where should we go for Palm Spring Desert

Hi we are family with grown children, we will be stay in Rancho Mirage and want to have some desert experience, we are planning to visit Palm Spring and wonder what should we do, check the Palm Spring top attractions and found Indian Canon, Joshua Tree National Park, Living Desert, which one should we go, is living desert more a tourist attaction than like a nature park?

We will also be going to San Diego Zoo and so want a more nature feel of desert. Is any of the above mentioned desert parks have free addmission? Which one have more a nature feel. One of my kid did want to see desert lizard?
Thanks in advance.

[Jojo]

What time of the year will you be visiting? This will help us give you the best suggestion.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Write On!

Jojo Bergstrom
Editor-in-Chief
PalmSprings.com

Sorry, we will be in Palm Spring between 8/27 to 8/30. Thanks

[Jojo]

That's a good time! To see animals - go to The Living Desert (http://palmsprings.com/points/desert.html ). You asked about desert lizards, do you mean a Desert Iguana? If so, yes, this type of lizard can be found at The Living Desert.

Summer Schedule:
Open every day June 16 to August 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Last admission at 1:00 p.m.

Summer Admission Rates:
General Admission: $8.75
Seniors (62+): $8.75
Military: $8.75
Children (Ages 3-12): $475
Children under 3: Free

For nature, go to Joshua Tree National Park (http://palmsprings.com/frames/joshuatree.html) The visitor center is open from 8am until 5pm and the park itself never closes. There is a vehicle fee of $15 for 7 days and the walk-in fee is $5.

Write On!

Jojo Bergstrom
Editor-in-Chief
PalmSprings.com