Other Desert Hikes Near the Inland Empire
You don’t have to go all the way into Joshua Tree every time. Several excellent desert preserves sit even closer or offer different landscapes.
Whitewater Preserve (north of Interstate 10 near the Whitewater exit) Managed by the Wildlands Conservancy, this area features a year-round river, cottonwoods, and canyon views of San Gorgonio. Popular options include the Canyon View Loop and the newer Tukut Trail. Cooler temperatures and running water make it a refreshing contrast to pure desert trails.
Coachella Valley Preserve / Thousand Palms Oasis Easy walks among dense groves of California fan palms that spring from fault-line water. Flat, family-friendly, and full of unique desert scenery.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Offer additional high-desert trails with rock formations, varied terrain, and quieter atmospheres.
These spots let you experience the desert’s beauty while staying firmly within easy reach of Riverside, San Bernardino, and surrounding cities. Many require no entrance fee and stay open year-round (always check current hours and conditions).