Eye on the Conejo

Another California treasure


 

 

Now that cooler weather has arrived it’s an excellent time to consider a visit to the Living Desert/Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. For those of you who are geographically challenged, Palm Desert is among the string of desert cities along Interstate 10 in the vicinity of Palm Springs in Riverside County.

My wife and I visited there earlier in October. It was too hot, and we vowed to go again, but not during late spring, summer or early fall. It takes the fun out of anything when the thermometer hits 90 to 110 degrees, unless, of course, you can cope with scorching heat.

Other communities in the area include Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Thousand Palms, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. It takes about three hours of driving time under optimum conditions (light traffic, favorable weather).

Another nearby city, Thermal, rang a bell with me.

A million years ago I worked for WHO-TV, Channel 13 in Des Moines, Iowa. Part of my job was setting up the national weather map, and Thermal occasionally had the dubious distinction of being the hottest city in the continental United States.

If you visit the Living Desert, take the shuttle and get off at the 11 separate attractions. This will preserve energy. Otherwise, if you’re physically fit, you can enjoy a workout. And there are separate hiking trails for people who hike for pleasure (I don’t).

The site is educational. Children 8 and older will find it fascinating. There are exhibits that mimic the deserts of Africa and North America.

You’ll see flora and fauna of both continents.

I recommend spending a night in one of the area’s many hotels and taking two days to thoroughly tour the Living Desert. Or you can go for a full day and return again another time.

You can’t really see the Living Desert in one day unless you’re on amphetamines or you ignore the signs that tell you about the individual exhibits.

The Living Desert costs $17.25 for adults, $15.75 for seniors, $8.75 for kids 3 to 12 and is free for those under 3. The shuttle costs an additional $6 for adults and $3 for kids (those under 2 can ride for free). An annual pass is $60.

The Living Desert is open every day except Christmas. The hours vary (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 through May 31; 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 1 through Sept. 30).

Holt is a retired Acorn editor. He can be reached at stevencholt@gmail.com.


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