Southern California is home to dozens of animal sanctuaries, places where rescued animals live out their lives in safety. Not all of them are open to the public. If you are wondering where to see rescued animals in the high desert of California, here are the ones you can actually visit, starting near Joshua Tree and working out toward the coast.
Kaleidoscope Desert Sanctuary, Morongo Valley
Kaleidoscope Desert Sanctuary sits on 5 acres in Morongo Valley, about 15 minutes from Joshua Tree, 10 from Yucca Valley, and 15 from Pioneertown. Palm Springs is 30 minutes away and Los Angeles is about 2 hours. It is a working animal rescue and an art space at the same time, home to over 100 rescued animals.
The residents include mini horses, mini cows, mini donkeys, goats, pigs, emus, Ryu the ostrich, giant tortoises, peacocks, parrots including Lola the macaw, dogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and guinea hens. Guided tours are personal and unhurried, and the animals are out living their lives right alongside you, grazing, strutting, and wandering over to see who showed up. They interact on their own terms. That is the whole point. This is their home.
The sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every tour and day pass directly funds animal care. Visits are 18 and up. Book a tour or day pass at kaleidoscopedesert.com/visit.
The Gentle Barn, Santa Clarita and Temecula
One of the most well-known sanctuaries in the country, The Gentle Barn rescues cows, horses, pigs, donkeys, and other farm animals from abuse and neglect. They open to visitors on Sundays for Gentle Barn Sundays, where you can hug cows, brush donkeys, and hold chickens. Their Southern California home is in Santa Clarita, about an hour and a half from the high desert.
Farm Sanctuary, Acton
Farm Sanctuary’s Southern California shelter in Acton is home to rescued pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, and chickens. They offer guided tours on select days, and the setting in the high desert foothills is beautiful. Reservations are required.
Lions Tigers and Bears, Alpine
East of San Diego near Alpine, this big cat and exotic animal sanctuary rescues lions, tigers, bears, mountain lions, and other large animals from captivity. They offer guided tours plus wine and beer nights, and the roar of a real lion carries a long way in the hills.
Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary, Temecula
A small off-grid sanctuary in Temecula that rescues farm animals discarded by the food industry and gives senior horses a soft place to land. They open the ranch for monthly public tours. It is intimate and personal. You will probably end up with a pig in your lap.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert
Technically a zoo, but The Living Desert focuses heavily on desert conservation and runs rescue programs for desert animals. The exhibits feature animals native to deserts around the world, and the botanical gardens are world-class. It is about 45 minutes from Joshua Tree.
What to Know Before You Visit Any Sanctuary
Most sanctuaries require advance reservations, so do not just show up. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and follow staff instructions around the animals. These are not petting zoos. The animals are residents, not exhibits, and their wellbeing always comes first. Donations are always appreciated, and many sanctuaries rely entirely on visitor support to operate.
If you are starting in the high desert, start with us. Tours and day passes are at kaleidoscopedesert.com/visit. Message us for longer stays.
