Morongo Valley, California
Morongo Valley in California is a must-visit for those seeking top outdoor adventures. The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers one of the best trails for hiking. This scenic trail is moderately difficult and spans 11 miles, making it ideal for a full day of exploration. Along the trail, you'll come across unique natural features like Cottonwood and Willow habitats, and the winding Morongo Creek. You may also spot diverse wildlife, including over 250 species of birds. Nearby, the Sand to Snow National Monument offers ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. For a more relaxed activity, visit Covington Park, a charming picnic spot with a small lake and playground. These outdoor activities and attractions make Morongo Valley a top choice for those seeking outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Morongo Valley
-
Riverside County, California
Hike Ryan Mountain
4.82.86 mi / 1056 ft gainOne 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain
2.86 mi / 1056 ft gainHike 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...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin 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....Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Pine Oak Lane Beach
Pine Oak Lane Beach, is located on the western side of Big Bear Lake. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an action-packed day on the water, this scenic beach has something for everyone. Activities: At Pine Oak Lane Beach, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swi...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Lion Peak Trail
9.39 mi / 1722 ft gainLion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
5.03.08 mi / 653 ft gainJust off highway 62 lies an easy 1/2 day hike with incredible views of the Morongo Valley. Though technically part of the park, the out-of-the-way-ness of the hike means you don't need to pay the $20 National Park fee. Parking is ample, and there's a pit toilet at the trailhead (beware of bees an...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Desert Queen Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House
3.41 mi / 656 ft gainThis is a great trail and arguably, entering the mines is the coolest part. Bring a headlamp so you can see down tunnels. As you go past the giant boulders on the right, you enter a nice microclimate of cooler air and scrubby oak trees. Don't forget to look up - you'll see lots of erosion on the ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Joshua Tree's Jumbo Rocks
4.8Set 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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Skull Rock Trail at Joshua Tree National Park
5.01.7 mi / 131 ft gainYou 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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Split Rock Loop
5.01.94 mi / 220 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Dunn Road
15.55 mi / 994 ft gainDunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
La Quinta, California
Boo Hoff Trail
12.7 mi / 2323 ft gainBoo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Arch Rock Nature Trail
4.31.24 mi / 92 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Joshua Tree's White Tank Campground
5.0White 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...Read more
