Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Aug 12, 2018

2 min read

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve (part of the Sand to Snow National Monument)

11055 East Drive, Morongo Valley

www.bigmorongo.org

Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m. - sunset

Free admission, donations welcome

Now part of the Sand to Snow National Monument, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve provides visitors with the opportunity to explore a different kind of desert oasis - one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California.

The Morongo Valley visitor area lies in the Mojave Desert, while the downstream portion of the canyon opens into the lower Colorado Desert. The Preserve's 31,000 acres range from 600 feet in elevation to a 3,000 foot ridgetop.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve provides numerous trails to hike, including the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk Marsh Trail - perfect for birdwatching and exploring the oasis. There is parking, restrooms, and a picnic area as well. the Preserve is open 7:30 a.m. to sunset daily. Trail maps for self-guided hikes are available at the entrance kiosk. Trails range from 3/10 of a mile to an 11 mile round trip hike through Big Morongo Canyon to the lower desert. Some guided hikes and programs are available seasonally.

No dogs or other pets are allowed on the Preserve;
Smoking is forbidden anywhere on the Preserve;
No fires of any kind
Please remain on designated trails;
No bicycles, skateboards, skates, or unauthorized vehicles of any kind are permitted beyond the parking lot;
Firearms and hunting are prohibited;
No camping, collecting, or disturbance of wildlife is allowed in the Preserve.

Covington Park, adjacent to the Preserve, has facilities for large group picnics and recreation. For more information call the Morongo Valley Community Services District at (760) 363-6454.