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A great facet of our USA national DNA is preservation of Great public spaces. This is a Great Public Space. Whitewater started infrastructure life as trout pond recreational fishing, thrilling generations of children, and adults, with Trout Fishing glory. Now it is a public preserve. More than 10 square miles, the ponds, Ramada and ranger station in the heart of it's cottonwood, alder, sycamore and canyon ash oasis at it's heart. A place to connect with a less-developed world and get nature in one's heart.
Whitewater Canyon view loop trail. Great easy hike; starts and ends along whitewater river. Trails are marked, signs. Incredible views from up top. Plenty of parking and restrooms available.
I noticed the whitewater running under the 10 fwy as my family and I left Palm Springs. I decided to exit the freeway at the Whitewater off-ramp and discovered this amazing and cool place. The fast moving water is so clear and clean (but I probably wouldn't drink it) and the entire area is sooo peaceful with the only sound being that of running water over rocks and boulders. The weather was perfect as there was a nice breeze and the weather was not too hot. Many other families had the same idea and were simply enjoying the sounds of nature on the Sunday afternoon while several kids could be seen playing in the water This was a very nice and pleasant discovery before driving home and sitting in traffic for over two hours
Beautiful place, I absolutely loved it! You have the options of a light walk, short and/or long distance hikes.
This review is for the Whitewater Canyon View Loop Trail. This was a ~3.7 mile round trip that took about 2 hours to complete. Surprisingly popular and somewhat crowded during the weekday. The trail was mostly flat until you start steadily climbing up the side of the mountain. The views at the top were rewarding. The last ~0.8 miles of the trail was washed out so ended up walking along the road. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaMVE8o8FI
If you're like me, you may have seen the "Whitewater" exit off the 10 between Palm Springs and Cabazon and thought to yourself: "What a silly name for an exit in the desert, there's no water here." And you would be wrong (like I was.) I have literally driven by this exit hundreds of times and had absolutely no idea that this gorgeous wilderness preserve with a year-round river existed. Thank goodness for the internet. Whitewater Preserve is a stunning 2,851 acres of wilderness which includes the year-round whitewater river (see pictures) and miles of gorgeous trails. Parking is free and there is no admission fee. There are many different hiking trails and you can devise the hike of your dreams (short, long, by the river, not by the river, etc.). It's pristine; no trash or graffiti whatsoever. It is somewhat puzzling to me why there is no sign for the Whitewater Preserve on the 10. Are they hiding it from the masses? Not sure but I am certainly glad that I found out about this hidden gem on a hiking website. If you're lucky, like I was, you may even spot a bighorn sheep high up in the mountains (take your binoculars.) There are park benches with tables and restrooms. The parking lot is fairly ample but you can also park alongside the road if the lot fills up. This is the perfect excursion for solo hikers, hikers with dogs, and family hikes. There is one spot where you have to climb up some steep steps, so make sure your shoes have good tread. Learn more about this stunning location here https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater
The Preserve and its surrounding areas are a great way to get out and enjoy some fresh air and hiking. There are a few trails, plus the riverbed. I love to go when the water is trickling through. The snow melts and works its way down, so the water is icy cold, I love the sound of it. Canyon Loop is typically my trail of choice because it is not too rigorous and you still get to enjoy some great shots of nature. Great for just about all ages and is just over 2 miles. There is no fee to get in the Preserve area and parking is dotted along the road. Whitewater is close to the Cabazon outlets and Palm Springs.....so when you are in need of something other than shopping and casinos, this is your place. Make sure you stop at Dowling Fruit Orchard for some yummy treats too! And, of course, say hi to Mr. Rex and Dinny at the Cabazon Dinosaurs! CHEERS!!
White water preserve we stumbled into this beautiful place with my GF Patty "PattytOH" P. for the Labor Day wknd 2024. We were amazed how beautiful this place is.We look forward to going back and doing some hiking in the near future here,aince we both LOVE nature.Love you since 1902 (As you always say) Bebi.
