Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
4.5
About
Tucked among the Little San Bernardino Mountains, this desert reserve is one of the largest of its kind in California.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles135 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
36
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
0

Hans
Kwadendamme, The Netherlands2,917 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
This preserve with some different trails which can be walked, even one on a boardwalk, is in the category easy and moderate walks. The loops are about 1 mile in length and we did 3 of them.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carol and Ray L
Lancaster, PA246 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
We hiked several of the trails at this preserve. The Marsh Trail and the Mesquite Trail were kind of just "so so", but we loved the Canyon Trail and would recommend that trail. It was a beautiful hike.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CAAdams53
Fort Collins, CO327 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
We took the Marsh Trail which is an easy 3/4 mile boardwalk trail. They have bird feeders at the small nature area. We saw several different species including hummingbirds. It is a nice area.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WC-Travelers-75
West Chester, PA2,201 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Great opportunity for easy hiking and Western birding for us Easterners.

Plenty of parking for our motorhome. Docents were helpful in explaining what birds we may see during our visit. It was very windy the day of our visit so birds were not active except at feeding stations at the Nature Center and the North end of the parking lot near the home. Saw some new species.

We did a number of the hiking trails since they were easy.

Very enjoyable hours spent here.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Boreal-Gal75
Inuvik, Canada32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Couples
Preserve was recommended to us for its rugged natural beauty. I’d agree, it was great. Lots of birders with their binoculars and tripods. Take your time and listen to nature as you walk the trails. It was great to see there was a wheelchair accessible trail here. The volunteer at the kiosk was very friendly and helpful to each visitor. Bonus - the toilets were very clean 👍
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,559 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Stopped here on my way home. Just for a little over an hour. There's a system of interlocking trails with benches and observation platforms along the way. Good for birders and those seeking out the diversity of desert plant vegetation. Not much trekking unless you want to go up along Yucca Ridge or follow the Canyon trail deeper. Of the two, I recommend the ridge for the views. And you can do it as a loop. Anyway, there should be a volunteer BLM host to orient you on your arrival. And maps and brochures are at the entry kiosk. The site is located off of Highway 62 on something called East Drive. Use a GPS or drive slowly so you don't miss it.
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dnaleciz
Moreno Valley, CA414 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and the advent of summer weather in Southern California, decided to undertake a five-day road trip and continue my quest to explore different communities and attractions located in Southern California. Headed south to Morongo Valley, California for a hike in the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve located off Highway 62. Preserve is open daily from 0730 to sunset and has free admission. An Information Kiosk is in the parking lot area where trail maps, trail guides for self-guided walks, and information brochures may be obtained. Picnic facilities, and restroom facilities are also available at the parking lot area. Locate within the boundaries of this Canyon Preserve are six hiking trails ranging in length from 0.65 miles to 8.34 miles. These six trails are the Marsh Trail, 0.80 miles – Easy / Desert Willow Trail, 0.75 miles – Moderate / Yucca Ridge Trail, 0.72 miles - Moderate to Difficult / Mesquite, 0.51 miles – Easy / West Canyon, 0.84 miles - Moderate to Difficult and Canyon Trail, 11.34 miles - Moderate to – Strenuous. Ideal trails for every hiker. Started out hiking the Marsh Trail. The Marsh Trail runs through a wetland area, created were the Big Morongo Creek entering the Colorado Desert. This easy trail with an elevated boardwalk starts on the southeast side of the parking lot. Trail wanders along the stream and is shaded by numerous trees. Due to the lack of rain in Southern California, the creek is almost dry. Along the boardwalk one can find several observation decks, and benches for taking a break or viewing the scenery. If one desires, you can transfer from this trail to different trails by just following the marker signs. If you are a bird watcher, this trail is ideal for you. Birdlife is prevalent along the Marsh Trail. Other wildlife is scarce but did manage to spot a few jackrabbits along the creek bank. Interesting short trail, ideal for families with children. Will be returning in the future to tackle the Canyon Trail.
Written 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN155 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Friends
We choose to drive here for what seemed like a very kid friendly hike. First thing we noticed was warning signs about bears and mountain lions and to keep your kids close. The marsh trail had a ‘boardwalk’ but was not very scenic at all.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Arboreal Platypus II
Davis, CA217 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Friends
This is a gem of a spot. We visited in winter amidst light rain and were so impressed with the scenery, the paths and the remarkable variety in such a small area. It’s easy hiking and very well maintained.
Written 24 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ruthandvern
Wilton, CA15,442 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
What a lovely autumn morning hike! We arrived as the serious hikers were leaving. We only did the marsh trail. The shortest. It was sad to see how long it must have been since there was a marsh. The trees continue to die off as a result.
Written 4 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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