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
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 in May. All ages.
UPCOMING CANYON WALKS
- Saturday, May 19th at 10am
- Saturday, May 26th at 10am
 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.
UPCOMING DSLR PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
 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, May 22nd
- Tuesday, June 24th
Special Events
There are no special events scheduled at this time.
Group Programs Available by Request
- LEAVE NO TRACE - Ages seven and up. This program reviews the seven Leave No Trace principles in a fun and creative way that fosters cooperation and team building.
- TRACING THE DESERT'S WATERSHED - Ages 10 and up. This PowerPoint program traces water from the snow's of Mt. San Gorgonio to the faucets of the Coachella Valley residents and on to the Salton Sea.
- PRESERVING WILDLIFE CORRIDORS - Ages 12 and up. Whitewater Preserve has always been a corridor for species moving between the mountains and desert.
This PowerPoint explores the science behind protecting land that provides species safe passage through these corridors.
- VOLUNTEER PROJECTS - Take care of your natural resources! Help the rangers care for the preserve through a volunteer project.
Fix or rebuild a trail, pull mustard or other invasive species, clean-up debris, or restore wildlife with native plants. Be prepared to get dirty!
If you are interested in any of these group activities please contact the Whitewater Preserve.
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