Wildlife viewing

In the desert environment, most animals are nocturnal; therefore opportunities for wildlife here viewing are few and far between. Your best shot for seeing many of the park's larger wildlife is to visit one of the water sources in the park: Manzanita Spring, Smith Spring and McKittrick Canyon. Many species of birds can be found near these water holes, as can elk, mule deer and rattlesnakes. Mule deer also like to hang out near the campgrounds and along trails. The park's larger mammals also frequent the higher elevations, where temperatures are cooler and there is more vegetation and shade. You are also likely to encounter several different species of lizard and rattlesnake along the desert trails. Lizards like to scurry between rocks and bushes, while rattlesnakes often lie still across the trail.