Most people think of The Living Desert as a zoo. What many don’t realize until they’re already inside is that it also includes a set of desert hiking trails that climb into the hills above the main zoo grounds.

These trails are real hikes, not decorative nature walks. They involve elevation gain, long stretches of sun exposure, and views that make you forget you’re technically still inside a zoo.

If you’re thinking about hiking at The Living Desert, here’s what to know before you commit.

---

This guide is for visitors planning to hike the designated trails at The Living Desert. If you’re looking for a general overview of the zoo itself, start with our main Living Desert guide.

---

The Hiking Trails at The Living Desert

The Living Desert currently offers several marked trails that begin near the upper portions of the zoo and head into the surrounding Santa Rosa foothills. These trails are clearly signed, but once you’re on them, the experience feels much more like open desert hiking than a zoo visit.

Eugene and Estelle Rosenberg Overlook Trail

This is the most popular hiking option and a good introduction to what the trails are like.

• Distance: Approximately 0.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• What to expect: A steady uphill climb leading to panoramic views over Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley

The trail gains elevation quickly and is fully exposed to the sun. The overlook at the top is the reward, offering one of the best views on the property.

Bobcat Trail

The Bobcat Trail extends beyond the overlook and adds more distance and elevation.

• Distance: Roughly 1.5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• What to expect: Narrower trail sections, more climbing, and fewer people

This trail is better suited for visitors who are comfortable with desert hiking and want a quieter experience away from the main zoo paths.

Coyote Canyon Trail

This is the longest and most demanding trail option at The Living Desert.

• Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• What to expect: Sustained elevation gain, minimal shade, and wide-open desert terrain

This trail is best tackled in cooler months and only by visitors who are prepared with water, proper footwear, and enough time to complete the hike comfortably.

Admission Is Required for the Hiking Trails

All hiking trails at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are located inside the park. This means a paid admission ticket is required to access them.

There is no separate trail entrance and no way to hike these routes without entering the zoo. The trails are intended as part of the overall Living Desert experience, not as standalone public hikes.

If you’re specifically looking for free or public desert hiking in the area, nearby options like Indian Canyons or local foothill trails may be a better fit.

How Long the Hikes Take

Time estimates vary based on pace and conditions, but most visitors should plan for:

• Rosenberg Overlook: 30–45 minutes
• Bobcat Trail: 60–90 minutes
• Coyote Canyon Trail: 2 hours or more

These times do not include stops for photos, rest, or exploring the zoo itself. Hiking can easily turn your visit into a half-day outing.

Best Time of Day to Hike

Timing matters more on the trails than anywhere else at The Living Desert.

• Early morning is best, especially from spring through fall.
• Midday hiking is not recommended during warmer months.
• Winter and shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable conditions.

If it already feels warm near the entrance, it will feel significantly hotter once you’re climbing with no shade.

What to Bring (Seriously)

• Water: More than you think you need.
• Proper shoes: Athletic or hiking shoes with traction.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
• Time awareness: Start early enough to finish without rushing.

Flip-flops and casual stroll energy belong on the main zoo paths, not on these trails.

Is Hiking at The Living Desert Worth It?

If you enjoy desert hiking and want a quieter, more immersive experience than the zoo walkways, absolutely.

The trails offer views and solitude that many visitors never see. They’re rewarding, scenic, and humbling in the way only desert terrain can be.

If you’re short on time, visiting during extreme heat, or just want a relaxed walk, stick to the main paths and save the hikes for another day.

For current trail conditions and official updates, visit the Living Desert trails and hiking page.

Bring water, respect the sun, and remember that the desert always gets the last word.