Lake Cahuilla Veteran’s Regional Park is a sparkling gem in the Whitewater River Watershed, sitting at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. While this park offers recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking, the lake also serves as the starting point for the Coachella Valley IRONMAN triathlon.
The Coachella Valley IRONMAN competition is currently in its second year. In 2018, over 3,000 athletes and 6,000 spectators converged on Lake Cahuilla for an exciting day of entertainment.
This annual event calls those with extreme athletic prowess to test their stamina against other competitors. The contestants begin their journey with a 1.2 mile swim across Lake Cahuilla, then continue on bicycles for a 56 mile ride through the surrounding communities. Participants are then required to ditch their bikes and finish the race on foot for an additional 13 miles.
The international event draws onlookers and athletes from all over the world and has helped bring international attention to Lake Cahuilla.
In 2017, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to rename the park to Lake Cahuilla Veteran’s Regional Park, becoming the first park in the county to be dedicated to Veterans. Around the park, visitors can spot memorial plaques, military flags, and lighted pathways.
If you have not been to La Quinta to check out the Lake Cahuilla Veteran’s Regional Park, take advantage of the upcoming summer weather and enjoy a day (or two) lakeside.
