Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I might be going to the Coachella Valley in mid March. I went there last January and didn't see any herps. Just wondering if most snakes will be out by March. Are there any specific areas or time of day I should be looking for snakes? I remember one specific spot at the base of San Jacinto mountain looked really good last year. Hard dirt with lots of rocks and dry shrub. Snakes of interest would include rattlesnakes, kings, rosy boas, and gophers, but any other snake I'd be happy to see too.
I know it's hard to say how many snakes one will see because there are so many variables that affect snakes, but people who have experience there, what is a likely amount of snakes to be seen for being there about 5 days? Are we talking like a couple if I'm lucky, or like over 20? Just looking for a ballpark number here. I mean I'm going to be looking everywhere as much as I can, so I hope to find at least a few rattlers.

And also, I've looked at many range maps, and it appears there is some geographical feature completely separates species of snakes right near the valley. It could be the San Bernadino Mtns, I'm not really sure though. But anyway, I cant tell what rattlesnakes live in the Palm Springs area. Do both southern Pacifics and Atrox live there? Or do their ranges not overlap?

Thats it for now, Thanks a bunch for any help!

Whitewater's near Palm Springs, but be prepared to be probably one of 4-5 cars cruising that area if people are out road cruising that early. I've seen rosies, Kings and Rubers there. Seen Atrox and Speckled a little further down the road in Mecca. Good luck.

reako45

So you're thinking road cruising is an efficient way of herping as opposed to searching under bushy shrubs and rocks? Also, when cruising, should this be after dark or during the day?

I'm mostly interested in snakes, but I think any arachnids would be cool. Are scorpions and tarantulas pretty easy to find?

Thanks

I've found snakes while road cruising at night on Whitewater rd. in March, but most of the time I got skunked. This was way back when I had no idea what time of year was the best to road cruise that part of the desert. If you try that, your best time will be right after dark because it still gets very cold at night during that time. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes have rarely been seen at Whitewater because the habitat is not right. You wont see any Atrox around Palm Springs either. If it's recently rained and in the upper 60's to 70's, you might do real good while out flipping rocks. Boas and Red Diamond Rattlesnakes are easier to find west of there by Moreno Valley, Hemet, and Lake Perris. When it comes down to it, those places are not that far to drive.

Thanks. I'll try and check out those places. What about Joshua Tree or any place north or east of Palm Springs, anything worth checking out in those directions?
Has anyone found any rattlers during the day under dry shrubs, rocks, or boards?

I ask a lot of questions, but you will be rewarded with great pictures if I'm lead in the right direction.

Thanks

I've spent very little time during that part of the year in that area. I would imagine you could find some rattlers out basking and some lizards, but I'm not sure when the activity really starts to pick up there. I know in the western part of Riverside Co. mid March is when things really start moving. Besides boas, I've always been under the impression the PS area starts up a little later in April. If it were me, I would try hunting one day out there in the desert. Start at 9AM searching rocky areas and flipping some rocks. When the Desert is alive, you'll see lizards everywhere. If you just see a few, it might still be to early. If you strike out bad that first day, it's up to you whether you want to keep trying or just head east into the Hemet area. At least you know things will be popping off there. Good luck, I wish I could help more. BTW Joshua Tree shouldn't be much different than the PS area, as far as conditions.