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Morongo Valley, California

Looking for the best photography in Morongo Valley? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Morongo Valley. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Morongo Valley

  • Big Bear, California

    Holcomb Valley Campground

    This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree

    The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Barker Dam

    1.28 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Wall Street Mill

    4.0
    2.43 mi / 131 ft gain
    Hike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play a...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hall of Horrors

    0.75 mi / 95 ft gain
    A trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite loca...
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  • Fawnskin, California

    Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake

    4.5
    2.7 mi / 719 ft gain
    Follow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike Ryan Mountain

    4.8
    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    One of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Vall...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain

    2.86 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Hike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft. The trail is open during all se...
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  • Fawnskin, California

    Grays Peak Trail

    1.0
    6.95 mi / 1293 ft gain
    This is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb.  The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin.  There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail.  Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...
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  • Hemet, California

    Hike South Fork Trail

    5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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  • Riverside County, California

    Camp at Joshua Tree's Jumbo Rocks

    4.8
    Set your tent up next to a wall of tall boulders. This campground can offer a little shade, which is key especially during the warmer months. At the campground, there are 124 first-come, first-serve sites for $10 per night. Each campsite comes available with a picnic table and fire ring. The camp...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Skull Rock Trail at Joshua Tree National Park

    5.0
    1.7 mi / 131 ft gain
    You can park at the Jumbo Rocks Campground to start this quick hike. There are two parking locations for this campground and it will be easiest if you use the first one you see, rather than going farther off the road and right next to the campsites. To start the hike, start going north and immedi...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Split Rock Loop

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 220 ft gain
    Starting out at the Split Rock Trail parking lot, you'll see Split Rock, which might be the most visited boulder in the park. Everyone makes a visit to it and while it is absolutely amazing, it's great to take the hour or two to wander around to more amazing scenery.  Immediately upon starting t...
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  • La Quinta, California

    Hike to Lake Cahuilla

    4.5
    5.41 mi / 183 ft gain
    From Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Arch Rock Nature Trail

    4.3
    1.24 mi / 92 ft gain
    This is a rock formation very popular with young crowds at Joshua Tree. The views from this hike are spectacular. If you hike this trail at sunset, the gorgeous colors of the ski are reflected onto the rocks.  There is a plaque along the trail detailing rock formations and facts about the parks ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Camp at Joshua Tree's White Tank Campground

    5.0
    White Tank Campground is in the perfect spot to get a taste of all that Joshua Tree has to offer. As a central location to nearby hiking and climbing, it is easy to access the various parts of the park. Removed from the border of the park, White Tank doesn't attract as many visitors as the more p...
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