Trip Date: 3/15/2015

Location: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Permit/Pass: 

Trails: Map

Directions: From CA Highway 62 in Morongo Valley turn southeast on East Dr. (follow the signs for Big Morongo Canyon Preserve) and drive a few hundred yards to a left turn on Covington Dr. Follow the dirt road to its end and a left turn into the parking lot. The trailhead for this hike is through the kiosk.

Synopsis: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers a nice, contained environment for the protection of sensitive habitat. This hike turns a couple of the trails into a short loop. The hike is flat and great for birders.

Trail sequence: Marsh Trail / Desert Willow Trail / Marsh

Type: Loop

Distance: 1.2 miles

Elevation: Min. - 2482', Max. - 2568'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: heat)

Trail Notes: Leave a donation if you can.

Marsh Trail / Desert Willow Trail - Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Turn by Turn:

  -- As you pass through the entry kiosk you come upon the Marsh Trail. Turn right to follow this guide.

  -- After just under two tenths of a mile you reach junctions with the departing and returning Mesquite Trail. Continue straight on the Marsh Trail.

  -- Follow Marsh Trail as it circles back to the north and eventually meets a junction with Desert Willow Trail on the right. Turn right on Desert Willow Trail.

  -- The path winds around and through some shady and riparian areas before opening out onto a sparse wash area. It then turns back toward the trailhead.

  -- Just before reaching the end you merge onto Marsh Trail once more for a few steps, then a right turn back through the kiosk and to the parking lot.