Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 4,300-acre refuge that lies in the rugged foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, northwest of Palm Springs.
The preserve is renowned for being a rare desert oasis that is home to a diverse array of life forms, offering serenity and scenic beauty. This preserve offers a serene environment where you can experience the beauty of nature.
Big Morongo is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the California desert and is considered a favorite destination of the naturalist and bird watcher.
What is best is that it is just a short drive away in downtown Palm Springs and therefore an idyllic day out in Palm Springs for the visitors who are in want of outdoor exploration.
Want to couple your desert journey with a luxury boutique?? Spirit of Sofia is a beautiful, warm, intimate hotel in Palm Springs that offers the best location to start your adventures of the desert life, with modern conveniences combined with heartland hospitality.
1. What is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000-acre natural preserve jointly operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the nonprofit Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) recognized by the Audubon Society in the world, and a significant number of plant and animal species have been recorded in this environment of high safety.
It is one of two or three locations in both the Mojave and Colorado deserts where wetlands intersect desert scrub and woodland, and as a result, provide a unique combination of many different types of ecosystems not common to Southern California.
This rich biodiversity provides a home to more than 250 species of birds, bobcats, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and a considerable number of desert flora.
The preserve is free, and it is open every day to the people, giving them an opportunity to explore serene boardwalks.
2. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Palm Springs Location & How to Get There
The preserve is situated within the small community of Morongo Valley, and it is approximately 25 miles north-west of Palm Springs. It’s an easy one-day trip out of Palm Springs.
Address: 11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256, United States. Google Map
Directions from Spirit of Sofia
Assuming you are going to the preserve, it is easily accessible and quite picturesque, provided you are staying at either of the two downtown hotels.
One of them is the boutique hotel Spirit of Sofia, and the other is The Downtown Costa Palm Springs Hotel. The following is the direction you need to follow:
- Go north on N Palm Canyon Drive/CA-111 by CA-62 E (Twentynine Palms Highway).
- Exit to CA-62 E and drive approximately 16 miles to Morongo Valley.
- Take off on East Drive and turn left, and go into Covington Drive.
- Skip to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, where there will be signs once you get there.
Drive time: 35-40 minutes
Distance: 25 miles
Parking info
There is a lot and free parking and space is available both for cars and small RVs.
- The parking lot is next to the Visitor Center and facilities (bathroom), as well as main trailheads (e.g., Marsh Trail and Mesquite Trail).
- Guests have an accessible parking space.
General visits do not need any reservation, but you should check their site or call them in case you are bringing a large number of people.
3. Best Hiking Trails at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
The preserve offers a variety of trails of diverse difficulty, ranging from easy boardwalk hikes to challenging canyon hikes.
These are some of the best hiking trails near Palm Springs in the preserve.
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
Big Morongo Canyon contains the beauty of the desert. There is the Canyon walk to the south with rocky canyon walls.
- It is a well-marked trail, and you can enjoy the view of many fascinating plant species.
- You will get some very pretty cliff-side paths through more conventional desert.
- However, what must not be overlooked is the giant interconnecting boardwalk labyrinth, which is full of dense undergrowth and birds of every variety, with meditation benches on the side. The majority of the space is shaded.
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Distance | 12-mile loop |
| Elevation Gain | 375 m |
| Time taken | 4 hours 49 minutes |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
| Kid Friendly | Yes |
The Marsh Trail
The Marsh Trail is a combination of desert and grasslands, and visitors can get a picturesque view of the paths, rich in wildlife.
- The path is overall quite flat, and this quality makes it an easy and accessible hike.
- On the route, you will come across sections of native plants and even the chance to see birds and other wildlife as you go, with good information boards there.
- It is an excellent option when someone wants to get a serene environment by exploring the ecosystems of California around Palm Springs.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 0.5 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 13 m |
| Time taken | 15 minutes |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
| Kid Friendly | Yes |
Mesquite Trail
Explore this 1.5-mile loop trail in Morongo Valley, California. It is regarded as a shoddy path, and on average, it lasts 11 minutes.
