Whitewater Preserve
The Whitewater Preserve is 2,826 acres surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management San Gorgonio Wilderness and includes the year-round Whitewater River. Rich riparian habitat hosts the endangered Southwest willow flycatcher and Bell's vireo and provides the opportunity to see migrating summer tanagers and vermilion flycatchers. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer and bear and is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. The Wildlands Conservancy purchased an additional 3,200 acres in the Whitewater corridor that was donated to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These donated lands include sand dunes that are home to the endangered fringe-toed lizard at Windy Point at the confluence of the Whitewater and San Gorgonio Rivers.
The Conservancy's acquisitions include 1,280 acres that were subdivided into 40 acre parcels deep inside the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Roads to the subdivision have been removed and the integrity of the wilderness has been restored. The Conservancy also purchased the BLM range allotment as a means to retire all cattle grazing in the Whitewater Watershed. Over the past ten years, the Whitewater River has transformed from black water cattle wallows to crystal clear waters. Other restoration efforts involved removing 19 neglected houses and commercial structures at the old trout farm along with diseased non-native elm trees. These impacted lands have been restored with native sycamores, cottonwoods, flowering ash, alders, narrow-leaved willows, native shrubs and substantial wetlands.
Visitor Letter
Trail Map and Checklists
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Visitor Opportunities
The Whitewater Trout Farm's historic building has been transformed into a visitor facility and ranger station. Other visitor facilities include individual and group picnic areas and campgrounds that are overshadowed by steep vertical cliffs where bighorn sheep are often spotted. There is a trailhead leading to the Pacific Crest Trail and paver paths around the ponds for the elderly. Fishing is limited to organized catch and release programs for kids in which all equipment is provided.
The preserve is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days, or in the event of dangerous weather conditions. Permits for preserve camping, backcountry trip parking, and afterhours hiking are available at the preserve ranger station during open hours, in person or by phone. For additional information or to make a reservation for an interpretive program or the campground, call the preserve at 760.325.7222.
Access
This scenic property lies at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road, northwest of Palm Springs, off Interstate 10.
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road
Whitewater, CA 92282
760.325.7222
2012 Activities and Special Events
- Most of our events are held outdoors, so bring your hat and sunscreen, walking shoes, and a bottle of water.
- Programs are free of charge, and donations are always greatly appreciated.
- Space is limited!-Please make reservations by calling ahead to guarantee your space (760) 325-7222
- 2012 Activities and Special Events Calendar (PDF)
Regularly Scheduled Activities
 Canyon Walks
This one hour walk offers participants an introduction to the canyon, it's history, and it' s many fascinating inhabitants.
Canyon Walks take place every Saturday at 1 pm in February through March and Saturdays at 10 am in April and May. All ages.
- Saturdays at 1 pm, February - March
- Saturdays at 10 am, April & May
 Youth Fly Fishing
Try catching your first fish, or sharpen your angling skills! We provide all necessary gear, but recommend you bring a picnic. Fly Fishing programs start at 9 and 10:30am. See below for specific dates. Ages 8-18.
- Sunday, February 12th
- Saturday, February 18th
- Sunday, March 4th
- Saturday, March 10th
- Sunday, April 1st
- Saturday, April 7th
 DSLR Photography for Beginners
Learn the basics of your Digital single lens reflex camera with Jack Thompson, Staff Photographer for The Wildlands Conservancy. The DSLR Photography for Beginners program starts at 11 am on select Sundays. See below for specific dates. Ages 12 and up.
- Sunday, February 19th
- Sunday, March 11th
- Sunday, March 25th
- Sunday, April 8th
- Sunday, April 29th
 Bird Walks
Join is for a walk through different habitats while looking for some of the over 216 species that frequent the Preserve. Bring Binoculars, water, and walking shoes.
Bird walks start at 8 am every second and fourth Tuesday through June.
UPCOMING BIRD WALKS
- Tuesday, February 14th
- Tuesday, February 28th
- Tuesday, March 13th
- Tuesday, March 27th
- Tuesday, April 10th
- Tuesday, April 24th
Special Events
 Star Gazing Nights
One of our favorite times to be outside is at night! Enjoy a lecture or slideshow, learn to use a star chart with binoculars, or peer through a telescope into deep space. Bring a blanket to lay on, some binoculars, and fixin's for s'mores! All ages.
- Saturday, February 25th at 6:00 pm
- Friday, April 27th at 7:30 pm
 A Matter of Taste - Two Day Art Festival and Benefit
On Saturday, purchase local art, have a picnic on the grass, or take part in a hands-on kids educational activity like kite making, driftwood sculpture, and native plant painting.
- Saturday, April 14th All Day
On Sunday, support the Preserve by purchasing an auction ticket that will allow you to bid on a variety of art while snacking on delicious local food and beverages.
Due to the event the Preserve will be closed 12 noon to 5 pm.
- Sunday, April 15th at 3 pm-7 pm
 Water Celebration
Join us for some fun in the sun! Learn, Appreciate, and Protect water during scheduled and ongoing activities throughout the day.
- Saturday, May 12th at 10 am - 2 pm
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