Visit

The Preserve entrance is one block south of State Highway 62 in Morongo Valley, a community located between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. The Preserve boundaries extend from Morongo Valley to the bottom of Big Morongo Canyon in the west end of the Coachella Valley, northwest of Desert Hot Springs (see map below).  Elevations on the Preserve range from 600 feet on the canyon floor to over 3000 feet at the ridgetops.   Several trails, including boardwalks through the marsh and stream habitats, meander through the Preserve.  The one-half mile Marsh Trail is wheelchair-accessible.

Hours & Admission

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 (click HERE for climate).

Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Information Kiosk

big morongo kiosk

Our information kiosk is adjacent to the parking lot. Here you’ll find additional materials for better understanding the Preserve, its birds, plants, and wildlife, and you’ll also learn about special activities and volunteer opportunities.

Also featured inside the kiosk is a unique bird identification system: on the ceiling are pictures of various birds you may see inside the Preserve, painted in their actual colors, as if you were looking up into the air and seeing the bird fly over. On the floor, directly beneath each flying bird, you’ll discover each bird’s own unique shadow – which is how the Preserve’s ground animals recognize which predator might be lurking in the skies above!

Trails

Explore Trails | Docent-Led Hikes

All trails begin at the kiosk by the parking lot.  Visitors may choose from a number of trails ranging from three-tenths of a mile to an 11-mile round trip hike through Big Morongo Canyon.  Hiking is permitted only on designated trails.  Hikes led by docents are available seasonally.

Trail maps, trail guides for self-guided walks, information brochures, picnic facilities, and restroom facilities are available at the Preserve.

no horses
no pick
no dogs
no smoking
no bikes
no vehicles
no hunting
no camping

Please help us protect the plants and wildlife in the Preserve by adhering to the following guidelines during your visit:

  • 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.

Groups

Educational Programs | Tours & Field Studies

The adjoining Covington Park is equipped to handle large groups for picnic and recreation outings. For more information call the Morongo Valley Community Services District at (760) 363-6454.

Map & Directions

big morongo canyon preserve map