be open on any given day.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan Q
London, Canada11 contributions
Feb 2020
We recently visited Palm Springs and took a walking tour here. Our guide was outstanding. Visiting an desert oasis is truly an interesting experience. The area visited was easily walkable. The guide was extremely sensitive to our ability to manage the slight elevation changes, He was most safety conscious and closely monitored our group. Living in the area he was very knowledgeable
And made the 2 1/2 hours fly by. The group was totally appreciative of the excellent tour. I would do this tour again.
And made the 2 1/2 hours fly by. The group was totally appreciative of the excellent tour. I would do this tour again.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dnaleciz
Moreno Valley, CA405 contributions
May 2021
After spending several hours exploring Cathedral City, we went over to the neighboring city of Thousand Palms to see what it had to offer. Located the Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve – Coachella Valley Preserve. This delightful oasis offers free admission and plenty of parking. Dogs are not allowed. This is Palm Tree heaven. The San Andreas fault line runs across the area and pushes groundwater to surface. Perfect for the California fan palms. There must be literally thousands of palm trees in this 20,000+ acres preserve. Located in the center of the preserve, is the Paul Wilhelm Grove, home of the Preserve’s visitor’s center. Tourist can visit the rustic “Palm House (Visitor Center) to learn about the San Andreas Fault and the Palm Oasis. Information pamphlets are available as well as a knowledgeable staff who will assists you. Maps of the preserve and trails are also available. Guided hikes can be arranged at the Center. The preserve has five hiking trails including the McCallum, Hidden Palms, Moon Country, Pushawalla Palms, and Willis Palms trails. Twenty-five miles of hiking trails wind through the oasis and cover a few different ecosystems ranging from sand dunes, mountain canyons, or dried up riverbeds. They are rated easy to moderate. The hike from the visitor center to the McCallum Pond at the Thousand Palms Oasis is a flat easy trail and covers two-mile roundtrip. The trail is on a raised wooden pathway winding through thick vegetation. Located along the trail one will observe several ponds, with the endangered pupfish and other wildlife in residence. Situated around McCallum Pond are several benches, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch prior to heading back to the “Palm House Visitor Center”. A great easy hiking trail, with lots of options for additional hiking. Ideal trails for all levels of hikers. Perfect location for spending time observing wildlife and enjoying an afternoon picnic with the family.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmhLondon
London, UK311 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
An easy interesting circular walk of about 2 1/2 miles. It can get busy so choose your time. It’s fully shaded in the palm oasis area but not out in the open on the rest of the path. I’ve graded this as 4 star as Simone’s pond (McCallum pond) was locked off and inaccessible due to staff shortages. This seems a regular occurrence which is a shame as it would be the highlight of the preserve.
Parking in on the verge on the road outside but there is plenty of room and no restriction.
Parking in on the verge on the road outside but there is plenty of room and no restriction.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia10229
Dallas, TX491 contributions
Oct 2022
We did have to park on the side of the road and walk into the Coachella Valley Preserve. Not sure why the parking lot is blocked off, but it is. The people working there are volunteers so that might be part of the challenge of opening the area.
There is a board walk that goes over running water and through the gigantic palm trees. Very impressive. The boardwalk area is a short trail and fairly even and easy. If you want to walk longer, you can go the the McCallum Pond. The pond access was closed in October 2022 but should be open soon. The volunteer told us that the pond was being cleaned up from trash (shame on people who do that) and restocking of native fish. So it was closed to help future generations view native plants and fish. We did hike up to a Vista Point which was a gravely walk up with a view of the desert.
We did see a coyote when we walked along another palm groove area. Also, walked further on the trail to a mountain and saw a large nest in the mountain side. $5 donation is requested and that is a low price for the enjoyment we had.
There is a board walk that goes over running water and through the gigantic palm trees. Very impressive. The boardwalk area is a short trail and fairly even and easy. If you want to walk longer, you can go the the McCallum Pond. The pond access was closed in October 2022 but should be open soon. The volunteer told us that the pond was being cleaned up from trash (shame on people who do that) and restocking of native fish. So it was closed to help future generations view native plants and fish. We did hike up to a Vista Point which was a gravely walk up with a view of the desert.
We did see a coyote when we walked along another palm groove area. Also, walked further on the trail to a mountain and saw a large nest in the mountain side. $5 donation is requested and that is a low price for the enjoyment we had.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UNR91
Berkeley103 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A beautiful example of the unique topography and natural resources in the area. Got there early so was able to enjoy a nice hike before the main crowds arrived. Access to the area is blocked off so parking is along the roads which is a bit dicey given the crowds.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i walk with a cane. IS it possible to experience at least some of the area with limited mobility?
Are there climbs? Rough territory?
Written January 30, 2020
We loved our experience there even though we didn't walk far because the snakes were active at that time. I was wearing sandals!
Written February 2, 2020
CVP is wilderness and the visitor center is rustic. I would not leave anything in view in the car in the parking lot. There is no storage for anything. Bring water.
Written December 16, 2019
It was about 30 minutes from La Quinta where we stayed. It was amazing.
Written December 8, 2019
There is no cost! Free parking too!!!
Written November 5, 2019
Any suggestions on easy (1-4 miles) wildflower trails where we can see lots of wildflowers?
Written March 8, 2019
You can do the little loop at the Coachella valley preserve to the oasis and back , that is easy and you can still see the followers.
You can see the beautiful wild flowers at Joshua Tree park.
You can enter from the south side, they are beautiful and just stop your car.
You can also depending where you are the Borrego Spring park, there were beautiful flowers.
Written March 8, 2019
AAA recommended your location as a must see. Our grandchildren are small in strollers. Is the location stroller friendly by chance?
Written January 14, 2018
Coachella Preserve not good for strollers. When you enter the palm grove, there are steps of varying heights leading down to the boardwalk. Not at all conducive to strollers.
A better possibility would be Whitewater Preserve off the northern end of 111. There is a large pond with fish, picnic tables, restrooms and you could take a short walks with strollers.
A second possibility is the Big Morongo Preserve, about 20 minute drive up 62, watch for signs, right turn. If you stick to the Marsh Trail, it is all boardwalk, accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. A beautiful moist oasis in the desert.
Written January 14, 2018
My fiance and I are looking for a good place to take engagement pictures. Also - I looveee palm trees. How does Coachella Valley Preserve compare to Indian Canyons? Which one would be better for pictures?
Written October 12, 2017
I've never been to Indian Canyons. The Coachella Valley is beautiful, especially the water fall if it is still flowing this late in the season.
Written October 12, 2017
How exactly do you see the fault?
Written July 29, 2016
It is indicated by the fact that vegetation naturally occurs around the area of the fissure which allows water to rise... And its signposted! 😎
Written July 29, 2016
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