The Coachella Valley Preseve

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The Coachella Valley Preserve, better known as the 1000 Palms Oasis, is one of the better kept secrets of the Coachella Valley. Ostensibly created as the last habitat for the fringe-toed lizard, Uma inornata, a cute little guy who is sadly endangered, the preserve is just that - preserving the desert before developers get to it.

The history of the oasis is just fascinatin' - the Cahuilla had the place for at least 600 years, then they were run off by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876. In 1900 it was homesteaded by Albert "Alkali" Thornburg and in 1905 he sold it to Luis Wilhelm for a wagon and two mules. Wilhem made some improvements, but most of them  - including the cabin which is now the visitor's center - were made by his 12th child, Paul (1909-1994), who built some vacation cabins there. Paul was the one who got together with other property owner in the area to create the preserve. It's a great place to spend the day and features lots of hiking trails. There's no camping.

The Coachella Valley Preserve Website

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Palm Tree Totem

Visitor Center

Fringe Toed Lizard

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1000 Palms Oasis