I'm always up for a new hiking spot. First time here which I didn't even know about. No one in my group has even heard of it either. It's a good half hour from Palm Springs just along the 62 leading you towards Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. The road which is somewhat residential at the beginning lead you to a park. We actually parked and started to walk around which found out later that it wasn't the right part. Drive up a little further till you enter a spot where there were some campers and a parking lot. I'm assuming camping is somewhat available from the looks of things. Don't quote me on that as I'm not sure. It's a decent size parking lot available. Before the trail, there's a little introduction information station where you should pick up the map. There's also pamphlets about the area. Billboards explaining how the area came about and the nature of it. The different animals you'll like to see and so on. A nice little helper before you hike. The main trails breaks down and connects to each other. They're not hard and pretty easy. Some are in dirt but guided trails while the others are on wooden planks. The map helps you connect from trail to trails and they're pretty reasonable with difficulty level. Majority are very easy but they also have the trail that wraps around which is about 8 to 9 miles roundtrip. We started off with the trails that go from the dirt path that connects you to the marsh land which mainly is on the wooden planks. Pretty nice seeing what nature has to offer. We did find out that a lot of the places did get destroyed by wildfires a while back and slowly started to make a comeback as well as the tropical storm a couple years ago which I happened to be in Palm Springs as well. The whole trail is pretty easy and mainly on flat land. You will encounter some hills at certain parts of the trail but they're pretty moderate. It's like going from the desert to an oasis and back out to the mountain and desert. The way the trails connect is pretty easy with trail marks and sign posted whenever you come to a connection. They also have free guided tours I believe the first and third Saturday of the month. In the middle of the trail is a visitor center where's there's a little garden area. Nothing too major but something worth checking out. It's nice to see what nature has to offer. The trail is actually well maintained as some parts you could tell that they were manicured for your safety. Overall, it's an easy hike. Main part isn't much of a hike but I'm sure if you do the whole trail, it'll be more of a strenuous hike. Would I go back, yes. read more

I love visiting this beautiful preserve. This visit was extra special since we had both of our daughters along! The cottonwood trees are truly majestic as they sway and flutter with the breeze. The preserve is an internationally recognized birding site. Over 247 bird species have been recorded here. National Geographic features the preserve in their guide to bird watching sites. The preserve is 31,000 acres. Home to one of the largest Cottonwood and Willow riparian habitats in California. There are many trails to choose from and various benches to enjoy the wildlife along the way. The restrooms are near the entrance and are well maintained. read more

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On 11/30/2025, I was abruptly approached by an employee at this facility who emerged from the kiosk and stopped me before I could even pass the handicap parking area. He denied me and my service animal entry to the nature preserve, despite my explanation of ADA protections. This refusal was discriminatory and a violation of my rights under federal and California law. When I attempted to clarify, the employee became increasingly irate. I had no choice but to leave. Visitors should be aware that service animals are legally protected under the ADA, and denying access is unlawful. read more

The preserve has some nice walking trails and beautiful scenery, but several paths are currently closed or hard to walk due to flooding damage which washed out the boardwalk. The long trail is mostly out in the open with very little shade, so it's best to go early or bring sun protection. The visitor center is cute and worth a stop with a couple interesting displays, we went on a weekday and didn't run into any staff. Overall, a peaceful place for a short walk, but hopefully more of the trails reopen soon. read more

This was a place that popped up on Yelp and some other site. The trails were okay but not amazing. On a warm day, it was a tad stinky and many insects were swarming. I don't think I would come back on a warm day. It might be nicer if it was cooler. read more

We added the preserve to our Joshua Tree vacation and we were so glad we did! If you enjoy a bit of hiking and birding then this a great place to stop. The geology makes a bit of a desert oasis with plenty of trees and a marsh that draws all kinds of birds. The park was very clean and the staff was wicked friendly. One of the employees was out taking pictures and gave us some great suggestions on where to spot some of the more unique visitors. The trails were in good condition and most were suitable for the more unconditioned hiker. There's plenty of parking and the preserve is totally free. Don't forget to donate to the organization that keeps everything in shape. read more

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - Parks Near Me - Morongo Valley, California

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A unique area to hike out in the Palm Springs area. I've been to Joshua tree before so when my friends said we were going for a quick nature walk hike out in this area I was expecting it to be a desert hike. Much to my surprise the Big Morongo canyon has a lot of shade and tree coverage. Parking was easy, the kiosk at the trail entrance has a lot of information about the area along with the different trail maps. There's a have four easy trails that are each under 1 mile, and a long trail that's a little over 8 miles. read more

