Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - One of my new favorite places

Steve had visited one morning for birding and enjoyed it and it is only 30 minutes from our condo in Palm Springs.  So, one afternoon we decided to make a quick trip up there and take some short hikes.

What a beautiful place.  The subtle shadings of color and diversity of trees, grasses and bushes created a beautiful peaceful vision.

We started out on what is called the Marsh Trail, which is all boardwalk.

From there we looped onto the Mesquite Trail which was marshier than the Marsh trail.

 

Then we turned up the West Canyon Trail.  Wow!  It climbs up to a saddle, then makes a steep descent into the canyon floor.  We have to go back and hike more!  Below looks back on the valley.

From the canyon floor you can see we were in quite a bit of shade now, and could see the moon rising.

Looping back to hook up with the Mesquite Trail and then the Marsh Trail respectively, we continued to be greeted with beautiful views.

There are many more trails to explore, and I am pretty sure we will be back this trip!

http://www.bigmorongo.org