Desert Tortoise

Desert tortoises have been native to the Southern Utah area for thousands of years.  These desert crawlers have scaly legs and are equipped with a domed shell about 8 – 15 inches in length.  A typical tortoise can weigh up to 11 pounds while newborns are about the size of a silver dollar.  Desert tortoises roam the desert dwelling in underground burrows and staying under rocks to avoid the heat.  They are incredibly durable and able to survive fluctuating environments.  With a vegetarian diet, they feed on flowers, plants, and fruit.  A desert tortoise can live between 50 to 80 years but have a low reproductive rate.  

Desert tortoises are most active during their mating season from April to October.  During these months, hikers have a higher probability of encountering a tortoise especially after rainy temperatures.  While they spend a large majority of their time in underground burrows, Desert tortoises can be seen along trails with dry wash or at the bottom of rocky slopes.  Some trails with frequent sightings include Chuckwalla, Turtle Wall, T-Bone, Pioneer Hills, Elephant Arch, and the Mill Creek area.  Wild encounters are rare and a unique experience. 

Desert tortoises are federally listed as an endangered species and have been protected since 1996.  For this reason please admire responsibly and carefully.  It is illegal to pick up, touch, or disturb a Desert tortoise.  Disturbing a tortoise can cause it to urinate which often leads to dehydration.  There is one important exception for handling a tortoise.  In the case a desert tortoise is found crossing the road or in immediate danger, it is encouraged to help the tortoise out of harm’s way.  This can be done by holding the tortoise low to the ground and carrying it towards the original direction it was heading until safe.  If there is a fence, please place the tortoise on the other side.  After rescuing the tortoise, please call the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve at (435) 634-5759 to inform them of the tortoise’s location.  If a desert tortoise is found on your property, please call the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve as well.  It is illegal to keep a desert tortoise as a pet.  The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve has a “no questions asked” policy when retrieving a desert tortoise.  Please call the poaching hotline at 1-800-662-3337 when suspecting poaching.