The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, California 92260, United States

Phone: 760-636-7000 | Check in: 4 p.m. | Check out: 10 a.m.

56°F / 13°C

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Resort Info

Things to do | Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge

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The second largest preserve in the Coachella Valley Preserve System, the refuge was originally designed to protect the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. Because it’s fed by the springs along the San Andreas Fault line, a rare and fragile habitat type has been created called palm woodland oasis and desert wetland. This offers a unique sanctuary for many migratory birds and bats along their journey and provides comforting shelter for many desert animal species.

The preserve is open for hiking and picnicking year-round. With a variety of trails from easy to moderately difficult on more than 18,000 acres, there’s no shortage of exploration to awaken your adventurous side. Built in the 1930s, a charming Visitor’s Center sits at the heart of the preserve and offers a history of the area. Come for an afternoon or a full day and get back to nature.

Community Recommends

1 Recommendations

Please note, these recommendations are the subjective opinion of the Vistana Community Members and not of Vistana^™ Signature Experiences, Inc.


Vistana Community Member "I visited the wildlife refuge last year in September." — 03/14/2018 "I visited the wildlife refuge last year in September." 03/14/2018 I recommend you have sunglasses and a hat. The wind is rather strong and the Sandy Terrain can be a bit much. I wore sandal shoes that had thick soles. I recommend those or regular hiking shoes. And take your water bottles! Enjoy!