This native wildlife zoo exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

The park provides an up-close experience for visitors, with a variety of fun interpretive programs for every season geared for the entire family. Living Desert also has beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and group facilities. There is no camping, and no pets are allowed.

Park Elevation 3,482 ft

Please see the Park Alerts section for more information.

Walking Tour

The walking tour through the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is 1.3 miles roundtrip. The trail descends gradually in elevation for the first half and then climbs back to the Visitor Center. The elevation change is only 70 feet. This is the same trail that the zoo visitors take but many visitors call this a pleasant hike and a great way to experience the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert.  Since the park is on the top of a ridge in the Ocotillo Hills there are excellent views of the Pecos River valley and the town of Carlsbad. Benches, shade, restrooms, and drinking fountains along the route make this a very civilized hike! Regular entrance fees apply.

Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail

The Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail is adjacent to the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. This trail is accessed from Skyline Drive or behind Southeast New Mexico College. The trail is 0.9 miles long and travels through the canyon south of the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens on State Park and other public land. There is an elevation change of approximately 245 feet. The City of Carlsbad Parks Department maintains the trail. Directions and information may be accessed here.

Hiking this trail is free.

Amenities

• Gardens
• Gift Shop & Book Store
• Greenhouse: “Succulents of the World”
• Group Facilities:
  • Group Picnic Shelter
  • Meeting Room
  • Event Rental Space for Private Events
• Visitor Center:
  • Interpretive Exhibits
  • Mineral Exhibits
• Zoo Exhibits

• Annual Passes/Permits are not valid at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.

• National/Federal discount passes are not accepted at New Mexico State Parks. This includes America the Beautiful – The National Parks, Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, and Golden Age and Golden Access passes.

• To find a park click here.
• To purchase the New Mexico State Parks Passes online click here.

CONTACT

David Heckard
Zoo Director
David.Heckard@emnrd.nm.gov