Discover the Natural Wonders of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Explore one of California’s most diverse and vibrant ecosystems, where desert meets marshland, creating a haven for wildlife and a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Support the preserve through donations or volunteering to help with educational programs, maintenance, habitat preservation, and providing free visitor resources.
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Welcome to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000 acre nature preserve in the desert above Palm Springs, California. Nestled in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, along a fault line where ground water rises up, the desert oasis at Big Morongo Canyon is one of the most important cottonwood and willow riparian (stream) habitats in California. The preserve is also a gateway to the Sand to Snow National Monument.
It is home to many animals, is an internationally-recognized birding site, and is an eBird hotspot. Visitors enjoy our hiking trails, observation decks, and rare desert shade.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our wonderful preserve, or the virtual visit we’ve provided on these pages. You can learn about who we are and what we do, things you can see and do here, and ways you can help out.
We created our Mission Video that highlights our many educational programs and the fundraising efforts that make them possible. This project captures the heart of our mission through the voices and experiences of passionate volunteers, including Kurt Kosek, Caroline Conway, Kim McClinton, Robin Balch, and our Education Ranger, Kaeliegh Watson.
We are also deeply grateful to Conservation Lands Foundation for providing funding support for this meaningful project.
Notice Board
Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is celebrating our 30th anniversary stewarding Big Morongo Canyon through education and responsible visitation. Please support the Friends group through a transformative donation!
Family Nature Walk will be held on Saturday, September 5. This free event is held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Meet at the visitor kiosk at 9:00 am.
The next Saturday Bird Walk will be held on Saturday, September 12. We meet in the parking lot at 7 am. Loaner binoculars are available.
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.
Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Things to do at the preserve
Hiking
Extensive trail systems for your enjoyment.
Educational Programs
We offer many opportunities to learn about nature at the preserve.
Birding
The preserve has recorded 263 species of birds.
Wildlife
Wildlife viewing on the trails and at the Education Center.
For the Kids
Creating a new generation of conservationists and having fun!
Desert Plants
The riparian oasis provides water and deep shade for plants.
Sights
A wondrous location for photographers, artists, to sit and enjoy nature.
Enjoy your visit
Do: Bring a camera and binoculars for great wildlife and landscape views.
Do: Wear shoes for walking in the a desert environment.
Do: Use our extensive boardwalk to visit with strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers.
Do: Be prepared for our desert climate.
Don’t bring your pets. Dogs, leashed or not, are not allowed in our nature preserve.
Don’t collect plants or animals. Like all preserves, we don’t allow collecting things. Take only pictures.
Don’t stay past sunset. There is no camping or overnight parking.
Don’t smoke. There is always a risk of wildfires!
Latest News
We’re Hiring! Administrative Assistant Position
We are looking for an organized and service-oriented Administrative Assistant to help support our programs and daily operations, advancing the mission of Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
Newsletter – August 20
On Saturday, September 26, we will celebrate National Public Lands Day with our partners from the Sand to Snow National Monument. California Cadet Corps and members of the Single Marine Program of the 29 Palms Marine Corps base will help us to pull out downed, cut timber from alongside the Marsh Trail. In addition, we will have a bird walk and a nature journaling class. See the links below for registration. Yes, we need your help to reduce the amount of downed fuel in the preserve!
On October 16, we are hosting Birding for Kids with Desert Recreation District and Desert Sands Unified School District (Coachella Valley) to provide enriching opportunities at the preserve. We will gift each of the 25 children, ages 4-10, their own Nocs binoculars so they can continue their new activity at their homes and public spaces.
In addition, elementary schools and homeschool programs are already beginning to make reservations for field classes in the new school year. Providing children with meaningful outdoor education is one of the outstanding opportunities we offer at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. For many young students, a visit to the Preserve is their first opportunity to experience nature firsthand—to explore a wetland, observe birds and wildlife, and discover the importance of protecting our natural world.
Newsletter – August 6
Yes, it has been hot in the desert! Everyone, including the wildlife, is looking to cool off. Despite the heat, we continue to provide safe environmental education for families during the summer.
In July, we completed five sessions of Summer Science Fun! with 88 participants. Our education team designed and implemented programming for children during their summer break on the shaded porch and inside the cool, air conditioned Nature Center. Both the children and their parents felt the science experiments and craft projects were exciting and rewarding.
Thank you for supporting our 30th Anniversary fundraising campaign which was a great success! Here are wonderful comments that accompanied donations:
We love our visits out there. You guys are doing everything right!
Blessings and keep up the great stewardship.
This is one of my happy places. We are honored to support it in life and beyond, as a beneficiary of our estate!
Upcoming Events
Events
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Wednesday Bird Walk
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 50048 29 Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley, CA, United StatesBring your binoculars and spend the morning strolling the trails with knowledgeable local bird walk leaders. Meet at the Information Kiosk south of the parking lot. Beginning birders are welcome. […]
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Family Nature Walks
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 50048 29 Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley, CA, United StatesFree guided Family Nature Walks on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Bring the little ones. Meet at the Visitor Kiosk in the parking lot at 9 am.
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Science Sunday with Ranger Kaeliegh
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 50048 29 Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley, CA, United StatesJoin Ranger Kaeliegh on "Science Sunday" - educational programs for families. Just "drop by" between 9 am and 12 noon at the Education Center.
View the Full Calendar
Thank you to our partners
Website design and implementation was funded by a grant from the Conservation Lands Foundation.