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Great nature hike that offers easy and more challenging trails. Plenty of parking in the lot and public bathrooms are available. When the sky is clear the view up on top of the trail is spectacular!!! Free trails and parking! read more

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Great little hike. The trail is mostly shaded. We even saw a miniature bob cat!‍ Happy hiking ! read more

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Got wind of some rumors that there was a flurry of spring migration birding activity here so you know I had to come check it out - and my hike here just might have just been the best birding day of my life!! I saw NINE lifers in less than 2 hours - NINE!! (Lifers is birding lingo for birds you've never seen before) - seriously HUGE day for me! I made the 1 1/2 hour drive out from the SGV this past Friday. The drive was super easy and this park area is also easy to find - GPS took me right to it. I hiked the Marsh Trail - very easy hike. And this trail happens to be very handicapped/wheelchair friendly - it's either paved or a boardwalk and in good repair too! The trail itself is less than a mile long with minimal elevation gain - but there a several offshoots so you make it longer and explore. You can also wander over to Covington Park right next door and see the Great Horned Owls nest!! Now on to the birding - I saw Summer Tanagers, Western Tanagers, a Swainson's Thrush, a Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Black Headed Grosbeaks, a Coopers Hawk, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow Warblers everywhere, a Townsend Warbler, Scrub Jays, Anna's Hummingbirds, and Lesser Goldfinches! Lizards and salamanders were everywhere and even families of deer!! I was in heaven! This trail should be on every birders spring list! I will definitely be back! They have clean bathrooms by the trailhead and port-a-potties about halfway in. They had two ample gravel parking lots. They also had a little cabin area by the port-a-potties that had a bunch of bird feeders set up near a nice garden and some benches - good spot to get some great birding photos!! I even saw a Barn Owl nest thanks to a nice ranger that stopped to point it out to me and he even showed me some owl "pellets" at the bottom - you know the ones they have you dissect in elementary school?? They had bones in them and everything haha!! Unfortunately I didn't see the owls but it was too late in the day for it. Can't recommend this trail enough!! Had an epic time here! read more

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As the pandemic ramps up again, and even outdoor dining has gone away, it's time to get outside and hike. Thank goodness for Mother Nature and the folks who had the good sense to reserve some of our natural environment for our enjoyment and the well-being of the planet. My socially-distant visit in mid-November was refreshment for the body and soul. Fall was a wonderful time to visit due to the beautiful colors and cooler temperatures. HISTORY: Morongo Canyon was inhabited by the Morongo tribe prior to European colonization. There is water to be found year round, which supports the lush forests you will find in the preserve. Learn more here: https://www.bigmorongo.org/history/ TRAILS: There are an abundance of well-maintained and well-marked trails. Be sure to pick up a trail map at the kiosk near the entrance. There is a wide range of levels of difficulty; something for everyone. WEATHER: Check the weather before you head out on your hike and prepare accordingly. Summers can be brutal; better to hike early in the day and don't forget water. AMENITIES: Restrooms are available. Bring your own food and drink. PARKING: Free. ADMISSION: Free. Maybe it is true: the best things in life are free. read more

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Very pretty location to walk, restrooms at entrance are very clean. my only complaints are that there is not much information about the 9 mile hike, we thought it was around the mountain until we realized a mile and a half in that it was not lol. and a hiking trail being closed due to obstructions. read more

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This nature preserve has several nice, shaded trails that adjoin one another. The boardwalk Mesquite and marsh trails are especially nice and had some fall color as well as a lot of bird life. The canyon trail was a bit dry in November and less interesting, probably best to do that one in the spring. read more

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What a bunch of nice staff & volunteers. The lady at the entrance was friendly & informative. She gave my kids a bingo card/scavenger hunt which my kids really enjoyed. There's a bathroom adjacent to the parking lot. Lots of different trails for all abilities. A nature center is not too far from the entrance where staff gave a nice lesson on weather/clouds today (Sunday). Lots of trees, plants and animals. Totally different feel from Joshua Tree. On a nice 70 degree day, I couldn't believe I was so close to the desert. Excellent place to explore and it's free! read more

Parking was easy. There is a great information kiosk that gives you info on flora and fauna and trail maps. Trails are well marked. It was a nice diversion from JTNP. read more

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Here you have a few hikes to choose from. We chose two of the easier trails which had a wooden boardwalk throughout the trails. We took the marsh trail which is 0.65 miles long and mesquite trail that is 0.51 miles long. On both of these trails your will be walking under the cottonwood and willow canopy. I think to fully enjoy this preserve we should have taken a longer hike, preferably not one with a boardwalk. This preserve is a home to black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, grey fox, bobcat, raccoon, California ground squirrel, desert woodrat, desert cottontail, and black-tailed jackrabbit. We saw deer here. read more

