MISSION CREEK PRESERVE IS NOW OPEN!
We’re pleased to announce that the impacts from Hurricane Hilary have been mitigated and the Preserve is now open.
As a reminder, processing requests for vehicle access to the Stonehouse and for camping takes up to two business days. See below for links to request forms.
BE ADVISED: The riverbed sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that lead to Whitewater Preserve, and a section of the Canyon View Loop, remain heavily damaged and unrepaired. These conditions make hiking between the two preserves potentially hazardous and ill-advised. Staff recommend out-and-back hikes as alternatives.
MISSION CREEK PRESERVE
About the Preserve Plan Your Visit Vehicle Access & Camping Conservation OutcomesMISSION CREEK PRESERVE
Located in a transition zone between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, the 4,760-acre Mission Creek Preserve has a rich species composition with flora and fauna representing both deserts. Visitors are surprised to discover the center of the Preserve is a lush wetland with a backdrop of eroded painted hills and Mount San Gorgonio looming in the background. The wetlands are important habitat for the endangered least Bell’s vireo and southwest willow flycatcher. It is a great place to spot colorful summer tanagers and vermillion flycatchers. The Preserve hosts deer, bear, big horn sheep and mountain lions, and has spectacular displays of spring wildflowers in wet years. The trail system leads onto the Pacific Crest Trail, which is two miles from the Stone House Group Campground.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
PRESERVE HOURS
Dawn to Dusk
ADMISSION
FREE
CONTACT US
(760) 369-7105
missioncreekpreserve@wildlandsconservancy.org
GETTING HERE
60550 Mission Creek Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Get Directions
THINGS TO DO
AMENITIES
SAFETY
PROHIBITIONS
LEAVE NO TRACE
Pack it in, Pack it out.
Take any trash you make with you.
Leave What You Find.
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect Wildlife.
Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee.
Be Considerate of Others.
One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience.
Principles courtesy of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
RESOURCES
STONE HOUSE DAY-USE AND CAMPING
Request permission for day-use access to our Stone House Picnic Area or book a night to camp under the starlight night sky, both include vehicle access.
CONSERVATION OUTCOMES
Acquisition of the Mission Creek properties eliminated two approved resort developments. The largest included a 300-room hotel, golf course and 1,200 homes.
