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Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,123 Google reviews · Running trail in Morongo Valley, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Desert oasis & wildlife habitat with an education center, a butterfly garden & scenic trails.
What runners say about Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
“This place is beautiful and such a fun and accessible place to get some exercise and fresh air.”
“I was looking for easier walks with some shade and stumbled upon the Preserve.”
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve had no entrance fee, free parking, and was easy to get to. I visited in late March 2022. I liked that they had a one way path and you could choose the length of your walk. The trails were loops but interconnected, so you just had to follow the map provided online or at entrance.
What a great place to adventure on different trails. Well set up for you to understand the length, ease, or difficulty of the trail(s) you select. The information center at the beginning of the trails has maps and tons of information for you to enjoy along the trails.
We went for a morning hike at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, and were hoping for some good bird watching. It was both a great hike and had great bird watching! The trails are well marked and there are several - they are marked for distance and difficulty.
Just a great experience! Been to JTNP many times and wanted to get to know the Morongo Valley more. Donated money at the birdseed donation box because that was awesome! A gem of a place to hike at any ability level. Excellent maps and trail markings, and one trail is all boardwalk for complete accessibility!
Trail conditions & character
“This place is beautiful and such a fun and accessible place to get some exercise and fresh air.”
“Plus there are about six different trails to choose from, including one that is almost all a boardwalk.”
“This place is beautiful and such a fun and accessible place to get some exercise and fresh air.”
“I was looking for easier walks with some shade and stumbled upon the Preserve.”
“The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve had no entrance fee, free parking, and was easy to get to.”
“No dogs are allowed here, but I completely understand why.”
Plan your run at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebigmorongo.org
- Phone+1 760-792-1843
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
Running trails near Morongo Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mission Creek Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 219 reviews
Nature preserve featuring a hiking trail with mountain views, and a stone house with picnic tables.
Desert Hot Springs Loop entrance
4.4 ★★★★☆ 47 reviews
Hiking area with an easy trail that features spring wildflowers and a view at the top.
