Join us to kick off the Palm Springs Pride Weekend. This hike will be narrated by naturalist Matt Jatovsky, California Desert Representative of The Wilderness Society. This area is included in the proposed Sand To Snow National Monument. Matt will interpret the significant natural, historical, and cultural features that make this one of the most valuable and diverse natural areas remaining in the desert.  The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000 acres native plants habitat and wildlife preserve located in the Little San Bernardino Mountains of the Transverse Ranges, in the transition zone between the higher Mojave Desert and lower elevation Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert. Due to its location within this transition zone, the area is especially high in natural diversity. The natural spring fed desert oasis found here is one of the 10 largest Cottonwood and Willow) riparian habitats in California. It is also identified by the Audubon Society as one of the most important avian habitat areas in California.

Big Morongo Canyon Trail first shows hikers a lush riparian oasis, almost too rich in vegetation to be associated with the nearby desert, then plunges through the wide, stream-fed wash of Big Morongo Canyon before bringing them to the desolate southern canyon northeast of Desert Hot Springs. Geological faults and steep canyon walls, and historical points of interest add to the variety of interesting features of this hike.

We'll carpool to a spot off of Indian Canyon, drop a few cars and then head for the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve in Morongo Valley. We'll hike down the canyon, observing fall colors, abundant birds and dramatic geology as we approach the lower end of the canyon, which is delimited by the Mission Creek branch of the San Andreas fault. We start as a group and finish as a group. We wait at all trail junctions and summits. 

Length: 5.5 miles.  

Hiking Time:       3-4 hours

Elev. Gain/(Loss):             (-1,000 Feet)   Beginning Elevation: 2600 feet

Difficulty:             Moderate

Route: Established trail, desert wash, and old road. One way with car shuttle

This hike for both the Gay Outdoors and the Great Outdoors members and guest.  Note: women may be participating.  No dogs allowed. No fee for participation or entry.

Note: Bring water (2 or 3 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Good hiking footwear with adequate tread, sun protection and Ten Essentials for hiking click here. Dress in layers. Hiking poles may be helpful.

Meeting Information: Thursday, November 5, 2015

Time:   8:45 meet with   9 AM departure            Return: Approximately 3 PM

Place:    Meet At Hunters: 302 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Map Hunters on Arenas

Note: Carpooling encouraged as we need to shuttle between the beginning and end of hike.

Inclement weather, i.e, rain will cancel.

How to get there & carpooling:  Meet At Hunters: 302 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs CA 92262, the carpooling location where you may offer hikers ride or find a driver to ride with.You may also meet us at the trailhead (directions below). We will meet at the carpooling location at 8:45 AM or the trailhead at 9:45 AM. 

For more information on the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - click here. 

Trailhead Location: N34° 03.038' W116° 34.242'   From Twentynine Palms Highway (Hwy. 62) turn east On East Drive at the Big Morongo Canyon Sign and continue on Covington Drive to parking area.