Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
State park · Carlsbad, New Mexico
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
State park on a hill in Carlsbad with animals and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, along a trail of about 2 km, featuring Mexican wolves, pumas and birds of prey.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park sits on a hill northwest of Carlsbad, with views over the town and the Pecos River valley. The park showcases the fauna and flora of the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the largest deserts in North America, stretching across southern New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico.
A paved trail of about 2 km crosses desert environments, from sand dunes to mountains and water valleys. Along the way are enclosures for native animals, many rescued and unable to return to the wild: Mexican wolves, pumas, bobcats, black bears, bison, pronghorns, rattlesnakes and birds of prey such as eagles and owls.
A greenhouse houses cacti and succulents from deserts of several continents, and the visitor center explains the region’s geology and ecology.
In summer, the midday heat is strong and many animals retreat to shade; the early morning hours are the most pleasant.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours.
Best time
In the morning, when the animals are more active and the heat is lower.
How to get there
It’s on a hill northwest of downtown Carlsbad, off US-285, about 5 km from the center.
Tip
Bring water and a hat for the trail, which has little shade. It’s a good program for the morning of arrival or departure day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
What animals are at the Carlsbad Living Desert?
Chihuahuan Desert animals, many rescued: Mexican wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, bison, pronghorn, rattlesnakes and birds of prey.
How long does a visit to the Living Desert take?
About one and a half to two hours, for the roughly 2 km trail and the cactus greenhouse.
Is the Living Desert good for children?
Yes. The trail is paved and enclosures are along the route. In summer, go early because of the heat.