- It is quite a well-used birding trail, hiking trail, and running trail, but you can still have some solitude at off-peak times.
- The trail is accessible all year round, and it is a beautiful place to visit.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 1.5 mile |
| Elevation Gain | 11 m |
| Time taken | 11 minutes |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
| Kid Friendly | Yes |
4. Bird Watching Palm Springs & Wildlife Viewing
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a bird-watching Mecca, and visitors come to the preserve from nationwide. The preserve has registered above 250 bird types due to the special microclimate and flourishing wetlands:
- Vermilion flycatchers
- Western tanagers
- Yellow-breasted chats
- Great horned owls
- Roadrunners
- Backcountry migrant warblers
Bird migrations take place in the spring and fall when the best birding is found in the early morning hours.
Pack your binoculars or rent a pair at the Visitor Center, where park staff and volunteers are happy to offer sighting information and tips on what trail to take.
Besides birds, lizards basking on the boardwalk, jackrabbits, and even bobcats and desert tortoises will be seen during the cooler months, hard to spot in summer, though.
5. Visitor Tips for Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
You want to maximize your enjoyment when you visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Here are some useful tips that you surely want to follow.
Carry a lot of Water
In the desert climate, you can dehydrate very fast even when you are walking one of the less demanding trails, such as the Marsh Trail.
- It is suggested to carry at least 1 liter of water per person, and carry more in case you are going to spend some time walking on the Canyon Trail itself.
- There are no water fountains on the actual trails; therefore, pack.
Pro Tip: Freeze a bottle of water overnight and just carry another bottle at room this will provide you with your much-needed cold drink during your hiking adventure in the middle.
Sun Protection
The sun is harsh here in this part of Southern California, more so between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Certain areas along the trail are in shade (portions of the boardwalk, for instance), while other parts rarely offer such solace.
- Given that, grab your wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses, and an SPF 30+, which is broad-spectrum to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Wear Good Hiking Boots
Boardwalk trails go on sandways-of-care and even out; other trails, like Mesquite and Canyon, become sandy, rocky, and uneven.
- It is preferable to use sturdy hiking boots or trail runners to avoid slipping, perhaps in loose gravel or steep inclines.
- Stay clear of flip-flops and sandals unless you intend to stick only to the Marsh Trail.
No pets
To preserve the delicate ecosystem and the wildlife, no pets are permitted at all points in the preserve, even on trails and picnic areas.
When you have pets, it is best to leave them in pet-friendly hotels or doggy daycare places throughout the day.
Check the Weather
The temperature in Morongo Valley can reach more than 100°F in the middle of the day during summer.
- Before planning the hike, find out the weather forecast and do not hike in case there is an extreme heat warning.
- It is the best time to visit early morning (7:30 AM to 10:30 AM), particularly during summer.
- During winter, take note that the temperatures may drop rapidly, more so in the canyon, where there are some early sunsets.
- Come with layers when it is November to February.
Get a trail map
At the Visitor Center, it is possible to obtain free paper trail maps.
- These involve elaborate descriptions of trails, ratings of the difficulty of a particular trail, and wildlife.
- Although most of the routes are marked well, a map is helpful in case you are either linking together routes or you are taking a path less traveled.
- A small number of visitors also take GPS apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS with them, but cellular coverage in some areas of the canyon may be weak.
6. Why Stay at Spirit of Sofia – Ideal for Nature Lovers
In case you are thinking of visiting Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, consider spending your night out at the Spirit of Sofia, which turns your journey into a total sensory experience.
Spirit of Sofia is situated in the center of Palm Springs, a very short drive away from the preserve, making it easy to take advantage of the wilderness as well as the city life.
This is a perfect place to revel in nature as it will contain peaceful mornings, cactus gardens, and an airy design that is a reflection of the surrounding landscape.
