Pioneertown Mountains Preserve

The 25,500 acre Pioneertown Mountains Preserve descends from the high piney 7,800 foot ridges into the Pioneertown Valley. The small community of Pioneertown is surrounded by Conservancy-owned volcanic mesas, the Sawtooth Mountains, and preserve lands leading to the San Bernardino National Forest. The preserve has year-round riparian corridors in Pipes Canyon and Little Morongo Canyons. This landscape is an important wildlife corridor between Joshua Tree National Park, the San Bernardino National Forest, and the Big Horn Mountains Bureau of Land Management Wilderness. The preserve's 20,000 acre Pipes Canyon Wilderness is the largest nonprofit wilderness in California.

In 2006, the vast majority of the Joshua trees, pinyon pines and junipers at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve were killed in a 70,000 acre lightning- caused fire of unprecedented magnitude, and much of the preserve is going through natural vegetation succession. Some scientists predict that fire succession and climate change will favor scrub oak and Joshua Tree plant communities that may replace the pinyon forests. The fire laid bare the region's rich geological backbone.

Many major conservation issues have been lead by TWC's desert staff, which is currently leading the debate to properly site renewable energy on impacted lands, rather than pristine lands in the heart of the Mojave. TWC desert staff has also led the debate on siting transmission lines on existing corridors rather than despoiling hundreds of miles of pristine desert landscapes.

Visitor Opportunities

Four years after the Sawtooth Complex fire devastated the Preserve the restoration efforts by staff and volunteers have revitalized the land allowing the Preserve gates to open to the public once again. The Preserve is open Friday through Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Groups requesting hikes on weekdays may call the station prior to their hike to request special access.

Upcoming Activities

All programs and hikes are offered at no charge to participants. Reservations are appreciated. Please call to RSVP: 760.369.7105.

Guided Hikes
The Guided Hikes are offered every 2nd and 4th weekend of the month. All hikes are subject to cancellation due to extreme weather. Please arrive at the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Ranger Station prior to the hike start time. Be sure to dress in layers to accommodate changing weather. Don't forget water!

Pioneertown Mountains Preserves
2012 Guided Hikes Flyer (PDF)

Chaparrosa Hike
Join preserve staff for a hike to Chaparrosa Peak to enjoy the spectacular views from 5,541 feet! The Chaparrosa Hike takes place every other Saturday from 9 am to approximately 1 pm. The Chaparrosa Hike is a moderate to strenuous hike during which you will experience a 1,000 foot elevation gain and encounter some rough trail conditions. Check back for more upcoming Chaparrosa Hikes!

Canyon Hike
The Canyon Hike is an easy to moderate, 1.5 mile hike up beautiful Pipes Canyon! The Canyon Hike is held every other Sunday from 10 am to approximately 11 am. Check back for upcoming hikes! Check back for more upcoming Canyon Hikes!

Access

51010 Pipes Canyon Road
Pioneertown, CA 92268

Get driving instructions

Maps

Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Map