The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located on your way down the hill on the edge of Morongo Valley – and it’s 31,000 acres of protected land nestled amongst the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the Sand to Snow National Monument. It has one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California.
If you live in the hi-desert and you haven’t visited yet- you may be surprised at the change in landscape and weather. The marshy habitat keeps things shady and cooler, and there are trails ranging from three-tenths of a mile to an 11-mile round trip hike through the Canyon. Many of the hikes are an elevated boardwalk, which makes them more accessible to those who have a hard time on natural trails.
It’s open from 7am to sunset – and this Saturday from 9am to noon the education center is open for free family-friendly activities. This week, kids can learn about the animals of the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, and the different adaptations that help them survive in hot and dry desert climates.
For more information on the preserve – you can visit their website at bigmorongo.org
