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New Mexico
54

New Mexico State Parks

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USA Parks
New Mexico
Southeast Region
Living Desert State Park
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Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park Pairie Dog Pups © Ted Gorczyca
Taken at the Living Desert In Carlsbad
Living Desert State Park Cactus © Ted Gorczyca
Taken at the Living Desert State Park
Living Desert State Park Elk © Ted Gorczyca
Taken at the Living Desert State Park
Living Desert State Park Bobcat © Ted Gorczyca
Taken at the Living Desert State Park
Living Desert State Park © Nathaniel Earley
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
Living Desert State Park © Neil Knott
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LIVING DESERT STATE PARK
LIVING DESERT STATE PARK
P.O. Box 100
Carlsbad, New Mexico   88221

Phone: 575-885-4476
Email: park email button icon
Dedicated to the interpretation of the Chihuahuan Desert, Living Desert State Park is an indoor/outdoor living museum displaying more than 40 native animal species and hundreds of succulents from around the world. While on the 1.3 mile self-guided tour, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, visitors will discover sand dunes and mountainous areas, where pinon and juniper trees contrast with the desert floor below.


Location
Living Desert State Park is located near Carlsbad

Picnicking
1. Living Desert State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a meal amidst the park's unique desert landscape.
3. Picnic spots provide stunning views of native plants and wildlife.
4. Bring your own food for an outdoor feast in nature's beauty.
5. The park does not offer any on-site dining options, so pack accordingly!
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 40 species to spot, including roadrunners and hawks. Birdwatchers can explore the aviary or follow trails for self-guided tours. The best time is during spring migration season.
Area Attractions
Birds to Bison : Inside the walk-through aviary, visitors will see bird species ranging from small songbirds to hawks, eagles, turkeys and owls. Passing visitors also may see a mountain lion and bobcat perched on a rock ledge or peering through the vegetation. Kit fox, badger, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, and bison also make their home at the park.

Never Cry Wolf : One of the park's main highlights are endangered Mexican wolves. Living Desert participates in the American Zoo and Aquarium ssociation?s Mexican gray wolf Species Survival Plan Program, exchanging wolves with other zoological facilities to help insure their survival.

Green House : A visit to Living Desert is not complete without a stop at the greenhouse. Here, hundreds of succulents and cacti from around the world show off their spines and beauty. Small barrel cacti, ocotillo and the majestic saguaro are just a few of the plants on display. Many cacti are also for sale in the Gift Shop.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 25 Great park! by Missqueenie71
park review stars; one to five We took vacation in 2013, visited the caverns and the zoo. It was an amazing and beautiful time. Had a great vacation. Plan on coming back.
June 10 Great time by Sharla
park review stars; one to five I had the chance to visit on May 24...My son and I had a wonderful time looking at all the plant life and animals. The price of admission was a refreshing change!!! This is a MUST see on any vacation to the Carlsbad area!!!
July 24 Wonderful by Nedra
park review stars; one to five My grandson and I were very impressed with this park.
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Area Campgrounds
Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
4301 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM
575-885-6333
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is on the northwest edge of Carlsbad off US 285.

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New Mexico
54

New Mexico State Parks

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