Very easy walk/hike with a beautiful stream....I'm sure it's even more amazing in late spring/early summer when snow has melted and makes its way down. Trails are easy to follow and signs are posted so you know where you're going and distance to destinations. Young kids will find this trail easy and the stream fun. If you're coming here in the summer, there's no shade so be prepared. In the winter (today 12/29/20), I was comfortable with a sweatshirt and yoga pants in the sun, but once I got near the water and under some shade, I was freezing! Ranger guy was so nice! Waved to everyone leaving the park. ***Note***When you make that first left headed into the preserve and as you drive along the road, you will see some red signs saying CLOSED...it is not closed. Don't know if the signs weren't taken down or meant for something else, but the preserve is very much open.
The picnic grounds and ponds here are very nice, quiet and with plenty of shade. The hike up the stream bed to red dome was a pleasant walk in November with a bit of water in the stream, though the vegetation was a bit dry this time of year. This is likely best with spring wildflowers.
Great place to hike. Restrooms at the trailhead by the ranger station. Easy to follow trail signs, and beautiful scenery. We did the Canyon View Loop Trail which is 3.5 miles. If you don't like uphill climbs, you won't like it but the view at the top is worth it. Be a bit careful going down because it is easy to loose your footing. I will definitely come back and do a longer hike.
Here you'll be walking for 3.7 miles. This is a loop. We parked at the visitor center and had to walk a little bit before we got to the trail. Before you get to the visitor center you will see a trail sign to your left. You can actually park not far from the start of the trail and start hiking if you'd like. We took the loop clockwise but you can do it counter clockwise so parking near the visitor center would be a better choice if you hiked it counter clockwise. No matter which way you choose to start the hike you will be going uphill both ways. We started hiking early in the morning. It was sunny on the way up going clock wise but on the way down it was shady. There are some narrow spots on this trail and at times while we were walking down the path I worried about my children's safety. The thought of one of us loosing our footing worried me. In the middle on the trail you will have a 360 view of the 2,851 acres preserve. It is absolutely gorgeous here. A must hike for sure. While most hikes we have been on don't allow dogs on trails. This one was dog friendly.
We just had the most amazing weekend at Whitewater Preserve! We came to section hike, the PCT. The preserve was quiet and was closed for a private event this past weekend. It was one of the cleanest campgrounds I've ever stayed at. It also felt safe because there are Rangers on site. Every Ranger we encountered was knowledgeable and friendly. To correct a previous review, the preserve is not closed on weekends, but does require reservations. Two baby bobcats even wandered through the campground! We will definitely be back!
This place is just beautiful. I have to go once a week to enjoy the sound of and see the rushing water. It is very peaceful with amazing vistas. Priceless. Opens at 8am. Make sure to check the description of the trails online and bring what you need for what you intend to do. They have clean restrooms in the parking area and picnic benches too. The profound peace in this place is addicting. read more
Whitewater Preserve - 5 stars Gorgeous, peaceful, and not overrun with influencers taking selfies on rocks. The trails are clean, the water's crystal clear, and the canyon views hit every time. No, you can't fish here--the trout were booted for wrecking the ecosystem. Deal with it. Now it's just nature the way it's supposed to be. Easy parking, spotless bathrooms, and the sound of water flowing all around you. Bring water, respect the land, clock out and enjoy the beauty of what we often overlook in life. read more
5 months ago
A great facet of our USA national DNA is preservation of Great public spaces. This is a Great Public Space. Whitewater started infrastructure life as trout pond recreational fishing, thrilling generations of children, and adults, with Trout Fishing glory. Now it is a public preserve. More than 10 square miles, the ponds, Ramada and ranger station in the heart of it's cottonwood, alder, sycamore and canyon ash oasis at it's heart. A place to connect with a less-developed world and get nature in one's heart. read more
8 months ago
