Visit Us
Discover our hiking, wildlife, plants, and rich history for all ages.
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Volunteer Opportunites
The Preserve is open daily throughout the year from 7:30 am to sunset. Admission is free, but donations are always welcomed.
The preserve offers six developed trails, including one that is accessible for wheelchair users, walkers, and strollers. It is a popular place for birders to visit, looking for birds not commonly found elsewhere. Local schools bring groups of children for guided walks through a natural area. Photographers come to film wildlife, and artists come to paint landscapes.
Visitors at the Education Center can enjoy picnic tables and shaded seating near a water feature, and observe a great variety of birds that visit feeders all day long. There are also native and pollinator demonstration gardens with dozens of identified plant species.
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.
Getting Here
From highway 62, take East Drive approximately ¼ mile and then make a left into the main preserve parking area.
There is also a trail connecting the preserve to neighboring Covington Park.
We’re here for the wildlife
As a nature preserve, we are dedicated to management of the preserve for the benefit of the plants and animals that live here. To protect the wildlife, there are some simple guidelines for visitors:
Please leave your pets at home.
They are not permitted anywhere in the preserve. (They are permitted in neighboring Covington Park.)
Please take only pictures.
Collecting animals or vegetation changes the preserve’s environment and is prohibited.
No open flames, smoking, or fires are allowed.
Fires are a grave danger to the preserve and its inhabitants. This includes smoking in the parking lot, bathrooms, or on the trails.
The trails are for pedestrians only.
Sections with boardwalks are accessible to people with strollers, walkers or wheelchairs.
Visit Safely
The preserve is in a desert environment populated by wildlife including snakes, ticks, scorpions, and the occasional bear or mountain lion.
Keep your children safe.
Don’t let them run off-trail or unsupervised.
Be prepared for the weather.
Desert days can be very hot. Desert nights are very dark and can get cold quickly.
Upcoming Events
Events
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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.
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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 at the parking lot at 9 am.
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