Whitewater Preserve

Where do we stay in Palm Desert so we can do the medical stuff I require?  Not motels, hotels or fancy trailer parks.  Nope, we often park in the Kaiser parking lot, with their permission, so the doctors and treatments are within walking distance.  Other times we camp at Whitewater Preserve, Lake Coahuila, Pioneer Town, Chiraco Summit, Black Rock, Salton Sea, and Anza Borrego.  We kinda sleep around.

One of our favorite spots is Whitewater Preserve.  A private preserve, just 20 minutes from Palm Springs.   The land was purchased by Wildlands Conservancy along with Friends of the Desert Mountains and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. This preserve is doing a wonderful job of protecting and restoring these 291 acres, once the historic Whitewater Trout Hatchery.  Visiting Whitewater is free.  Plus one can camp  three nights free each month.  The camping is limited to vans and tents, and is next to ponds and a lovely picnic area.  The trails for hiking are wonderful and nearby.  The Pacific Crest Trail is a stone’s throw from the Visitor’s Center, picnic area, ponds and camping.  This entire area is critical habitat for the desert bighorn sheep and the federally endangered least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher.

Hikers and inspiration seekers flock to this environmental delight, so near, yet so far from the heavily populated Palm Springs, and surrounding towns.  It’s nice to note, all of the Wildlands Conservancy’s preserves are operated solely from private funding.  I definitely dipped into my wallet for a contribution.  How can one not support a program dedicated to the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and to provide programs so that children may know the joy and inspiration of nature?

And the cream topping on this delicious vanilla, strawberry and chocolate banana split was a visit from Leslie, a fellow traveler, who has become a friend. She, and her husband, Al, own a vehicle exactly like ours — Westie Sprinter.  She lives on the east coast but was visiting the west coast over the holidays, so we were able to meet up.

I highly recommend a visit to this preserve if ever you find yourself wanting solitude, peace, quiet and beauty while in the Palm Springs area.


                                              

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Cherish sunsets, wild creatures and wild places.  

Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth.

Stewart Udall