I noticed the whitewater running under the 10 fwy as my family and I left Palm Springs. I decided to exit the freeway at the Whitewater off-ramp and discovered this amazing and cool place. The fast moving water is so clear and clean (but I probably wouldn't drink it) and the entire area is sooo peaceful with the only sound being that of running water over rocks and boulders. The weather was perfect as there was a nice breeze and the weather was not too hot. Many other families had the same idea and were simply enjoying the sounds of nature on the Sunday afternoon while several kids could be seen playing in the water This was a very nice and pleasant discovery before driving home and sitting in traffic for over two hours read more
This review is for the Whitewater Canyon View Loop Trail. This was a ~3.7 mile round trip that took about 2 hours to complete. Surprisingly popular and somewhat crowded during the weekday. The trail was mostly flat until you start steadily climbing up the side of the mountain. The views at the top were rewarding. The last ~0.8 miles of the trail was washed out so ended up walking along the road. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaMVE8o8FI read more
1 year ago
10 months ago
If you're like me, you may have seen the "Whitewater" exit off the 10 between Palm Springs and Cabazon and thought to yourself: "What a silly name for an exit in the desert, there's no water here." And you would be wrong (like I was.) I have literally driven by this exit hundreds of times and had absolutely no idea that this gorgeous wilderness preserve with a year-round river existed. Thank goodness for the internet. Whitewater Preserve is a stunning 2,851 acres of wilderness which includes the year-round whitewater river (see pictures) and miles of gorgeous trails. Parking is free and there is no admission fee. There are many different hiking trails and you can devise the hike of your dreams (short, long, by the river, not by the river, etc.). It's pristine; no trash or graffiti whatsoever. It is somewhat puzzling to me why there is no sign for the Whitewater Preserve on the 10. Are they hiding it from the masses? Not sure but I am certainly glad that I found out about this hidden gem on a hiking website. If you're lucky, like I was, you may even spot a bighorn sheep high up in the mountains (take your binoculars.) There are park benches with tables and restrooms. The parking lot is fairly ample but you can also park alongside the road if the lot fills up. This is the perfect excursion for solo hikers, hikers with dogs, and family hikes. There is one spot where you have to climb up some steep steps, so make sure your shoes have good tread. Learn more about this stunning location here https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater read more
The Preserve and its surrounding areas are a great way to get out and enjoy some fresh air and hiking. There are a few trails, plus the riverbed. I love to go when the water is trickling through. The snow melts and works its way down, so the water is icy cold, I love the sound of it. Canyon Loop is typically my trail of choice because it is not too rigorous and you still get to enjoy some great shots of nature. Great for just about all ages and is just over 2 miles. There is no fee to get in the Preserve area and parking is dotted along the road. Whitewater is close to the Cabazon outlets and Palm Springs.....so when you are in need of something other than shopping and casinos, this is your place. Make sure you stop at Dowling Fruit Orchard for some yummy treats too! And, of course, say hi to Mr. Rex and Dinny at the Cabazon Dinosaurs! CHEERS!! read more
2 years ago
White water preserve we stumbled into this beautiful place with my GF Patty "PattytOH" P. for the Labor Day wknd 2024. We were amazed how beautiful this place is.We look forward to going back and doing some hiking in the near future here,aince we both LOVE nature.Love you since 1902 (As you always say) Bebi. read more
6 years ago
Very easy walk/hike with a beautiful stream....I'm sure it's even more amazing in late spring/early summer when snow has melted and makes its way down. Trails are easy to follow and signs are posted so you know where you're going and distance to destinations. Young kids will find this trail easy and the stream fun. If you're coming here in the summer, there's no shade so be prepared. In the winter (today 12/29/20), I was comfortable with a sweatshirt and yoga pants in the sun, but once I got near the water and under some shade, I was freezing! Ranger guy was so nice! Waved to everyone leaving the park. ***Note***When you make that first left headed into the preserve and as you drive along the road, you will see some red signs saying CLOSED...it is not closed. Don't know if the signs weren't taken down or meant for something else, but the preserve is very much open. read more
The picnic grounds and ponds here are very nice, quiet and with plenty of shade. The hike up the stream bed to red dome was a pleasant walk in November with a bit of water in the stream, though the vegetation was a bit dry this time of year. This is likely best with spring wildflowers. read more
5 years ago
