No Rapids in This Whitewater

Cooling Off at Whitewater Preserve

07.19.2018

Here’s a little desert hideaway that’s a surprisingly cool escape, even when the weather’s hot! Whitewater Preserve in Sand to Snow National Monument is an oasis in a rugged stretch of land just northwest of Palm Springs. The former trout hatchery was recently renovated into a tranquil outdoor playground and gateway for desert exploration.

Though the pool bottom is man-made, the dramatic canyon setting is natural and the water is 100% fresh from the source, channeled in from the chilly Whitewater River. And since the water is constantly moving through the pool, it never gets the chance to heat up, making it a perfect spot to escape the hot desert air. This pool is great for experiencing swimming in a natural body of water without any of the dangers or icky stuff that can often come along with it—no current, no plants, no aquatic animals, no algae, no deep water—just good clean fun!

The preserve is free of charge and the pool is easy to get to, making it an extremely popular spot even during a scorching summer. If the weather permits and you have some extra time, you can explore several miles of hiking trails within the preserve that weave through the canyon along the Whitewater River, passing through bighorn sheep and southwestern willow flycatcher habitats. The trails are too exposed to really enjoy during scorching summer temps, although the trail to the river is just a quarter-mile. Worth checking out if you can brave the heat. Just be sure to stay hydrated! Back at the old trout farm are plentiful shady picnic tables where you can enjoy lunch, in addition to a visitor center where you can learn more about the preserve, between sessions of lazing about in the cool Whitewater pool.

From the I-10 just east of the Palm Springs turnoff (CA-111), take Exit 114 toward Whitewater. Head north on Tipton Rd., turn left onto Whitewater Canyon Rd., and follow it till it ends at the preserve. Parking and entry are free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive early, as the parking lot fills up quickly and there’s no overflow parking in the summer. Dogs are permitted on hiking trails, but not at the pool.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View