Whitewater Preserve

Whitewater Preserve

(part of the Sand to Snow National Monument, operated by The Wildlands Conservancy)

9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater

(760)325-7222

www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_whitewater.html

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and during dangerous weather conditions. The BLM may issue a fire closure for Whitewater Canyon from I-10 to the Preserve during summer or other times of year during high fire risk. When closed, no roadside parking is allowed. The Preserve will remain open with free limited parking there. Please check the website for fire closure notices.

Admission is free.

The Whitewater Preserve, operated by The Wildlands Conservancy, is 2,851 acres surrounded by the BLM's San Gorgonio Wilderness. The Preserve includes the year-round Whitewater River, and the riparian habitat hosts birds and wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, deer, and bear.

The Whitewater Canyon is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and the San Jacinto mountains. Legislation is pending to designate the Whitewater River a National Wild and Scenic River.

The one-time trout farm historic building has been transformed into a visitor center and ranger station (the trout farm no longer operates). Picnic areas and hiking trails are available, and free ranger-led interpretive programs are available, though reservations should be made by calling (760)325-7222. There is access to the Pacific Crest Trail from trails at the Preserve.

Permits for camping, backcountry trip parking, and afterhours hiking, are available at the ranger station during open hours, in person or by phone.

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