Dos Palmas Preserve
The Dos Palmas Preserve oasis (a 15,120-acre federally designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern), with its hundreds of swaying fan palms, protects important biological resources in eastern Coachella Valley, regionally located within the dry Colorado Desert. Pools fed by artesian springs form a lush wetland/riparian area. The critical habitat shelters a variety of threatened or endangered as well as more common animal species. In thick stands of cattails, the elusive and endangered Yuma clapper rail builds its nest, while in the warm waters of the pools swims the desert pupfish, a relic species from the Pleistocene era. The preserve is also home to the endangered orocopia sage plant.
The BLM has worked with partners such as The Nature Conservancy, the Department of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to acquire and manage this sensitive habitat, and with Ducks Unlimited to design wetland-restoration projects.
Because Dos Palmas Preserve is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern rather than a traditional recreation site, there is a gate that limits public access to most of the site. Researchers and qualified groups must request the access code to enter the gate.
Dos Palmas Preserve is administered by BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office. To schedule group or research visits, please contact the Palm Springs - South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
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Public parking outside the gate is in a packed-gravel lot. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices. An accessible single vault toilet sits next to the parking lot. The narrow gap in the wooden fence separating the parking area from the toilet, along with the lip near the toilet's entrance, may be a challenge for some visitors.
There is also a small area with interpretive panels about the history and ecology of the site at a height appropriate for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Cell phone reception is spotty.
Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Interstate 10 at Indio, take the Dillon Road off-ramp and turn south. At the first stoplight, just over the railroad tracks, turn left (southeast) onto Highway 111 for about 25 miles. Along the way: stay on Highway 111 at its junction with Highway 86, by taking the left fork (toward Nyland). Proceed on Highway 111 through the towns of Coachella, Theral, and Mecca to the Salton Sea. About 10 miles southeast of Mecca, look for the Park Headquarters for the Salton Sea State Recreation Area on your right. Opposite Park Headquarters: turn left onto Parkside Drive. Take Parkside to the end (about 2 miles) and turn right onto Desert Aire. Follow Desert Aire to its end, then turn left onto the unnamed dirt road. Take the next left fork and stay on the dirt road to Rancho Dos Palmas.