Great place to hike. Restrooms at the trailhead by the ranger station. Easy to follow trail signs, and beautiful scenery. We did the Canyon View Loop Trail which is 3.5 miles. If you don't like uphill climbs, you won't like it but the view at the top is worth it. Be a bit careful going down because it is easy to loose your footing. I will definitely come back and do a longer hike. read more
6 years ago
Here you'll be walking for 3.7 miles. This is a loop. We parked at the visitor center and had to walk a little bit before we got to the trail. Before you get to the visitor center you will see a trail sign to your left. You can actually park not far from the start of the trail and start hiking if you'd like. We took the loop clockwise but you can do it counter clockwise so parking near the visitor center would be a better choice if you hiked it counter clockwise. No matter which way you choose to start the hike you will be going uphill both ways. We started hiking early in the morning. It was sunny on the way up going clock wise but on the way down it was shady. There are some narrow spots on this trail and at times while we were walking down the path I worried about my children's safety. The thought of one of us loosing our footing worried me. In the middle on the trail you will have a 360 view of the 2,851 acres preserve. It is absolutely gorgeous here. A must hike for sure. While most hikes we have been on don't allow dogs on trails. This one was dog friendly. read more
2 years ago
We just had the most amazing weekend at Whitewater Preserve! We came to section hike, the PCT. The preserve was quiet and was closed for a private event this past weekend. It was one of the cleanest campgrounds I've ever stayed at. It also felt safe because there are Rangers on site. Every Ranger we encountered was knowledgeable and friendly. To correct a previous review, the preserve is not closed on weekends, but does require reservations. Two baby bobcats even wandered through the campground! We will definitely be back! read more
3 years ago
I love taking my kids here the trails are pretty easy for even kids that are age 4 years old. There's even a small man-made pond that you can play in during summertime. read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
This place is beautiful with many different hikes to choose from. My disappointment was that the river water was to low to view from the beginning or the trail head like the website suggested and the rangers said you needed to hike around 3.5 miles in to see it but because of low precipitation it would be more of a trickling stream. There are a few ponds around the visitor center and nice clean bathrooms. Overall a pretty place and nice that it is dog friendly too! read more
7 years ago
A beautiful, serene place. A large area to picnic or read a book or just relax and enjoy the scenery. The visitor center is clean, has a great show of animals caught on cam, and a knowledgable, friendly help. There is a map of the various trails, of different lengths and hike ability. It's a very easy walk to the wash, and being surrounded by nature, and birds in their natural habitat is so relaxing and centering. I look forward to visiting whitewater and always feel refreshed when I leave. A great day, every time, parking can be a problem though. read more
1 year ago
8 years ago
Well, this is a fun place to visit but their communication to hikers is terrible. I'll start with the negatives because you'll need to make a decision if you still want to hike here or not. The Canyon View Loop Trail is a great hike! It's 3.5 miles and you get to hike up the mountain via the legendary Pacific Crest Trail. From the top you can see the entire river basin. But what you wont see at the trailhead or on the trail markers is a legitimate sign or warning that the final part of this loop is closed! Nothing is more disheartening than hiking a loop trail, with a mountain, then seeing some sun-faded cheap laminated sign with tiny writing saying the final portion of the loop is closed. Note there's nothing blocking the trail or any large CLOSED sign.. I completed the hike anyway as it was clear that they didn't sufficiently warn and block the end of the trail. After the hike I spoke with a ranger and they said it was indeed closed, but most people hike it anyway. The ranger didn't seem to understand that it's a dumb idea NOT to post this closure at the trailhead and on the trail posts along the way. - The second negative was actually found by accident after researching what type of skat we kept seeing on the trail. It looked like cow pies. After searching the internet, much to our surprise, this wilderness has a feral cow/bull and abandoned pitbull problem. We did see a sign on the pacific crest trail warning of feral animals, but no mention that there were aggressive bulls and homeless pitbulls prowling around. We didn't see any, but the trails are full of fresh cow pies.So think about this if you have kids. Tip - Better to come in February / March when the snow melts in the local mountains and you see the river flooded. - Weird fire zone - All street parking is prohibited. - Threats of $1000 fine if you don't follow fire zone rules. - Not enough parking spaces - Bathrooms - Free read more
