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
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Riverside County, California
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
4.41.03 mi / 164 ft gainTurn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. Af...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree
Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, t...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP
5.0The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Ryan Ranch
0.75 mi / 56 ft gainIf you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree
4.8Joshua Tree National Park is known for its world class rock climbing, out of this world landscapes, and some of the darkest skies around. Having a base camp inside of the park is incredibly important as it's quite massive and I found that Hidden Valley Campground is strategically placed smack dab...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree
4.5To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this clim...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Cougar Crest Trail
5.05.57 mi / 892 ft gainOn the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Tour Keys Desert Queen Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park flawlessly combines otherworldly landscapes, incredible recreational opportunities, and a colorful, wild-west history. Before it was a national park, Joshua Tree was home to cattle rustlers, gunslingers, miners, and rugged homesteaders. One of the most quirky characte...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock
5.00.5 mi / 200 ft gainPark your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and the...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree
The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting ...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hall of Horrors
0.75 mi / 95 ft gainA trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite loca...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Off-Road Jacoby Canyon
2.9 miThis is now my favorite trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ranging from desert scenes at the bottom and pine trees at the top, you experience such high levels of outdoors feel you can't resist. This trail has so many awesome spots for camping and off-roading that it has a great mix for ...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Explore Van Dusen Cabin
4.0This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike the Barker Dam
1.28 mi / 85 ft gainThe Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After ...Read more
