Whitewater Preserve — Attraction in Desert Hot Springs

On October 12, 2024, my wife and I embarked on a hike at Whitewater Preserve, where the temperature reached 93ºF. As we traversed the rugged wash route, my wife began to feel uncomfortable. We encountered a kind elderly hiker who noticed our situation and kindly offered his assistance. At that time, we did not fully grasp the severity of what was happening, and though we expressed our gratitude, we politely declined his offer of help. The hiker, however, was thoughtful enough to return shortly after, offering his walking sticks to assist my wife, but we didn’t accept them, knowing he was an older man himself.

As we continued on the trail, my wife’s symptoms worsened—she became dizzy, nauseated, and visibly uncomfortable, forcing us to stop frequently. Despite our efforts to press on, it soon became clear that my wife was experiencing heat stroke.

In an unexpected but much-appreciated moment, two rangers appeared, having been alerted by the very same elderly hiker who had offered us help earlier. The rangers demonstrated remarkable professionalism and care. One ranger immediately took action, soaking a towel in cold water and applying it to my wife’s neck to help cool her down. The other ranger provided shade from the relentless sun with a large umbrella, ensuring that my wife was protected from further heat exposure.

Their calm and measured responses were vital in making sure my wife’s condition did not worsen. With their guidance and support, we slowly made our way to the ranger’s truck, where they safely transported us back to the parking lot.

We are profoundly grateful for the kindness and concern shown by both the elderly hiker, who took the extra step to report our situation, and the rangers, whose swift actions ensured my wife’s safety. Their collective efforts and empathy are a testament to the exceptional care and support that make Whitewater Preserve such a special place. We will always remember this experience and the individuals who came to our aid in a...

"🌵💦 Whitewater Preserve is the hidden gem of the California desert, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in SoCal. Imagine driving through miles of dry, dusty terrain, only to stumble upon this lush oasis. It’s like finding a mirage—except it’s real, and you don’t need a camel to get there! 🐪

Once you arrive, the first thing that hits you is the sound of flowing water. Yep, in the middle of the desert, there’s an actual river. The Whitewater River runs right through the preserve, and trust me, dipping your feet into the cool, clear water is pure bliss on a hot day. 💦 The shaded picnic areas are perfect for relaxing, and if you're a fan of bird-watching, you’ll be entertained by the local wildlife putting on quite the show. 🦅

The hiking trails? They’ve got everything from easy, peaceful walks to more challenging treks if you’re feeling adventurous. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or just take a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail for everyone. The best part is the scenery—think towering mountains, lush greenery, and wide-open desert views that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. 🏞️ Oh, and the photo ops? 📸 Let’s just say you’ll need extra storage space on your phone.

The Whitewater Preserve is also a great spot for families, with plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. Just remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen—this is still the desert, after all! ☀️

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the place to go. Don’t forget to follow me for more hidden nature spots and tips! 🌿...

Update: 6/13/2020 The parking lot and picnic area are closed due to COVID-19 social distancing. You may however park along the road right before the bridge (about .25 miles before the actual parking lot). This area is packed with people/families - most of whom are not wearing masks. If you are concerned about social distancing you should avoid this area. You can either pick up the Canyon Loop Trail on the left or continue walking along the road to the visitor center/picnic area to access trail heads there. Not many people on the trails once you get a mile or so past the center.

11/2/2019 Road to the Preserve officially reopened on 11/1/19. Good to be back after a long closure. They've done some trail upgrades in the area along Whitewater River. The biggest change is to the embankment just after crossing the river. It's now reinforced with natural river rocks. There's a makeshift stairway to the top of the embankment now. Lots of great trails in the area. I'd suggest skipping the Rainbow Rock Trial though. It's in terrible condition. Pretty much impassible for the last mile. Trails along the PCT are in...