13 years ago
This place is awesome! We made a stop here for lunch during my department's offsite in Palm Springs. We arranged one of the staff from the ranger station to give us a quick talk about the preserve. They are open daily from 8AM-5PM (except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day) at no cost! Dogs are allowed on all trails if they are on leashes. There's a trout pond, picnic tables, and beautiful hiking trails. Their restrooms have flushing toilets and are clean. They also offer various outdoor programs. The Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) runs through the preserve. The PCT is a 2,650 mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada! The other trails are the following: Canyon View Loop Trail = 3.5 miles (moderate) Red Dome = 2 miles each way, 4 miles total (easy-moderate) West Fork Trail = 1.6 miles (easy-moderate) Cottonwood Trailhead = 8 miles (moderate-difficult) If you plan to hike, you are required to sign in at the Ranger Station or trailhead sign-in so they can track visitor use in case of an emergency. 54/100 Reviews for 2014 read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Bring back the TROUT! The stupid frogs have the entire upper watershed! The ponds, themselves are "non-native", and EVERYONE loves the trout! The only "invasive species" that needs to be eradicated, is the "Enviro-nazis" who're runnin tha place... read more
3 years ago
Learned about this place while looking for sight seeing locations while visiting CA. I took a trip from Temecula to here to see the beautiful landscape. It was about 1 hour away from my hotel, but was definitely worth it. I did some walking around for about 1 hour (couldn't take the heat after that!) and took a lot of pictures. I'm not a hiker, but just wanted to see the sights and get some great pix. You can see the mountains all around and I was amazed by their size. After reading other reviews there were a lot of trails that I missed, but I enjoyed what I did see. If I visit Cali again, I will definitely venture further out next time! As one other person mentioned, the preserve is free! I've paid money for less spectacular views. read more
8 years ago
This was a absolutely beautiful place to stumble upon can't wait to go back and and actually go back in the preserve,apparently you can fish,hike swim and a few other things The best part is it's Free!!!! read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
I love hiking and swimming here! It is so beautiful and well maintained! Its a sweet hidden gem for sure! read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
This is a beautiful place to go for a walk, look around and enjoy the scenery. There is no charge for admission or parking. There's a nice hiking trail that hooks up with the Pacific Crest Trail, so you can start a hike there and go as far as you wish. On the grounds they also have a few ponds that were originally used as a trout fishing farm. Definitely also go inside the Visitor Center. They have maps and various displays with information about the area. They also have clean public restrooms there with modern plumbing. read more
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More info about Whitewater Preserve
9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd
Whitewater, CA 92282
Directions
(760) 325-7222
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Ask the Community - Whitewater Preserve
I have a question is there any trail or in the river that I can ride my atv?
Hello there, ATVs and other OHV vehicles are not allowed on any of our trails or along the river.
Is the park open yet? Or is there an opening date?
Hello! Whitewater Preserve is currently closed due to flash flood warnings. We are taking it day by day. Once it is safe for the public, we will re-open our modified access to the preserve. You can learn what our modified access looks like by…
Does anyone know if there is a charge for parking?
Free parking on site. There is also street parking too!
Is the water possibly contaminated with Giardia? Should our dogs avoid drinking water near Whitewater?
No, there is no Giardia at Whitewater. I drink the water all the time when hiking & backpacking. Typically, Giardia is transmitted by pack animals. There are no pack animals in the area and there is zero horse traffic on the trail system there.
How deep is the river right now?
Not very deep but the last time I was there was two months ago.
Is the terrain stroller friendly?
Hello Yesi A. We have an easy, paved walking path that beings in our parking area and takes you around our ponds, picnic area, and campground. This paved walking path is stroller friendly.…
