Tuesday, February 11, 2025
50.1 F
Santa Ana

Whitewater Preserve in Riverside County

Whitewater Preserve

Surrounded by San Gorgonio Wilderness

Whitewater, Calif The next time you are in the Palm Springs area, a trip to Whitewater Preserve is one of the region's must see destinations. 2,800 plus acres of beauty surrounded by the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness, it's a wildly stunning place during the spring blooms.

A marvelous place to adventure or relax near the cool, clear waters of the Whitewater River that gurgles its way through the desert landscape. Hike either up or downstream to explore and lay claim to your own private desert beach for the day. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen if you don't wish to fry.

According the the Whitewater Preserve website, there is a "robust population of bighorn sheep, deer and bear." Warning signs also alerted us to mountain lions, snakes and flash floods as a possibility as well. The area is considered  an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. Stay alert.

Visitor Center

For those less ambitious or energized, make your way toward the visitor center. There's plenty of comfortable shade with picnic tables, a paved trail, and ponds inundated with tadpoles resting in front of majestic vertical cliffs. Watch for bighorn sheep. The small parking lot can fill quickly. The visitor center makes a great start/end point for any visit.

The PCT

Cross the street from the visitor center, hop on the trails to begin exploring the desert beauty. A brief half mile walk gently winds to where the Whitewater River abuts the Pacific Crest Trail. It's not uncommon to find hardy souls making the once in a lifetime trek between Mexico and Canada along the PCT. An easy 2,600 mile stroll.

Whitewater Preserve

Whatever your ability level, the Whitewater Preserve is a convenient stop near Palm Springs that easily allows you to experience and appreciate some of the desert's best during springtime. It remains one of our favorite stops and gems of Southern California.

The Essentials

  • Cool off exploring the Whitewater River
  • Stroll a bit on the Pacific Crest Trail
  • Wildflower Blooms are amazing!
  • Easy to Access, check out Visitor Center
  • Bring plenty to drink
  • Wear sunscreen / hat / sturdy, waterproof shoes

Hot this week

Santa Ana appoints Minh Thai and Kathryn Downs to Assistant City Manager

Santa Ana, Calif.- City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn "Kat" Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana, effective February 3, 2025.

New California Laws 2025: Part 5 includes estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more.

New California Laws 2025: Part 4 includes disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts entertainment Schedule

Costa Mesa, Calif.- Check out the upcoming scheduled performances and entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. An intimate 500-seat multi-use venue

Pacific Amphitheatre Schedule in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Pacific Amphitheater features classic music acts and comedy performances for a belly full of laughs. In addition, The Hangar will host a fun lineup of popular tribute acts.

Topics

Santa Ana appoints Minh Thai and Kathryn Downs to Assistant City Manager

Santa Ana, Calif.- City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn "Kat" Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana, effective February 3, 2025.

New California Laws 2025: Part 5 includes estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more.

New California Laws 2025: Part 4 includes disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts entertainment Schedule

Costa Mesa, Calif.- Check out the upcoming scheduled performances and entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. An intimate 500-seat multi-use venue

Pacific Amphitheatre Schedule in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Pacific Amphitheater features classic music acts and comedy performances for a belly full of laughs. In addition, The Hangar will host a fun lineup of popular tribute acts.

Northern California: Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, a flawless dining and travel experience

Palo Alto, Calif.- Keeping one foot always firmly planted in the future, Palo Alto offers a fitting location for Nobu Hotels which offers a unique local experience at each of its select properties around the world.

Placer County a Northern California Winter Wonderland getaway

Western shores of Lake Tahoe to Sacramento Valley Roseville, Calif....

San Juan Creek Trail segment to re-open January 16th

San Juan Capistrano, Calif.- The segment of the San Juan Creek Trail depicted in red on the site map is currently closed and will re-open January 16, as the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) continues construction activities

Related Articles

Popular Categories