Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in eastern California covering roughly 3,700 acres of desert landscape. The terrain includes specialized sand dune systems and desert vegetation that together create a distinctive habitat.

The refuge was established in 1985 to protect an endangered lizard species whose survival was threatened by regional development. This creation marked an important commitment to preserving desert landscapes from rapid changes.

This refuge represents a place where visitors can witness efforts to protect rare desert species and their natural habitat within a fragile ecosystem. The presence of specialized dune systems reflects how the landscape itself tells a story of adaptation and survival.

Access to the trails is available via Interstate 10 at the Cook Street exit near School Chase Road. Visitors should prepare for heat and dry conditions while wearing appropriate footwear for sandy terrain.

This refuge is home to a lizard species found nowhere else on Earth, perfectly adapted to the specialized sand dunes. These lizards can burrow into the sand to escape the intense heat, a remarkable survival strategy.