Whitewater Preserve in San Gorgonio Wilderness
Whitewater Preserve is a desert sanctuary within the rugged landscape of Southern California’s San Gorgonio Wilderness. Spanning 2,851 acres, the preserve offers visitors a stream (when flowing), scenic canyon views, diverse wildlife, picnicking areas, hiking trails and camping.
Managed by The Wildlands Conservancy, this preserve is an part of the Sand to Snow National Monument and supports a rich riparian habitat, rare in such an arid environment.
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round; Best in spring for wildflower viewing; year |
| Location | Whitewater, CA |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.988909, -116.655838 |
| Managed by | The Wildlands Conservancy |
| Size | 2,851 acres |
| Nearest major city | Palm Springs, CA |
| Amenities | Visitor Center, restrooms, picnic areas, group campground |
| Activities | Hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, camping |
Getting to Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Preserve is located at 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater, CA, 92282. From Palm Springs, head west on I-10, then take the Whitewater exit and follow Whitewater Canyon Road north for approximately five miles to reach the Visitor Center.
The access road winds through picturesque desert terrain, culminating in a serene oasis marked by the year-round flow of the Whitewater River.
Destination Overview
Nestled between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, Whitewater Preserve is a crucial wildlife corridor and sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. Bighorn sheep, deer, and occasionally black bears can be spotted among the canyon’s rugged hillsides.
Birdwatchers are especially drawn to Whitewater for its rare sightings of the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo, as well as the summer tanagers and vermilion flycatchers that visit during migration seasons.
With picnic areas, shaded spots, and an onsite visitor center, Whitewater Preserve is well-suited for family outings, nature photography, and picnics. Seasonal wildflower blooms bring an additional allure, painting the landscape in vibrant colors if winter rains were plentiful. The conservancy offers docent-led interpretive programs in the preserve.
Hiking
The preserve’s trails range from easy to moderate, catering to casual hikers and seasoned adventurers alike. For a short excursion, the Canyon View Loop Trail (#2 on map below)offers a scenic trek across the river and along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), leading to panoramic canyon views before looping back to the visitor center.
Hikers seeking a longer journey can follow the PCT to Red Dome (#2) for an iconic desert landmark or venture on the Whitewater to Mission Creek Stone House Trail (#3), exploring further into the surrounding wilderness.
Camping
The camping area is near the visitor center, and sites can be reserved through the Wildlands Conservancy website. Tent and RV/trailer camping is available.
