Whitewater Preserve is a hiking area near Palm Springs with, you guessed it, a whitewater river running through it. The water from this river comes from the San Bernardino Mountains down to the desert. We took the Canyon Loop Trail to the Pacific Coast Trail, then returned since the loop trail was closed due to COVID-19.

Distance: 3.75 miles (loop)
Elevation change: 650 feet
Hiking time: Approx. 2 hours

You can park right on the road near the trailhead and head up the trail. We did this hike in March when the weather is temperate, the water is flowing, the flowers are blooming, and you can see the snow-capped mountains from the desert below. Spring is definitely the best time of year for this hike.

There are interesting rock formations on the right side as you hike up.

The mountains are lush with flowers blooming along the ridge as you climb, with a clear view of snow-capped Mount San Jacinto in the background.

As you near the Pacific Coast Trail, the midway point of the loop, you can look to the north over the river wash.

Fun Facts: Dogs are welcome on this hike and there are no fees or permits required

I hope you enjoy these lesser known hiking grounds as much as we did!

Athletic Clothing featured in this post is by Vuori