Hiking With T: Start the New Year Outdoors With a Hike on a New Trail at the Whitewater Preserve

There’s no better new year’s resolution than embarking on a fitness challenge and embracing the beauty that the Coachella Valley’s trails have to offer. With crisp winter air, dramatic desert landscapes and exciting new trails, January is the perfect time to lace up your hiking shoes and get outside.

Start the new year with a new adventure at the Whitewater Preserve: the Tukut Trail! Named after the Cahuilla word for “bobcat,” the Tukut Trail is the newest addition to the Whitewater Preserve, which spans more than 2,800 acres—nestled within the Sand to Snow National Monument—and is managed by the Wildlands Conservancy. This amazing and secluded trailhead offers seasonal overflow parking, shaded picnic tables and a dog-waste station. Although there are no restrooms located here, nor is there running water (you can find these elsewhere within the preserve), the trailhead is a perfect spot for a rest and a picnic following a day of adventure with your favorite hiking buddies, including fur babies—dogs are welcome here, but must be kept on-leash throughout the preserve.

At a moderate 3.5 to 4 miles, the Tukut Trail connects to the newly reopened Canyon View Loop. But it doesn’t stop there—it also intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, which travels through the Whitewater Preserve.

The Tukut Trail begins with a rocky ridge climb, consisting of switchbacks and an ascent of nearly 800 feet. The trail then plateaus and offers breathtaking scenic views of the mountainous San Jacinto and San Gorgonio wilderness regions, as well as the surrounding canyon vistas—with the rushing Whitewater River flowing below. The trail then descends with switchbacks into the riverbed, where you can follow your way back to the start with several water crossings. If you time it just right, you may catch a glimpse of the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep that often hang out in the area, along with bobcats and a variety of endangered birds such as the southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo. Wildflowers will most likely be blooming as well. I’ve already seen a few blooms popping up in this area recently—and if we get more rain, it could make for a colorful hiking adventure.

The preserve is located off Whitewater Canyon Road, about five miles north of Interstate 10 at the Whitewater exit. The Tukut Trail is on the left about a half-mile before reaching the Visitor Center, before the river crossing. The Tukut Trail sign clearly states that the gate closes at 4:30 p.m., but don’t chance it—be back at your car before dark. Also, the trail may close temporarily when conditions are unsafe or to protect wildlife; check ahead at wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater. As always, remember to pack out your trash; stay on designated paths; and observe wildlife from a respectable distance. Be safe; have the 10 Desert Hiking Essentials with you (www.desertmountains.org/hiking/#desert-essentials); and bring more water than you should need, at least one or two liters per hour. As a general rule, when my water gets to the halfway point, I turn around (or make sure that I’m to the halfway point on a loop trail).

Another great adventure at the Whitewater Preserve—and a hidden gem—is the Toutain Canyon and Waterfall hike. You can start this hike from the Tukut Trailhead (to save almost a half-mile) or from the main parking lot at the Whitewater Preserve. It’s a moderate 2.5 miles each way (5 miles round trip) and follows a stream through shaded cottonwood and sycamore groves before ending at a picturesque waterfall. From the Canyon Overlook Trail, you’ll follow the PCT south to a plateau at almost 900 feet in elevation, where you will then follow a gradual descent off-trail into Toutain Canyon to the waterfall. Expect multiple stream crossings and rugged terrain—hiking poles are recommended for all of these hikes.

There are no permits required to hike in the Whitewater Preserve—and parking is free.

One more note: January marks the beginning of coyote-mating season in the Coachella Valley. While sightings are common, hikers should exercise extra caution, as coyotes become more active and territorial during this time. Keep pets leashed (and close) at all times. Stay alert, and make noise to avoid surprise encounters. Coyotes play a vital role in the desert ecosystem; respecting their space ensures safety for both humans and wildlife.

Upcoming Events

• The Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Ruth Hardy Park, at 700 Tamarisk Road, in Palm Springs. This is one of Southern California’s largest health and wellness events, with a 5K and 10K (both USA Track and Field-certified), a 1K fun run for participants younger than 12, and a bike ride (not a race). Registration includes a shirt, a backpack, Townie Bagels, coffee, protein and fruit snacks, and finisher medals. Registration is not required to enjoy the free Wellness Festival, with booths providing giveaways, services and nationally recognized fitness experts showcasing the latest in nutrition and exercise techniques. There’s also a blood drive, a rock-climbing wall, aerial performers and more! This event benefits two outstanding local nonprofit organizations: Martha’s Village and Kitchen, and Palm Springs Frontrunners and Walkers. It will be fun for the entire family! See more detailed information and register at palmspringshealthrun.com.

The Palm Desert Half Marathon and 5K starts at 7 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 15 (though packet pickup and registration starts at 5:30 a.m., and also runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day before) at Civic Center Park, at 43900 San Pablo Ave., in Palm Desert: Come run/walk what’s billed as the valley’s only half marathon, plus a family-friendly 5K and a kids’ 1K race. It’s flat, fast and fun—perfect for runners looking to set a personal best. The half-marathon will kick off at 7 a.m., and the 5K will start at 7:30 a.m. The 1K run for kids up to 13 years old starts at 10 a.m. Half-marathon and 5K participants will receive a race shirt, a finisher’s medal and post-race food. The kids’ race participants will receive a finisher medal and post-race food. Register and learn more at www.palmdeserthalfmarathon.com.