Click to view the desert tortoise habitat. http://ccsd.net/meta/IAct/habitat.rm The Desert Tortoise Habitat is about a one acre in size.  The desert tortoises come out primarily in the fall and spring, and you may be able to see baby desert tortoises when conditions are right.  There are about ten mature tortoises in the habitat.  The largest is about 15 inches in diameter. The desert tortoises burrow 10 to 15 feet underground to escape from the winter cold or the summer heat.  In winter and summer, the desert tortoises are normally sleeping.   In the winter, this sleeping cycle is called hibernation.  The summer sleeping cycle is called estivation. The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center has a Desert Tortoise Education Specialist that can come to your school to present an informative program about the Desert Tortoise.  Call (702) 363-1921 for information.