trip report by besthike editor Rick McCharles
A Ranger recommended this superb series of trails in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, ideal for all ability / experience levels.
… Imagine a leisurely hike through a lush, verdant canyon of willows and free flowing water. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is truly an oasis in this transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The lush vegetation stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert slopes. More than 240 species of birds have been observed in the Preserve …
I did a circuit: Marsh Trail … Mesquite Trail … West Canyon Trail … part way down Canyon Trail … And then looped back Mesquite, Yucca Ridge … Desert Willow … Marsh. Perhaps 5mi altogether.
Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a nonprofit organization supported entirely by donations and volunteers. THANKS. You are doing a terrific job.
Maps and trail signage are all high quality. Better than what you get in the National Parks. A glossy pamphlet with colour photos is available, donated by Audobon. They even provide a “Track Guide” for identifying the muddy footprints of local critters. There’s no user fee. Wow.
more photos from this day hike
Check out the Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve – official website
besthike.com 
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but California is planning on closing 70 state parks by the end of this year in an effort to close their budget gap:
http://savestateparks.org/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2011/05/california-state-park-closures.html
Thanks spence.
I wonder if they are serious this time. The Governator used it as a threat, but with no real intention of actually CLOSING anything.
Gak.
https://besthike.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/closing-70-california-state-parks/