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| Area: 272,000 Acres | ||
| Lat: 33.673408 | ||
| Lon: 116.408894 | ||
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| Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center - Site # 281 | |||
 | Premium - 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: | |||