The Experience: Discover fantastic panoramic views as you climb the narrow backbone of the mountain ridge with San Gorgonio Mountain looming ahead. Take in the awe-inspiring perspective of the mystical seven-mile ribbon that connects the High and Low Deserts. This intricate landscape—a vital corridor for millions of annual visitors—will remain in your mind's eye forever.

Directions: From HWY 62, head north (left when coming from the Coachella Valley) on Big Morongo Canyon Road. Reset your odometer and drive exactly 0.65 miles. You will see a long, solid green wooden fence on the left; park on the right side of the road just before the fence starts.

The Hike: Directly across the road from the parking is a 0.2-mile dirt road that leads down into the Big Morongo Wash. Even when dry, this area is alive with vast underground aquifers, fed by centuries of rainwater captured by San Gorgonio.  The water below your feet feeds the Big Morongo Preserve only 1 ½ mile down this wash.  The preserve is one of the top bird watching places in the United States.

Walk north up the wash for 130 yards. Look for a steep sand climb to the left; this begins your trek up the spine of the BLM mountain ridge. The trail is well-marked. About 250 yards further, you will face a steep, straight path. We suggest avoiding this. Instead, look for a subtle trail to the left. It offers better views, a more pleasant hike, and protects the environment from erosion.

The remainder of the trail is easy to follow and will get your heart pumping. The subtle summit is marked by  some barrel cacti. While it is possible to descend 50 from this point and continue to the next peak, the larger payoff has been achieved.  We suggest returning to camp to try another of the five "Soaring Hikes of Panorama Pass."

The other Wonderland Hideaways:   From this vantage point you can see the other 4 Wonderland Soaring Hikes.  “Soaring over Panorama Heights” is directly to the north across the valley below:  https://panoramapass.earth/panorama-trail-soaring/  See the map that shows the other Soaring Hikes and see if you can pick them out from here.

Stay Nearby: While in the area, check out the Panorama Pass Villages of Hidden Passage and The Chateaus for wonderful accommodations, all part of the 5 Wonderland