Nestled south of the peaks of Joshua Tree National Park is the Coachella Valley Preserve dedicated to protecting over 500 species of native plants, 200 species of birds, and 30 species of mammals in this desert valley. We stumbled on the Preserve while driving from Sam's Family Spa to the towns of the Palm Desert area.
The Preserve includes one of the largest groves of desert fan palms in California. While a few are reported to be 150 years old -- most are younger. Again, we walked through a relatively dry and unwelcoming environment -- and then, suddenly: the McCallum Oasis. This time the trail was level; some in deep sand, and paralleled one of the faults of the San Andreas faults. It is one of the only places along the San Andreas fault that the fault is visible. All was quiet during our visit!
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| After strolling through a desert wash: McCallum Oasis with standing water and enormous palm trees. |
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| Looking up through the grove of the palm trees. |
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| Hello to the San Andreas Fault. |
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