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Santa
Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument
 
Area Description
Thrusting
upward from below sea level in the Colorado Desert, to a height of 10,
834-ft, the jagged ridgelines of the National Monument provide a dramatic
and spectacular backdrop for the residents of the Coachella Valley. Located
approximate 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the National Monument
encompasses approximately 272,000 acres of public, private, and tribal
lands. Providing homes to more than 500 species of plant and animal life
spread though five separate and distinct habitat zones, the National Monument
is a land of contrast and adaptation, a wonderfully diverse land of biological,
cultural, natural and geological resources.
Jointly managed by
the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service the National
Monument is the result of local residents and Rep. Mary Bono and officially
created Oct. 24, 2000, when then President William Clinton, signed Public
Law 106-351.
Activities
Day hiking,
photography, camping, nature study, picnicking, off-highway vehicle exploration,
shooting, and scientific/education study can be enjoyed in this area.
How to Get There
From Los Angles, take Interstate Highway 10 South, to California State
Highway 111 and Palm Springs. At this point, the National Monument is
located to the right, and runs the entire length of the Coachella Valley
along side and south of Highway 111.
Santa Rosa
and San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument Visitor Center
Turning south
at the intersection of California State Highways 111 and 74, in Palm Desert,
Ca., the Visitor Center is approximately four miles up the road, on the
left side. Reflecting the natural beauty of its surrounding, a short interpretive
trail surrounds the Visitor Center and winds its way though a variety
of desert life. Along this trail, visitors may experience the wonders
of nature at the hummingbird garden, and learn about the many adaptations
of native plant species. One of the highlights of this trail is the garden
of native grasses, which contains example of the many plant species historically
used by local Cahuilla Indians in the weaving of baskets and other useful
items. Inside visitors may view photographic displays and exhibits of
the Coachella Valley’s Native American past and may find detailed
recreational information from the staff and at the nonprofit bookstore.
Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
Additional
Information
The National
Monument is home to a variety of plant and animal life including several
endangered species – the Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep, the Least
Bell’s Vireo, California desert tortoise, and several exotic forms
of plant life, including the famous native fan palm trees. Working together
to protect the nationally significant biological, cultural, recreational,
geological, educational, and scientific values of the National Monument,
motorized and mechanical equipment, such as chainsaws, and motor vehicles
are prohibited except in designated areas. Please respect not only public
lands but also private lands that may lie within the National Monument
Practice Leave
No Trace Principles
*Plan Ahead and Prepare
*Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
*Properly Dispose of Waste
*Leave What You Find
*Minimize Campfire Impacts
*Respect Wildlife
*Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information, visit or write to:
Santa Rosa and
San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument Visitor Center
51-500 Highway 74
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Telephone: (760) 862-9984\
Fax: (760) 862-9460
Alternatively,
please contact
Bureau of Land
Management
Palm Springs South-Coast Field Office
P.O. Box 581260
690 W. Garnet Avenue,
North Palm Springs Ca 92258-1260
(760) 251-4800
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