Find an Unforgettable Desert Getaway at Whitewater Preserve
Southern California is full of majestic desert landscapes, each with its own unique charm and splendor.
Some deserts are flat, exposed, and stretch as far as the eye can see. Other regions can be more hidden or narrow as they cozily sit in between surrounding mountain ranges. And some can even possess a steady flow of running water, traveling across miles of dry terrain.
Well, how does a combination of all 3 sound? You can find a spectacular natural landscape such as this at the beautiful Whitewater Preserve. A wonderful getaway that showcases some of the best desert features that one can find, all in one place.
What to Expect When Visiting Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Preserve is a gorgeous 2,851-acre desert region that is surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management’s San Gorgonio Wilderness. It’s also home to the stunning year-round Whitewater River which runs directly through the canyon.
Outside of the towering mountains and river, there’s tons of beautiful desert fauna scattered across the land. As well as your fair share of animals and insects, including bighorn sheep, deer, and even bears! (what, desert bears?!) And of course, those cute little lizards that seem to always cross your path when hiking.
Weave your way through all this on a small selection of well-maintained trails. Either short trails that simply provide river access or longer trails that connect to the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) that can literally take you as far to Canada or Mexico!
While we love epic desert parks such as Death Valley National Park, we also favor these small preserves for their more intimate experiences.
If you’re here for an hour or 2, or even a full day, Whitewater Preserve has just the outdoor adventure you’re looking for.
Whitewater Preserve Location Details/Info
What’s great about Whitewater Preserve is that you really don’t have to drive too far off the grid to find this pocket of paradise. The preserve is located about 30 minutes away from Palm Springs, about 5 miles off the Interstate 10.
Exit the 10 highway on Tipton road and follow the signs for Whitewater. You will quickly turn left on Whitewater Canyon Road. Take this paved road for 5 miles all the way to the end until you reach Whitewater Preserve.
Specific Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282
- Open Daily – 8am-5pm
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
- No entrance fee
- Dog-Friendly on all trails – please keep on leash at all times
- Bathrooms on-site at the park near the visitor center
There is a small parking lot at the preserve but this does fill up fast on weekends. If full, you can park along the street before pulling into the preserve.
DON’T MISS THE SMALL PARK NEAR THE VISITOR CENTER
Photo Credit: inkknife_2000
Before you embark out into the wilderness, there is a quaint little park just behind the visitor center you should check out. Within the park, you will find a small man-made lake, a quick nature trail, and a designated area on the grass to camp overnight.
Permits for camping at the preserve, backcountry trip parking, and after-hours hiking are available at the ranger station during hours.
HIKING WHITEWATER PRESERVE – OUR 3 SUGGESTIONS
As we said before, there are a few different ways you can enjoy Whitewater Preserve when it comes to hiking. It all depends on how much time you have in your day or how far you want to explore!
We’ve narrowed down 3 top suggestions to roaming the preserve depending on your preferences.
- River Access Hike – about 1-mile round trip
- Red Dome via PCT – 4 miles roundtrip
- PCT past Red Dome – >4 miles roundtrip (mileage varies on how far you wish to go!)
Many visitors simply choose to hike the short River Access trail which takes you directly to, you guessed it, the Whitewater River! Although we highly recommend seeing the river and then hiking further down the PCT to reach the Red Dome. This is our favorite spot in the park!
All 3 hikes listed start at the same entry point. Begin at Whitewater Trail on the other side of the road from the ranger station, just past the small fish pond.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- This is the desert – stay hydrated while hiking and bring ample water
- During the hotter seasons, consider bringing a hiking hat and apply proper sun protection. There is little to no shade!
- Bring a hiking backpack or a small daypack if you’re sticking to the shorter trails – don’t forget your Top 10 Hiking Essentials!
- We recommend proper hiking shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven in most areas
1. River Access Hike – about 1 mile
If you’re looking for a quick hike through the preserve that takes you directly to the beautiful Whitewater River, then taking the River Access is your best option.
Start on Whitewater Trail and walk for about 10 minutes until you reach a junction. In these short 10 minutes, you will see diverse desert fauna, a sprawling valley on your right, and a handful of palm trees and other dense, scraggly trees.
Once at the junction, you will see a sign that says River Access. Stay left on the path to head towards the river.
Past this point, the trail gets a bit more hilly and rocky. Wind your way down till you reach a small bridge and a creek crossing. Shortly after crossing the bridge, the trail disappears and you’re now standing near the edge of the river.
Feel free to roam wherever you please up or down the river!
As the name suggests, Whitewater River is full of beautiful, clear running water. The clear water mixed with the white tinted sand beneath explains it’s name. From afar it really does look like a river of white water.
We brought our puppy Kimchi here for her first nature outing. She absolutely LOVED IT.