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Have you ever wondered "where can I find a place that reminds me of a Disney like forest" well this ain't it! But great hike! Hiked about 4 miles and then head back another 4 miles. Had to carry my wife on my back like Yoda fortunately we made it. It was for sure an experience we will never forget. So if you are up for the challenge I'd say go for it. read more

We stopped for a short hike on our return to Palm Springs from Joshua Tree National Park and given it was late morning and hot we needed a spot with some shade. Friends we were with knew this nature preserve fit the bill. The volunteer at the entrance was super friendly and helpful. With map in hand we explored some of the shader paths including the marsh trail boardwalk. Very impressive to have such a long path all on a boardwalk. We can see why this would be a favorite of birders though we were a bit late in the day. Plenty of other trails to explore on cooler days. Overall a very nice park especially for free ( donations accepted). read more

Stopped at Covington park to enjoy a quick lunch and to my surprise found the BMCP. No dogs allowed though. Nice boardwalk to walk on and plenty of trails. Fairly easy to get around. There is a lot of nature going on here, from the flora and fauna to the streams, etc. Plenty of sites to be seen. There is an interactive center to learn about the plants and animals. On the way to Joshua Tree, stop and enjoy this spot. read more

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With so many beautiful hiking/walking trails that California has to offer, it was a difficult task choosing which one to venture off to while we were visiting Palm Springs. We finally decided to explore Big Morongo Canyon Preserve which turned out to be such a beautiful place. I love that there were different trail options. It was so serene and well kept. I did get quite spooked when I came across signs that warned visitors of mountain lion and bear sightings, but the beauty of the nature surrounding the trails made me set aside my fears. I would love to revisit after I explore the many other trails on my bucket list. read more

I'm so lucky to find this Preserve for its beauty and easy to moderate trails. I can find solace and tranquillity in many spots here. There's a lot of shade that I don't find anywhere else. read more

always a wonderful place to visit. volunteers are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. read more

This is a beautiful nature reserve that is surprisingly lush considering it's located in the Mohave desert. There are all kinds of animals including mountain lions and bears. While we were on our walk/hike (it's very easy to get around in, we barely broke a sweat) we didn't see any animals but then it was in the middle of the day, but we saw plenty of evidence of animals in the form of paw and hoof prints. I took a photo of a large cat print, but it doesn't show well in the photo. I loved how there are wild palm trees all over in the brush. Coming from a cold climate it's a happy surprise to see them flourishing through their own volition. If I lived in this area I'd be here often, it's a lovely area and will continue to be that way as long as people respect the place. read more

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Peaceful and scenic are the words to describe Big Morongo Canyon Preserve! Located in Morongo Canyon near Joshua Tree National Park and Yucca Valley California,Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers hiking trails,bird viewing,wild life observing and the opportunity to get away and be surrounded by a beautiful environment! There is a convenient parking area for cars,trucks,campers,motorcycles,RV's and bicycles along with a helpful staffed information kiosk that offers great information about the Preserve and a free map of the area! There are some piknik tables to enjoy a meal or snack before or after your adventure! This is a great place if one is looking for a scenic adventure into nature! . . . . #bigmorongocanyonpreserve #hiking #trails # mountainbikes #preserve #californiatrails #ilikehiking #birding #ilovetocamp #rv #motorcycles #backpacking #nature #yuccavalley #morongovalley #morongocanyon #godisgood #waynesalvatti #seetheusa #goclimbarock #photografxworldwide read more

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"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien Listen. Wind rustles the leaves of the Freemont's Cottonwood trees. The tone and volume changes with the intensity of the wind. It's a high pitched sound like whistling when I visit at the end of the day. I sit in my car safe from the bugs and listen. A peaceful calm envelops me. Nature's version of Fur Elise by Beethoven. Breathe. The refreshing scent is unique. Not quite as rich and woody as Muir Woods... Still a welcome respite from the dryness of the desert. Explore. There are many different trails to hike here. The Marsh trail is my favorite. The leaves of the Cottonwood trees shield you from the sun for most of the trail. There are many birds in the trees to serenade you with melodies on your hike. See. Leaves dance in the wind and form a intricate shifting mosaic of different shades of green. Lovely like Paul Cezanne's "In the Woods" painting. Many of the Cottonwood leaves look like a spider web has been spun on them waiting for unsuspecting prey. I was in Indio. Tired of hot dry dessert I left to wander about. I found this place. One of the most lovely places I'm come across on my trips to Indio. I take with me in memories the sounds and the sights of the Cottonwood trees. They sell souvenirs here and 100% of the proceeds go towards the reserve. I picked a patch, t-shirt, and cloth shopping bag as souvenirs of my brief time here. :-) read more

