THE LIVING DESERT WELCOMES FALL WITH EXPANDED HOURS, REOPENED TRAILS
AND NEW SEASONAL EXPERIENCES BEGINNING OCTOBER 1
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
Palm Desert, CA (October 2 , 2026) – As temperatures begin to cool across the Coachella Valley,
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens invites guests to discover the wonder of wildlife, nature, and
outdoor adventure as its peak fall and winter season officially begins October 1.
Beginning October 1, The Living Desert welcomes guests daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last
admission at 4 p.m. The seasonal change also brings the return of the Zoo's expanded dining
opportunities, reopening of hiking trails, and a calendar full of educational programs, and special
events running through spring.
And don't miss our daily Keeper Connections! These interactive talks give guests the chance to
learn about the animals, hear stories directly from the animal care staff, and ask questions about
wildlife care and conservation. You can view the daily schedule of events, HERE.
Become a member today and enjoy unlimited daytime admission for a year, access to members-
only programs and events, member discounts, and a member-only subscription to Foxpaws
magazine. This year will bring yet another roster of events and a few surprises along the way.
October serves as the kickoff to a season packed with educational programs, Best Day Ever
experiences, seasonal celebrations, and opportunities to engage with wildlife such as:
• Hiking Trails open on October 1, where guests can pick from three hiking trails ranging from
0.5 miles to 5 miles. Each trail offers a unique path with a common purpose – to teach
visitors about the desert world around them!
• Wild at Heart: Desert Defenders begins October 2, offering an immersive, conservation-
focused experience for curious learners.
• Me & You at the Zoo begins October 6, providing an interactive program for toddlers and
their caregivers. This seasonal program is available during select times of the year.
• Annual Fall Plant Sale takes place October 17, featuring a diverse selection of desert-
adapted and water-wise plants.
• Howl-Themed Dog Day returns October 30, welcoming guests and their canine
companions for a fun, pet-friendly experience. Dog Day returns this season following the
success of last year's pilot program.
• Howl-O-Ween takes place October 31, bringing family-friendly Halloween fun to The Living
Desert.
• Dining Venues New Hours: Crash Cafe (October 2), Thorn Tree Grill (October 23) and
Kookabura Cafe (November 13).
As guests explore the park this season, they will also see visible progress on one of The Living
Desert's most exciting future additions: Lion Ridge.
For hours, upcoming events, tickets, and membership information, visit LivingDesert.org.
ABOUT THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a beloved institution in Southern California for over 50
years. An Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo, The Living
Desert represents the desert environments of North America, Australia, and Africa with more
than 600 animals in our care, 141 species, 1,200 protected acres, and miles of hiking trails.
With conservation at the heart of everything it does, The Zoo is actively engaged
in 105+ conservation projects in 12 countries, including international field conservation efforts,
local habitat restoration, and on-site initiatives. By connecting guests to individual animals in
immersive habitats, The Living Desert strives to create conservation advocates for nature and
wildlife.
MEDIA CONTACT
Public Relations Manager
Alexandra Bonnet
abonnet@livingdesert.org
