Overview

In an area with scarce rainfall, some 8 inches per year, the Morongo Canyon Reserve is a jewel in the desert.  The Morongo fault, running through the canyon, causes water from melting snow on the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains to form Big Morongo Creek.  The creek rises to the surface for some 3 miles, between the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, before disappearing underground again.

The water percolates into the sandy soil as it crosses the Morongo Basin, but as it enters Big Morongo Canyon, it encounters “fault gouge”  (pulverized rock), which forces it above ground, creating a unique desert wetland with a series of perennial springs.  The lush vegetation that grows in the Preserve, is in stark contrast to the surrounding, dry, hot, brushy desert.

River of Life

Obviously in the hot dry desert, water is THE most precious commodity.  Morongo Canyon is a lifeline for wildlife in the surrounding area.  Bighorn sheep, mule deer, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and migrating  birds use the area to stay alive and thrive.

The water flowing through the Canyon is a year round source, and sanctuary and stopping point for some 240 species of migrating and breeding birds in the spring and fall, as well as providing water to ensure the survival of the native species of plants, animals, reptiles, and insects in the surrounding terrain.

Look, A New Native!

Human History

Nomadic tribes used the canyon for centuries to bridge the gap between the higher and lower deserts.  Here they could find plentiful water, game and edible and medicinal plants.  The last tribe to inhabit the area, were the Morongos, a powerful sect of the Serrano Indians.  They lived in this valley, until the mid 1800’s, when of course, came the arrival of the white man, and his subsequent diseases, wiping out most of the tribe.

The surviving Indians were moved to a reservation, the area then became a cattle ranch, passing from one family to another until 1968 when The Nature Conservancy purchased some 80 acres from J.L. Covington in 1968.  Subsequent land purchases were made in the following years, so that now the Preserve encompasses some 31,000 acres.  Wildlife corridors connect the Preserve with Joshua Tree National Park allowing Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, mountain lions, black bear and others to move freely through the landscape.

Our Hike and Observations

The hiking area is well marked, with the beginning being handicapped friendly.  A series of well marked networked trails winds through the various terrains, with a series of board walkways built to walk through the marshy portions.  For those who want to get away from the crowds, the Morongo Canyon hike is recommended.

High view of morongo canyon trail

When in a wild area, I try and read about the primitive culture’s that natively lived there, then study and take note of the plant and animal species they harvested, gathered and ate to survive.  I’m still too wimpy for hunting, but I think I may try fishing first.  If possible, I harvest some of the plants and try and eat and process them to get a feel for Life in wilderness without stores filled with all manner of foodstuffs from around the globe.  In time, I would love to stock my rig, mostly from the seasonal harvests from wild areas.  Of course, that is an “illegal” activity, so take note.

The preserve hosts many diverse edible and medicinal plants, including buckwheat, chia, cattail, watercress, water parsnip, mesquite, Cats Claw, Mormon Tea,  wild plum, yerba santa and many others.

the mighty cat's claw

In addition, one can hike down the bottom of the entire canyon, to where it comes out near Desert Hot Springs, Ca., some 8.5 miles round trip.  We hiked a ways down the canyon, and found a “secret” place where the water surfaced, and took a cool skinny dip and wash in the water.  Wild water on naked skin is always so invigorating, beyond any shower or bath ever, or yet to be invented!  Beyond refreshing!

NC-17 only!

We’ve noticed that when hanging out in the desert for an extended period of time, any water encountered, becomes quite special, and appreciated.  Morongo Canyon is of these must see magical places in the hot dry desert.