• United States
  • California
  • Morongo Valley
  • 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

    • Big Bear, California

      Explore Van Dusen Cabin

      4.0
      This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...
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    • Twentynine Palms, California

      Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock

      5.0
      0.5 mi / 200 ft gain
      Park your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area.  The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north.  As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination.  Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...
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    • Mountain Center, California

      Apache Peak Trail

      9.4 mi / 2966 ft gain
      Apache Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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    • Big Bear, California

      Rock Climb Holcomb Valley

      5.0
      Most of the drive to Holcomb Valley is done on regular paved roads until about the last hour when you get above Big Bear Lake and you start your journey on dirt roads. The road is extremely bumpy and has lots of pot holes but there are generally quite a few cars up there that don't have 4 wheel d...
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    • Twentynine Palms, California

      Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree

      4.5
      16.12 mi / 1539 ft gain
      The Boy Scout trail connects the main part of the National Park to the outer rim campground, Indian Cove Campground. All backcountry overnight trips must be registered at a registration board (free, self-registration). Start this trip at the registration board located in either Indian Cove Campgr...
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    • Riverside County, California

      Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP

      5.0
      The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...
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    • Twentynine Palms, California

      Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree

      4.5
      To 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...
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    • Twentynine Palms, California

      Ryan Ranch

      0.75 mi / 56 ft gain
      If 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...
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    • Riverside County, California

      Hike to Lost Horse Mine

      4.09 mi / 545 ft gain
      To 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 ...
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    • 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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