- Wake up having a leisurely morning coffee on your patio
- Spend some leisure time in the keep, a short drive away
- Return to relax and unwind in comfort and style with local art, plush linen, and spa style amenities
Spirit of Sofia provides the best combination of comfort, aesthetic beauty, and a sense of adventure regardless of whether you are traveling alone, as an individual or couple, or a small company.
Planning to explore Big Morongo Canyon Preserve? Make your trip stress-free and stylish by staying at Spirit of Sofia – your boutique home in the heart of Palm Springs.
7. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit
Do you want to spend the whole day at Big Morongo Canyon? The following are some of the places to visit around the area:
Pioneertown
This Old West movie set gone tourist town is only a few miles north and a good place to make rustic photos, buy handmade creations, and have an unforgettable lunch at Pappy & Harriet, which is famous both for live music and food.
Joshua Tree National Park – Black Rock Entrance
From the preserve, the Black Rock Canyon gate of Joshua Tree can be accessed easily. Short hikes, rock formations, and a starry sky will add enjoyment when you stay after dark.
Yucca Valley
Shop your way through the second-hand stores, antique shops, and bohemian boutiques in this desert town. It is a very good shop to buy souvenirs and get a cold drink on the way back.
Conclusion: Reconnect with Nature Just Outside Palm Springs
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is not a hiking location only; it is a pasture of an actual museum of desert biodiversity, where finding peace and discovery are inseparable.
It has got everything, rich wetlands to beautiful canyons, to every nature lover, it takes a very few miles drive up the Palm Springs.
Couple your adventure with an overnight stay at Spirit of Sofia, where the luxury of boutique hospitality can be found, tempering the wild beauty of the desert.
No matter when you go out birdwatching (at sunrise or stargazing at night), the trip is sure to refresh your spirit.
Reconnect. Rewild. Rediscover. It is time to escape to the desert.
FAQs | Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
1. What is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve known for?
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is known for its rare desert wetlands, diverse ecosystems, and birdwatching opportunities. It’s a unique natural area where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers near Palm Springs.
2. Where is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve located?
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located at 11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256, about 25 miles northwest of Palm Springs. It’s an easy 35–40 minute scenic drive from downtown Palm Springs.
3. Is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve free to visit?
Yes, entrance to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is completely free. No reservation is required for general visits, but if you’re coming with a large group, it’s best to call ahead or check their official website.
4. What are the best trails at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
Some of the most popular trails include:
- Big Morongo Canyon Trail (12 miles, moderate)
- Marsh Trail (0.5 miles, easy and shaded)
- Mesquite Trail (1.5 miles, easy loop)
Each offers unique views, from dense marshland to canyon walls and desert flora.
5. Are dogs allowed at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
No, pets are not allowed at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. This policy helps protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife. Consider using a pet-friendly hotel or daycare in Palm Springs for the day.
6. When is the best time to visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
The best time to visit is early in the morning, especially between 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active. Spring and fall are great for birdwatching, while winter offers cooler hiking weather.
7. What wildlife can you see at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
Visitors often spot:
- Over 250 species of birds, including vermilion flycatchers and great horned owls
- Lizards, jackrabbits, bobcats, and even desert tortoises during cooler months
8. Can you birdwatch at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
Absolutely! The preserve is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a prime destination for birdwatching in Southern California. Bring your binoculars or rent a pair at the Visitor Center.
9. How do I get to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve from Palm Springs?
From Palm Springs (e.g., Spirit of Sofia hotel), take CA-111 N to CA-62 E, drive about 16 miles to Morongo Valley, then turn onto East Drive and follow signs to the preserve. The drive takes about 35–40 minutes.
10. Where should I stay when visiting Big Morongo Canyon Preserve?
Stay at Spirit of Sofia, a boutique hotel in downtown Palm Springs. It’s a short drive to the preserve and offers luxurious comfort, peaceful desert-inspired design, and an ideal base for exploring Palm Springs and its surrounding natural wonders.
