One of my favorite hikes, the Canyon View Loop Trail at the Whitewater Preserve, between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, offers beauty at every twist and turn. The well-marked trail follows the Whitewater River Canyon until it reaches the iconic PCT and then climbs up to a bluff that offers non-stop views into the canyon and high peaks of the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. It's a hike that's worth making a trip for, so give it a try.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Canyon View Loop Trail Directions
Whitewater Preserve is a few miles up the Whitewater River from Interstate 10. The hike starts from the visitor's center area, which also offers bathrooms and picnic tables. Unlike most hikes where you can show up and hike whenever you want, Whitewater Preserve usually has opening hours and is closed some days to give the wildlife some space. Check the link at the beginning of the guide to confirm the hours.
If you park in the lot, take note of the closing time. The gates are locked and you may be stuck in there.
Whitewater Preserve Alternate Parking
There are times when the Whitewater Preserve visitor's area is closed, but the trails are still open. Again, check the link at the top of this guide for the specifics. When this is the case, you can't park at the main lots and have to start the loop hike downs the road from the visitor's center.
Gear for the Hike
This hike is in the desert, and in the summer, it can get very hot. I recommend going early or in a cooler season and still bringing some sun protection. Bring at least 1L of water for the loop hike. The trail is sandy in places but otherwise very well manicured. I use light hiking gear, but you can get away with fitness clothing.
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.
Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.
The Whitewater Preserve is home to endangered peninsular bighorn sheep, bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. Generally you won't see any of these animals, but occasionally, if you keep your eyes open on the hills above you, you may spot a bighorn.
In order to return the land back to its original state, the Wildlands Conservancy has removed old buildings, roads, non-native plants, and has restored the river from a muddy cattle bog to the crystal clear water you see today.
The Whitewater River, which you follow on the hike, starts high in the mountains and flows down to Palm Springs. When it's flooded and raging, the river sometimes flows out into the Salton Sea. Generally the area is closed when flooded, but even the "normal" river levels can be deadly. There is a death from being swept away in the river every few years. Enter the water with extreme caution, if at all.
PCT thru-hikers often make the short detour to camp at the Whitewater Preserve visitor's center area.