Summer Safety at the Desert Preserves

With the return of the river at Whitewater Preserve, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some respite from the heat and an important time to practice SAS: Stay Hydrated, Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

Hydration: Don’t go without H2O!

Make sure to stay hydrated when out exploring the Beauty of the desert. Whitewater Preserve has two potable water refill stations: one located at our visitor center and one at our restroom building.  If you are not able to locate them, feel free to ask a staff member. We suggest following this simple rule for hydration when exploring: when you are halfway done with your water, you are halfway done with your excursion. Keep in mind that children and pets need water too and cannot always communicate this, so bring ample supplies when you are enjoying the canyon and further reaches of the preserve with your family.

Check for desert storms before heading out…

During the summer months, Whitewater Preserve will occasionally close due to inclement weather conditions. Our watershed and river are vulnerable to larger flash flood events creating potentially hazardous conditions for our visitors due to severe damage from major fires in the summer of 2020. Even though we are out of the rainy season, flood potential from monsoon storms will continue sporadically throughout the summer. It is important to remember that weather events much further up river can affect conditions at Whitewater Preserve. Before coming out to the preserve, we advise checking  weather conditions for possible heat waves and other weather warnings. If you suspect the preserve might be closed due to hazardous weather conditions, check out our updated website or give the preserve a call at (760) 325-7222. 

We are excited to see our visitors safely and responsibly enjoying the return of the river throughout the summer!