Just off the 29 Palms Highway, a surprise marsh lies tucked between the dry desert mountains that mark the transition between the Mojave and the Sonoran deserts. If you’re headed west on the 29 Palms Highway down the mountain, make a left onto East Drive, and follow the signs to the parking lot. Cool things smoking, camping, bikes, dogs, and horses aren’t allowed, as anything but a gentle human presence might disrupt the surprisingly lush desert habitat.

Boardwalk paths run through the marsh, elevating travelers’ feet from the muddy waters below. The temperature in the marsh is a few degrees cooler than the temperatures in the surrounding area. The more humid air, according to my travel companion, smells like tiny green bugs that have a particular stench when crushed. A number of the marsh trails wander away from the more humid air and towards the desert territory where the air is notably warmer, drier, and smells less like tiny dead green bugs. The view of the marsh from these wandering trails is especially surreal.

The marsh is populated with a variety of wildlife, including a few mule deer who were spotted grazing next to a trailer on the property. Aside from the boardwalks, humidity, dead bug smell, mule deer, and unexpected greenery, there are also cattails, tourists, a wide variety of benches—-most of which have cup holders built into their arm rests—-and a rusted-out old metal car being swallowed by dirt and time.

The preserve is free and open year-round from 7:30am through sunset. The preserve website offers details about bird walks and other activities. There are a variety of trails that range in distance and difficulty, the majority of which are flat, quiet, and green.

11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256