Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Canyon Perspective Along Canyon View Loop Trail at Whitewater Preserve
Hit the trail at Whitewater Preserve, a hidden gem nestled between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, for one of my favorite hikes. The Canyon View Loop Trail boasts an abundance of natural beauty at every turn, with the well-marked path following the Whitewater River Canyon until it intersects with the famed PCT. From there, it ascends to a cliff top offering uninterrupted vistas into the canyon and the breathtaking San Gorgonio Wilderness Area peaks. Don't miss out on this phenomenal hike!
Uncovering the Whitewater Preserve
Hidden a few miles up Whitewater River from Interstate 10, the hike commences from the visitor's center area, which also includes bathrooms and picnic tables. Unlike many trails, Whitewater Preserve has operating hours and may be closed on some days to protect the wildlife. To double-check, visit Whitewater Preserve's website for updated information.
Use this trailhead address: Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282
If you park in the lot, keep an eye on the closing time. The gates are secured, and you might find yourself stranded inside.
Venturing to the Whitewater Preserve When the Visitor's Area Is Closed
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Occasionally, the visitor's area may be shut, but the trails remain open. To learn more about such instances, revisit the guide's top for specific details. When this is the case, you'll have to start the loop hike down the road from the visitor's center.
Essential Gear for Your Expedition
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
The hike takes place in the desert, and temps soar during the summer, so schedule your hike early or in cooler seasons and bring some sun protection. Stock at least 1L of water for the loop hike. Though the trail can be sandy in spots, it's generally well-manicured. For gear, I recommend using light hiking gear, but you can make this hike just as enjoyable in fitness clothing.
| My Current Faves || --- || Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. It's light, durable, and keeps my back dry thanks to the trampoline mesh. || Norda 001 - Combines the comfort of a pillow with a monster truck's stability while weighing next to nothing for your feet. || Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Essential for unwavering SOS coverage in the backcountry. || AllTrails Plus - With this subscription, you can savor up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync—30% off! || Garmin Fenix 8 - It took a few updates to iron out the kinks, but now it serves me perfectly for maps, tracking, and routing. |
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Learn more about all my gear and the reasons I use them on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated December 2023).
Whitewater Preserve Canyon View Loop Trail Maps
AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
- Download the GPX File
Elevation Profile
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
3D Map
Whitewater Preserve Trail Highlights
- The Whitewater Preserve serves as a sanctuary for endangered peninsular bighorn sheep, bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. Although sightings are rare, if you train your eyes on the hills, you might spot a bighorn making an appearance.
- The Wildlands Conservancy has dedicated significant resources to returning the land to its original state by removing old buildings, roads, non-native plants, and restoring the river from muddy cattle bog to the crystal-clear water you'll see today.
- The Whitewater River, which flows alongside the trail, originates high in the mountains and ultimately reaches Palm Springs. During heavy runoff, the river may flood into the Salton Sea. Be cautious and, when possible, avoid the water.
- Thru-hikers often make a pit stop at the Whitewater Preserve visitor's center area while trekking along the PCT.
- The Sand to Snow National Monument, home to this hike, was inspired by the Wildlands Conservancy's Sand to Snow Interface Project.
Hike Instructions
- The preservation of wildlife is paramount at Whitewater Preserve. Be cautious and respectful of your surroundings, never disturbing the local fauna.
- As the preserve can occasionally close due to weather, fire danger, or maintenance, it's essential to double-check hours in advance.
- Check out the nearby attractions, such as the incredible Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, after completing this rewarding hike.
Enjoy the magnificent vistas and breathtaking landscapes Whitewater Preserve has to offer—happy hiking!
- At Whitewater Preserve, nestled between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, the trailhead for my favorite hike, the Canyon View Loop Trail, is located at the visitor's center area.
- This hidden gem offers bathrooms, picnic tables, and a variety of wildlife, but keep in mind that the preserve may have operating hours and could be closed to protect the wildlife.
- The trail ascends to a cliff top offering uninterrupted vistas into the canyon and the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area peaks and intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
- To prepare for the hike, I recommend using light hiking gear like the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 hiking shoes, and Garmin inReach Mini 2 for SOS coverage.
- AllTrails Plus provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, making it an invaluable tool for hikers.
- The Whitewater Preserve Canyon View Loop Trail is rich in natural beauty, from deserts and mountains to wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bears, and mountain lions.