Our pooch was ecstatic as she ran up and down on the dirt, over rocks, and even put a few paws into the cold river water. Kimchi is not shy to getting dirty as we kept catching her digging, splashing, and rolling around all over the wet sand.
Once you’re done viewing the river, head back to the parking lot or continue on Whitewater Trail to see Red Dome!
2. Red Dome via Pacific Coast Trail – 4 miles roundtrip
Our favorite spot of Whitewater Preserve is located a bit further away from the main area at the more secluded Red Dome. This spot is just around the mountain bend which provides shade and a cozy spot next to Whitewater River.
But yes, you must hike a bit to reach it! An effort must be made to get some seclusion.
Starting from the visitor center, head down Whitewater Trail until you reach the River Access junction. Stay right to continue on Whitewater Trail.
Along the way, you’ll see a sprawling valley, mountains on each side, and a wide array of plant life. The trail leads you closer to the base of the mountains where you’ll eventually reach Whitewater River and a creek crossing with some bridges. This is the first time you’ll see the river if you skipped out on the River Access Trail that we mentioned above.
After crossing the river, the trail takes you a bit up into the mountains. Nothing too far as you’re still basically trekking along the base. Soon you will hit another junction which is the PCT!
The PCT interjects with Whitewater Trail from the left. If you turn left at the junction, the PCT will lead you high up into the mountains and away from Whitewater Preserve. (we did not go this way as we wanted to stay within the canyon)
But to reach the Red Dome, stay right at the junction to start on the PCT which heads north, keeping you within the canyon.
This section of the trail is fairly flat with no river views. You are essentially just hiking along the base of the mountain till you reach the Red Dome.
Despite the lack of water, the environment is still a very enjoyable to hike through. Lush foliage, wide-open sky, and the peace and quiet we always crave in nature.
REACHING THE RED DOME
Once you turn around the mountain bend, you’ve made it to Red Dome! While it’s not an actual Red Dome, you will see more so a large red boulder that sits right near the mountain’s edge. And right behind the boulder is the return of the Whitewater River.
This is a great place to rest, have a picnic, or just take in the scenery!
You’re surrounded by gorgeous mountain ranges, white powdery dirt, a variety of bushes, and the lovely sound and sight of the trickling river crossing your path. And the best part – no crowds!
This combination makes this one of our favorite desert spots we’ve been to. Watching the crystal clear water slowly run through the white desert valley easily puts your mind at ease and leaves your soul feeling refreshed. We could easily spend hours here if we wanted.
3. PCT Past Red Dome – >4 miles roundtrip
If you’re wanting to explore more past the Red Dome, DO IT!
Simply continue along the PCT in the same direction. The trail takes you across the river and away from the mountains and into the center of the canyon. More or less, you’re now walking through the flatlands of the desert.
While you do leave the rushing river, the trail leads you through an enchanting area of white sand, desert brush & branches, and eventually a wide, flat wash.
Once you reach the wash, it’s easy to lose sight of the trail as it’s less pronounced in the ground since you’re heading further out of the park and into the wilderness.
Keep an eye out for signs that label the PCT which should keep you fairly on track. We didn’t worry too much about getting lost as it’s pretty easy to navigate back as long as you head towards the same mountain ranges you came from.
The scenery out here is a whole different ballgame! Now that you’re the furthest away from Whitewater Preserve, you will most likely be alone or maybe see 1 or 2 other hikers. Wandering through the white, vast, and empty desert makes for a truly surreal experience. Looking back, it feels almost dream-like.
We drifted out here in nowhere land for maybe about 1 more mile and then decided to head back. Although if you decide to go further, the PCT will take you up out of the wash and into the mountains.
Feel free to hike as far as you wish as the PCT will take you all the way up to Canada! (However, be mindful of your water supply and how much daylight you have left for those heading back to Whitewater Preserve)
Enjoy the Many Different Adventures to be had at Whitewater Preserve
As you can see, there are tons to enjoy at the incredible Whitewater Preserve! A stunning desert location that offers gorgeous hiking trails for those of all ages and levels of fitness.
Explore this pocket of paradise along our 3 different suggested routes. Enjoy a quick hike to the river along the River Access Trail. Hike further to reach the Red Dome for a more secluded experience along Whitewater River. Or hike even further to fully immerse yourself in the desert wilderness among the white sands below the surrounding San Gorgonio Mountains.
The year-round Whitewater River that runs through this encompassed desert canyon is so captivating that it’s brought us back many, many times. Undoubtedly, it’s one of our 8 Best Desert Locations in Southern California!
However you choose to spend your time, we guarantee that you will fall in love with the rich scenery that is Whitewater Preserve.
For more nearby desert hikes, make sure you check out Murray Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons Nature Preserve near Palm Springs. Or go big and make the short drive to Joshua Tree National Park! We list our 3 best mile & under hikes that you can do in a short time.
Have you fallen in love with the California desert? What’s your favorite outdoor spot? Share with us in the comments below!
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