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Credit 1 Pam Starr
2 Alyn Robert Brereton
3 Julie MacKinnon
4 Linda Pittman
5 Parham Pourahmad
6 Larry Whiting
7 Randall Finley
Visitation: 15,000
Area: 272,000 Acres
Lat: 33.673408
Lon: 116.408894
Nearby Services
Gas-Palm Desert, 2 MilesFood-Palm Desert and the Coac, 2 to 10 MilesLodging-Palm Desert and the Coac, 2 to 10 Miles
Site Facilities
Brochure/Species List Bus Accessible Camping/lodging
Drinking Water Gift Shop/Bookstore Interpretive Signs
Lookouts Restrooms Trails
Trash Cans Visitor Center/Ranger Station
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Top Banner Photo Credits
Pam Starr
Alyn Robert Brereton
Julie MacKinnon
Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
Randall Finley
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center - Site # 281
PremiumPremium - the most significant sites, worth visiting if you have limited time. Premium sites have high wildlife values year-round, staff on site, interpretive programs and/or displays, and well-developed facilities.

Background: The visitor center itself is a shady oasis with native desert landscaping and habitat. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the Coachella Valley are spectacular from the outside patio. Staff are available to assist with questions. A hiking trail can be accessed that allows for a moderate hike, but check with the visitor center staff and the center's signage.
Yes the center provides information about the cultural, scientific, geologic and natural history of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

The Habitat: The center istelf is located in a Sonoran Desert ecosystem, the national monument is composed of 5 distinct life zones ranging to the upper elevations and Arctic Alpine. At the visitor center the plant community types are approximately 75% is Desert Dry Wash Woodlands the remaining area Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub with some Sonoran Mixed Woody and Succulent Scrub.

The Experience: Because of its rapid changes in ecosystem due to the elevational ascent and the various weather patterns this creates allowing for the 5 life zones. The Visitor Center itself is a unique place of solitude and wildlife information wihin the Southern California landscape. The national monument itself is recgonized for it's ecological diversity and as a rock island sanctuary in Southern California.

Wildlife and Where to Find It: On Visitor Center patio and trails.
Several trails exist one is very easy and is a path with a native plant garden. The other trail is moderate with sone steep pitches and rocky.

Viewing Tips: Birding and wildlife viewing is best during the spring, fall, winter. Wildflowers in the early spring although the desert smoketree and indigo bush can be found blossoming in late spring. Viewing of peninsular ranges bighorn sheep but seasonal voluntary closures for lambing and watering occur spring through summer months. Check with the center staff as to which trails are encouraged to be used during the various seasons.

Site Notes: See the steep and rapid angle of rise that characterizes the Santa Rosa Mountains. Look at the desert wash which is where the visitor center is situated. In the spingtime look at the array of desert flowers and the many hummingbirds that seek their nectar.

Nearby Viewing Sites: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, Palm Springs, CA.
The Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA.
Dos Palmas Preserve, Salton Sea, CA.
Coachella Preserve, Thousand Palms, CA.
Ancient Lake Cahuilla, La Quinta, CA.

Festivals & Events: Since the National Monument was established annual October festivals were held and in 2006 a February festival was instituted.
Desert Festival in Palm Desert.

Visitor Information: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism - 760-778-8418 or 1-800-34 - http://www.palm-springs.org
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site: Yes
Open: Everday
Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM
Year Round: Yes

Road Information:   Paved. 
Road Hazards: Entering and leaving facility.
 Number of Parking Spaces: 35
Parking Fee: No
Proximity to viewing area:a few steps
 Pull-Through Parking: No
Parking Danger: The issue of getting on and back onto Highway 74 as it is a two lane road and people use excessive speed going downhill, then if you are leaving and going uphill your acceleration factor must be considered. Just take your time and be cautious.

How to Get There: Within Palm Desert, four miles south of Highway 111 on SR 74.
 

Contact Information
Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management
Agency Site URL: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/santa-rosa-and-san-jacinto-mountains-national-monument
Physical Address:5100 State Highway 74 (Palm to Pines Highway)
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Agency 2:5100 State Highway 74 (Palm to Pines Highway)
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Manager Phone:(760) 251-4800 Contact Us:by Email
Site Phone:(760) 862-9984
County: Riverside
Addition Website: