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Whitewater, California

Whitewater, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Whitewater Preserve, a scenic 2,851-acre area with a variety of trails suitable for all levels. A popular choice is the Canyon View Loop Trail, a moderate 4-mile hike with stunning views of the San Gorgonio Mountain and the Whitewater River. For a more challenging hike, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through Whitewater and offers panoramic views of the desert and mountains. Other outdoor adventures include wildlife viewing, fishing in the Whitewater River, and camping under the stars. Nearby, Joshua Tree National Park offers more hiking options and unique rock formations. Truly, Whitewater is a top destination for outdoor activities.

Top Spots in and near Whitewater

  • Joshua Tree, California

    Joshua Tree West Side Trail

    4.0
    3.22 mi / 302 ft gain
    Joshua Tree West Side Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Dunn Road

    15.55 mi / 994 ft gain
    Dunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    San Bernardino Peak

    3.0
    15.82 mi / 4911 ft gain
    The San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits.  If you choose to ...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

    16 mi / 4775 ft gain
    The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Catch a Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree NP

    5.0
    This is a great place to watch the sunset, perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and is well worth the 20-minute drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road. The views reach as far south as Salton Sea and on some clear days...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Inspiration Peak in Joshua Tree

    1.81 mi / 425 ft gain
    Most automobile-bound visitors to Joshua Tree make their way to Keys View, and why wouldn't they? It has some of the best views in the park and with it, some of the biggest, loudest crowds. Most don't realize that a short hike away is even *better* views and, if you're lucky, solitude, on top of ...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Cactus Spring Trail

    31.73 mi / 6407 ft gain
    Cactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • La Quinta, California

    Hike to Lake Cahuilla

    4.5
    5.41 mi / 183 ft gain
    From Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...
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  • La Quinta, California

    Boo Hoff Trail

    12.7 mi / 2323 ft gain
    Boo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.
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  • Big Bear Lake, California

    Knickerbocker Road & Pine Knot Trail

    5.0
    6.1 mi / 1007 ft gain
    Park at the free parking lot behind the village off Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles are challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheless....
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  • Big Bear Lake, California

    Grand View Point

    6.9 mi / 1312 ft gain
    Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Willow Hole Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

    6.8 mi / 341 ft gain
    The Willow Hole hike begins at Boy Scout trailhead and winds past and through the Wonderland of Rocks to a marshy stand of willows. The trail is flat, but with little shade so be sure to bring lots of water! As you leave the parking lot you'll enter an expansive stand of Joshua Trees that grows...
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  • Big Bear, California

    Alpine Pedal Path

    5.0
    5.08 mi / 292 ft gain
    Alpine Pedal Path is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Bear Lake, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike to Lost Horse Mine

    4.09 mi / 545 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Cap Rock Nature Trail

    3.0
    0.75 mi / 161 ft gain
    There are two Joshua Trees guarding the trail, which makes for a perfect photo op. There are some monzogranite rock formations (of which the park is famous for). Watch for bunnies and lizards! The trail is handicap accessible, so parents with young children in strollers or those in wheelchairs ca...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park

    0.75 mi
    Park at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 mi...
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