On my first trip out to The Living Desert Zoo|Gardens in many years, I rediscovered a true gem of a zoological park.
I also discovered that the park had developed its own trail system on the extreme east end of the park (near Bighorn Mountain).
Naturally, I had to at least check it out.
Hiking The Adventure Loop Trail At The Living Desert Zoo|Gardens (Palm Springs, CA)
Editor’s Note: This article is part of my ongoing series on the state of California and its sister-series on Palm Springs
Map Of The Living Desert Zoo|Gardens
Click here for my post on Visiting The Living Desert Zoo|Gardens
The trail system is located at the top of this map, as marked by the dotted line.
About The Living Desert’s Trail System (And The Adventure Loop Trail)
There are 3 trails that can be accessed from this trailhead, the Discovery Loop, the [larger] Adventure Loop, and the [largest] Wilderness Loop.
The 3 trails overlap in the beginning sections of the trail.
FHOP Tip: Simply continuing on from the Discovery Loop will take you to the Adventure Loop, and continuing on that will lead you to the Wilderness Loop. You can customize this hike to make it as long or as short as you want.Â
FHOP Tip: the term “loop” is no longer accurate as the south sections of trail are closed (at least for the Discovery Loop and the Adventure Loop), see the map detail photo below.Â
Because of the trail overlap, hiking the Adventure Loop means you’ll automatically hike the Discovery Loop.
Here’s the official trail description from the park’s official website: livingdesert.org.
Image: livingdesert.org
The Trailhead
The trailhead is well-marked and located right next to Bighorn Mountain.
If you are lucky, Bighorn Sheep may be visible from this trail (as they were when I was there).
A Bighorn Sheep
This guy was just posing for pictures
The official trailhead
The Trail System Map
The trail system map is posted on the trailhead gate. Note the south trail closure
The deserts of the Western United States
Hiking The Adventure Loop Trail
The roughly 2 mile roundtrip [out-and-back] Adventure Loop Trail is mostly flat, sandy, and relatively straight.
It’s well marked and easy to follow, but also fully exposed to the sun.
There are a couple of small kiosks as you meander down the trail, but I wouldn’t count on them for providing much shade.
To reach the end of the trail, you’ll have to trek to the junction with the Wilderness Loop Trail, and then turn back.
A desert kiosk
A sundial in the middle of the desert
The San Andreas Fault
Perhaps the most notable feature of the Adventure Loop is its view of the San Andreas Fault.
It’s quite amazing to see – but also a little disconcerting knowing that the very place you are standing on will one day literally be ripped apart by this fault in an instant.
Do you see the San Andreas Fault?
Here’s a close-up shot.
Another kiosk
A rare lenticular cloud forms over the desert
The end of the line, at least for the Adventure Trail
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Adventure Loop Trail At The Living Desert Zoo|Gardens (Palm Springs, CA)
The Adventure Loop Trail was a completely unexpected – but completely appreciated – find in already wonderful park.
On the day we hiked the Adventure Loop Trail, it took us about 1 hour to complete the trail [roundtrip].
We were slightly underprepared for the exposed hike on a hot day, so I recommend that you stock up on plenty of water and sunscreen and bring a hat before attempting this trek.
Overall, it was an interesting trail that was worthwhile for the view of the San Andreas fault alone.
Cheers!
