Experience Amazing Views, Hiking and More at Dog-Friendly Whitewater Preserve

traceytlc

6 Jan, 2023

Experience Amazing Views, Hiking and More at Dog-Friendly Whitewater Preserve

Cooper and I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. We took a little break from the blog to celebrate with friends and family, but are now back. Over New Year’s, Coop and I visited the Whitewater Preserve located just past Palm Springs. It was amazing! Read on to learn more.

Cooper posing on rocks on a trail at the Whitewater Preserve
Cooper crossing the river at the Whitewater Preserve.

The Whitewater Preserve is Part of the Wildlands Conservancy

The Wildlands Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the earth in addition to providing educational programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature. They are a non-profit organization and are currently comprised of 23 preserves encompassing over 192,000 acres on the West Coast. The best part is these preserves are open to the public for hiking, camping, picnicking and birding for free! And yes, many of the preserves are dog friendly.

Another preserve of the Wildlands Conservancy is the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve near Yucca Valley. You might remember reading about it in my blog, A 24-Hour Dog-Friendly Trip to the Awesome High Desert.

A wooden sign with trail names and distances
Signs lead you in the right direction.
A trail clearly marked by rocks at the Whitewater Preserve
Trails are clearly marked in most areas of the preserve.
A Pacific Coast Trail marker
A marker designates the Pacific Coast Trail.
Cooper on top on one of the Red Domes in Whitewater Preserve
Our trek took us to the Red Dome.

There is a Trail for Everyone

The Whitewater Preserve is 2851 acres of beauty and is a wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. There are 4 major trails to explore.

PCT to Red Dome

This is the trail that Cooper and I took. You start at the Visitors Center and head out on a clearly marked dirt path lined with rocks. Look out for wooden signs to point you in the right direction. Because of the recent rain, part of the trail passing over the river was washed out. No worries though. Tall, orange-topped sticks are strategically placed to keep you on the trail. It is an easy hike through the canyon leading to large, red volcanic rocks. You can continue on or head back which is what we did. All in all, we walked over 13,000 steps!

The views are gorgeous. Snow-capped mountains, rock formations and green desert flora surround you. Water gurgles through the canyon, but not so much that it is hard to cross. We went on a busy day and saw several people and pups, but it never felt crowded with long stretches where we were alone in nature.

Steps made from rocks leading from the river at Whitewater Preserve
The trail crosses over the river and rock steps lead you to higher ground.

Canyon Loop Trail

I can’t wait to explore the Canyon Loop Trail with Coop. Also starting from the Visitors Center, this loop takes you on a ridge along the mountain with sweeping views of the canyon. Marked as moderate, it is 3.75 miles long with a 650-foot elevation gain. Be on the lookout for bighorn sheep, black bears and even mountain lions.

Whitewater Preserve to Mission Creek Preserve or the Cottonwood Trailhead Hike

Mission Creek Preserve is also part of the Wildlands Conservancy. A 6.5-mile, moderate (one-way) trail connects the two preserves. For an even longer hike, try taking the PCT to the Cottonwood Trailhead, a moderate 8-mile (one-way) adventure. If you don’t want to hike back and forth (and you are with friends), take two cars and park one at each end of the trail.

A gentleman pointing to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail milage sign.
This friendly gentleman spent 3 months backpacking across the Pacific Coast National Scenic Trail.

The Pacific Coast National Scenic Trail winds through the Whitewater Preserve. Covering 2650 miles, it runs from Canada to Mexico. Cooper and I met a very friendly gentleman who had spent 3+ months hiking to Canada with friends on the PCT trail. I never got his name, but he walked with us to the Red Dome full of fun facts.

The Visitors Center sits in front of a trout pond.
There is plenty of room for a picnic.
A fitting quote at the Whitewater Preserve.

A Few Details to Know

  • Find the Whitewater Preserve easily with GPS. Their address is 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater, CA 92282.
  • The preserve is open 8am to 5pm daily.
  • If it has been rainy, check out their website before visiting. Because of the danger of flash flooding, they do close in inclement weather.
  • Park in one of two parking lots within the gates of the preserve. Overflow parking is on the side of the road leading into the preserve except for areas marked no parking. Make sure to park off of the pavement.
  • Bring a picnic to take advantage of the many tables and lovely grounds around the Visitors Center. Be prepared to take any trash out with you as there are no trash cans. This applies to waste accumulated while hiking as well.
  • Restrooms are available.
  • Dogs must be kept on leash.
  • Dress in layers. It was cold the day we went!
  • For camping, contact the Visitors Center at 760.325.7222 to find out more.
Tracey on the PCT overlooking the Whitewater River.
My selfie overlooking the Whitewater River.

What is your favorite hiking spot? Tell me about it in the comment section below.