When you think of a desert, it’s only natural to conjure up images of a dry and dusty destination without any variety in the scenery department. But there’s one desert oasis in Southern California that will completely transform your vision of what a desert setting looks like.
Imagine encountering streams and ponds loaded with trout; untouched wilderness and winding trails leading you into the mountains. Yes, it’s true and it’s right here in Southern California. This is definitely one desert destination you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Below, we’re taking you on a virtual journey through the Whitewater Preserve in Southern California. Located near the ever-beautiful dreamland known as Palm Springs and a great place to hike with Fido in tow, this California desert oasis is anything but lonely and isolated. It’s a true testament to the expansive topography of the southern state, and remains a popular spot for hikers, outdoors folk, and adventurers alike.
Learn more about this outdoor adventure in Southern California below!
Whitewater Preserve is a hidden desert oasis in Southern California that spans over 2,800 glorious acres. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Make sure you double-check before you visit, of course!
flickr/USFS region 5
Whitewater Preserve is located at 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, White Water, CA 92282. This lonely oasis can be found near Palm Springs and right off the I-10.
Googlemaps
You’ll see signs along the way directing you to the preserve. You’d never know from the looks of this road that paradise is only five miles away.
flickr/jshyun
When you arrive, the ranger station is a good place to get more information about which trails to take. The Whitewater Preserve may be an oasis, but it remains one of the most remote places to visit in Southern California. You’ll want to take proper precautions!
yelp/janet p.
It’s also the perfect spot for a break from the desert heat after you’ve spent some time exploring this oasis.
flickr/don graham
Although there are a variety of hiking trails at Whitewater Preserve, please note that some of the trails may not be safe to access due to trail erosion and small landslides from heavy rains.
yelp/stacey z.
The Canyon View Loop Trail is always a good bet for a safe and scenic hike.
yelp/chean l.
No matter what trail you take you’ll be out in the full sun, so make sure to bring a hat or slather yourself in sunscreen so you don’t scorch your skin. Are you ready to go on an outdoor adventure in Southern California?
yelp/ileana l.
Even if you don’t do any serious hiking on this trip you can still enjoy the unique surroundings of this beautiful desert preserve.
yelp/tracy e.
You’ll see towering rock formations that almost appear to touch the sky.
flickr/flannery626
And you’ll encounter trout pools as you explore this oasis.
yelp/jill H.
Take a peek inside the pond and you’ll see the trout happily swimming through the clear water.
yelp/Jill H.
You’ll even find a bit of inspiration along the way carved into the rocks.
yelp/stacey z.
On a hot day you’ll be ecstatic to look out at this refreshing water as you enjoy the shaded picnic area nearby.
flickr/don barrett
Whitewater Preserve sure doesn’t look like your typical desert experience, now does it? We’d recommend planning a trip and hopping in the car ASAP. There’s no other desert oasis in Southern California with as much exciting promise.
flickr/don graham
What a magnificent destination. Have you ever had the chance to explore Whitewater Preserve in Southern California? Before you head out, make sure to check the Whitewater Preserve website, or stop at the ranger station upon arrival, so you can plan a safe hiking route.
flickr/USFS region 5
Googlemaps
flickr/jshyun
yelp/janet p.
flickr/don graham
yelp/stacey z.
yelp/chean l.
yelp/ileana l.
yelp/tracy e.
flickr/flannery626
yelp/jill H.
yelp/Jill H.
flickr/don barrett
Are there other desert destinations you’d like us to cover in Southern California? Take a moment to explore our homepage at Only In Your State to see some other featured locations in SoCal that are fun to explore.
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Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, White Water, CA 92282
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whitewater Preserve in Southern California December 17, 2020 Meghan Kraft What are the best outdoor adventures in Southern California? Exploring the great outdoors is the name of the game in Southern California, mainly for the region’s expansive natural beauty and opportunity to spend time in nature. If you’re in Los Angeles, we’d recommend wandering Olvera Street and shopping the hand-painted pottery in the outdoor marketplace. Crystal Cove Park in Laguna Beach is a great place to wander if you’re looking for a beautiful shoreline and gorgeous blue water, and the view from Angels Gate Park in San Pedro will give you a great vantage point of the Korean Friendship Bell. What are the best wildflower hikes in Southern California? Every year the Southern California region goes all brilliant shades of the rainbow when the wildflowers bloom. You can head to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, perhaps one of the most popular places to go, or you can visit Idyllwild Nature Center, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, or perhaps even Point Dume for beautiful views. For the modern hiker, there is no end to the opportunity. Mailbu Creek State Park is also a popular spot, especially for locals. What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California? Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. From Big Bear Lake and its resort town just north of Los Angeles to Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino National Forest, there’s a heap of tranquil places to vacation with ease. Castaic Lake is an easy drive from Santa Clarita, and Diamond Valley Lake is perfect for folks looking to toss out a line. Lake Piru can be found in the Los Padres National Forest, and it’s great for camping with over 240 sites to choose from.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whitewater Preserve in Southern California
December 17, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best outdoor adventures in Southern California? Exploring the great outdoors is the name of the game in Southern California, mainly for the region’s expansive natural beauty and opportunity to spend time in nature. If you’re in Los Angeles, we’d recommend wandering Olvera Street and shopping the hand-painted pottery in the outdoor marketplace. Crystal Cove Park in Laguna Beach is a great place to wander if you’re looking for a beautiful shoreline and gorgeous blue water, and the view from Angels Gate Park in San Pedro will give you a great vantage point of the Korean Friendship Bell. What are the best wildflower hikes in Southern California? Every year the Southern California region goes all brilliant shades of the rainbow when the wildflowers bloom. You can head to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, perhaps one of the most popular places to go, or you can visit Idyllwild Nature Center, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, or perhaps even Point Dume for beautiful views. For the modern hiker, there is no end to the opportunity. Mailbu Creek State Park is also a popular spot, especially for locals. What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California? Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. From Big Bear Lake and its resort town just north of Los Angeles to Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino National Forest, there’s a heap of tranquil places to vacation with ease. Castaic Lake is an easy drive from Santa Clarita, and Diamond Valley Lake is perfect for folks looking to toss out a line. Lake Piru can be found in the Los Padres National Forest, and it’s great for camping with over 240 sites to choose from.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring the great outdoors is the name of the game in Southern California, mainly for the region’s expansive natural beauty and opportunity to spend time in nature. If you’re in Los Angeles, we’d recommend wandering Olvera Street and shopping the hand-painted pottery in the outdoor marketplace. Crystal Cove Park in Laguna Beach is a great place to wander if you’re looking for a beautiful shoreline and gorgeous blue water, and the view from Angels Gate Park in San Pedro will give you a great vantage point of the Korean Friendship Bell.
What are the best wildflower hikes in Southern California?
Every year the Southern California region goes all brilliant shades of the rainbow when the wildflowers bloom. You can head to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, perhaps one of the most popular places to go, or you can visit Idyllwild Nature Center, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, or perhaps even Point Dume for beautiful views. For the modern hiker, there is no end to the opportunity. Mailbu Creek State Park is also a popular spot, especially for locals.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California?
Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. From Big Bear Lake and its resort town just north of Los Angeles to Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino National Forest, there’s a heap of tranquil places to vacation with ease. Castaic Lake is an easy drive from Santa Clarita, and Diamond Valley Lake is perfect for folks looking to toss out a line. Lake Piru can be found in the Los Padres National Forest, and it’s great for camping with over 240 sites to choose from.