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I bookmarked this place for awhile. I really had high hopes for this preserve. Sadly, it was very disappointing. The preserve is free and donations are welcome. However, there were hundreds of fallen trees and overgrown plants. It wasn't pretty. This place is a bird watching place. I hardly saw any. There was also a large active bee hive! Gross!!! read more

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I love hiking in this place amazing for hiking Love the park Great for kids and great for just chilling

The Preserve is a gem in Morongo. Nice trails - something for every level. Go at the right time of day - early morning, mid-morning, evening and you stand a good chance of some great animal sightings. Enjoy! read more

free and it is beautiful. i love walking around here. you wouldn't expect such greenery in the desert

I love this place, so much nature all around. Birds are everywhere.. there is a boardwalk area underneath many trees to go for a stroll. Its beautiful here! I go here once a week to hike and every time, especially when everything is blooming.. its always amazing, check it out! read more

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We had a nice drive into the mountains. The preserve is a great place to get away from the city and enjoy the fresh air and sights and sounds of nature. There are hiking trails and information about the area. You can stay as long as you please. If you like hiking and nature, you'll like this preserve. read more

My little slice of riparian Heaven, (I'm a local). But when a wildfire engulfed the preserve's southern end last May (2K17), rather than dispatch either the nearby Morongo Fire Dept., or say a BLM wildlands crew, a prison hotshot team was brought in. Tragically, applying industrial forestry practices, the prison crew wrought far more damage than the fire itself: wide swaths of fire retardant were dumped on canyon walls, still noticeable a year on. While mature Cottonwoods, as well as other old growth were bulldozed or pulled down to create their firebreak. The lower Preserve, which was the richest-densest habitat, has been all but rendered scorched earth. A dead zone. The bulldozed stream-bed through what was a tall, verdant canopy thick with songbirds and raptors shows no sign of recovery. The actions here were criminal. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Don't tell anyone about it. So unexpected and refreshing, in the middle of the desert. If you're visiting and looking for places to see, BMCP should definitely be on your list! BE AWARE, however- and this is where you might think you'll be reading a cautionary notice about lurking wild animal(s) in the area, but NO! The warning is to keep an eye out for the grumpy old man who works there. He is not very nice and thinks that the whole place is his. I hardly think so, sir! I bet I'd get treated better by a bobcat or a mosquito, than you! For everyone's information- he is in his 70's (probably ) of a slim complexion and bald. Look out! read more

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - Parks Near Me - Morongo Valley, California

This place is on the way from the 10 fwy to Joshua Tree. It is a great place to take a break and explore the woods. Around October, the Isocoma bushes are ablaze in yellow. The feeders by the caretaker's house are loaded with all kinds of birds. It is a little gem. read more

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - Big Morongo in Fall - Parks Near Me - Morongo Valley, California

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I've hiked here about once a year for the past ten years or so. This is a gem of a spot in the high desert, on the way to Joshua Tree. There are several different trails and all of them are scenic and special. The trails are very well maintained. Even though there was a full parking lot, we still enjoyed rather secluded hiking since there are so many trails. Great desert scents, birds, lizards, trees and butterflies. I'll be back! read more

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - Parks Near Me - Morongo Valley, California

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Really awesome activity for the kids and family. We had a great time, we were lucky to see a fox. The kids really like this place. Next time I will do all the little trails. We only did one. It took us 45 minutes all together. The weather was great. I recommend this place, it was peaceful too. read more

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - Peaceful.. - Parks Near Me - Morongo Valley, California

We love this preserve. There's a trail for every level of hiker. The boardwalk is gorgeous and we see dear almost every time we go. It's always clean and well maintained. If you're not a hiker or are not wearing exercise attire the boardwalk is perfect, you never have to walk on dirt and most of it is shaded. It's definitely worth visiting. read more

My secret spot to go hike without all the tourist See wildlife and sweet host Dee and Meg read more

Really cool park where you can get lost in nature in WITHOUT YOUR PHONE AND SOCIAL MEDIA. Try to keep it quiet for bird and animal watchers alike instead of using the park as your own personal ego photo shoot that literally NO ONE but you cares about. read more

A great little place to go for a hike outside of Palm Springs. Unfortunately they are closed due to flooding and road was partially washed away. We were upset and hoping to have this place back up by December 2019 when we are back for our winter break. read more