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
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Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree
4.5To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this clim...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Ryan Ranch
0.75 mi / 56 ft gainIf you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
4.09 mi / 545 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...Read more -
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 ...Read more -
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 ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Barker Dam Loop
5.01.28 mi / 85 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Wall Street Mill
4.02.43 mi / 131 ft gainHike 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hall of Horrors
0.75 mi / 95 ft gainA 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...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rattlesnake Slot Canyon
2.51 mi / 430 ft gainThe trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon. From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow 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...Read more -
Riverside County, California
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 -
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
5.05.4 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 -
Twentynine Palms, California
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
