2012 - Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

The Preserve begins about one-half mile southeast of the town of Morongo Valley in the Little San Bernardino Mountains and opens at the bottom of Big Morongo Canyon into the west end of the Coachella Valley northwest of Desert Hot Springs. Elevations on the Preserve range from 600 feet on the canyon floor to over 3000 feet at the ridge tops. Several trails, including boardwalks through the marsh and stream habitats, meander through the Preserve. The one-half mile Marsh Trail is wheelchair-accessible.  The group hiked most of the trails covering a distance of about 3 miles.

The Preserve is open daily throughout the year--from 7:30 am to sunset--but the ideal months to visit are in the fall, winter, and spring seasons.  I asked a birder that was in the park and he said fall and spring were the best times.  For flowers and foliage I imagine the spring would be good.

Our hike was interesting considering the area was ravaged by fire in 2005.

View of San Jacinto mountain over the trail ridge.

View from Yucca Ridge looking down on Desert Willow and Marsh Trails.

A varied selection of desert plants grow on the ridge.

The town of Big Morongo in the foreground and San Gorgonio mountains in the background.

View of the Mesquite trail.

View down the canyon. At the far end of the photo the trail turns left and the canyon narrows. About 4 miles down the canyon it will intersect with a road going to the city of Desert Hot Springs.

Some evidence of restoration from the 2005 fire.

There was one steep hill.

On the bottom end of the marsh they had a great observation deck to rest and enjoy the view.