No Rapids in This Whitewater

Cooling Off at Whitewater Preserve

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. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View