Overview:
The Whitewater Preserve is a great place to visit if you are traveling through the Palm Springs and Joshua Tree areas. The preserve has the Whitewater River which runs year-round going through it which supplies water to its pools. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer, bears, and is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains.
Adventure
The Whitewater Preserve is a great day trip for any van or RV nomad looking to explore the desert and the pools at the preserve. The preserve is 2,851 acres and is surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management’s San Gorgonio Wilderness.
The preserve is free to enter, and there are two pools, but no swimming is allowed. There’s a few picnic table to utilize along with a restroom. It makes a great place to hike, chill out and spend the day.
Hiking
There are multiple trails that lead from the preserve but the main one is the Loop Trail. The Loop Trail is over 4 miles long and gains around 600+ feet in elevation. The trail actually uses a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
There’s no shade on the trail and is a little steep when it climbs the mountain but is a good overall hike. Just make sure you don’t hike it in the heat of summer and if you do, bring plenty of water.
Boondocking
On Whitewater Canyon Road leading to the preserve, there’s some BLM camping land along the side of the road. Make sure you check out iOverlander for the exact locations.
Parking
There is a large parking lot at the preserve that can accommodate your van or RV. There are also a few parking spots at the trailhead along the road leading up to the preserve.
- Free
- Open 8 am to 5 pm
References and Links:
- Website: Whitewater Preserve
Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon a great quick getaway in Palm Springs. The canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the canyon entrance, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits, displays of artifacts, an observation deck, and a theater room for viewing.
Joshua Tree National Park
Besides a visit to the beach, a visit to Joshua Tree National Park is a must for any van or RV nomad exploring Southern California. The park offers excellent adventures to include camping, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and great geologic features that add to the wonder of this vast wilderness.
