All Stories from Deserts

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  Oh Ryan

  Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains, hulking boulders, and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots.

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  Desert Dreams are Made of These CA National Parks

  Desert dreams are made of these two California national parks. Joshua Tree and Death Valley are both marvels for their natural formations, high ranking dark sky status, beautiful and unique blooms, and variety of animal life. Here are some of the best hikes to do in these parks.

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  Tramarama!

  Why do hikers, boulderers, and outdoor enthusiasts love the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? Because it quickly elevates them to the best terrain for adventures!

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  Caves in Mojave

  No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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  Calcite Mine Loop

  In the remote eastern section of the massive Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the 4.3-mile (round-trip, out-and-back) Calcite Mine route checks all the boxes for an Anza-Borrego highlight hike; and in the spring, adds a bonus blanket of wildflower blooms.

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  William Kenyon Overlook

  Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  Culp Valley Overlook

  The next time you plan on heading down the 3,000-foot grade to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, take a pit stop at the 2.25-mile (round-trip) Culp Valley Overlook Trail.

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  Au Natural

  Natural Bridge is a short, sweet canyon hike in Death Valley National Park with—you guessed it—a natural bridge formation that’s wholly unique for being, well, rough around the edges.

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  Lava Lava

  Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  Kelso Dunes

  The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

  It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  Rise and Shine Zabriskie Hike

  The sunrise at Zabriskie Point makes a grand entrance, with the light ascending slowly and washing over the golden badlands. It’s signature Death Valley. It’s also a great starting point for one of the Valley’s marquee hikes.

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  Starry Night & Dark Sky Adventures

  You don’t have to stay out all that late to experience eminent stargazing at Death Valley National Park. The park's been given the highest ranking of darkness by the International Dark-Sky Association. Here are a trio of amazing ways to witness the mesmerizing night sky at Death Valley:

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  Your Winter Wellness Retreat: La Quinta

  La Quinta is one of SoCal’s best-kept secrets, a land of wild open spaces, deep history, beautiful art, and all kinds of ways to relax and soak in the healing power of nature.

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  Noah's Art

  Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture is an outdoor museum near Joshua Tree National Park, with a mosaic of items transformed into works of art. Go on a self-guided tour to view over 30 assemblage sculptures.

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  Red Rock On

  With its vivid volcanic reds, folded sandstone whites, and mudstone browns, it’s hard to believe that Red Rock Canyon State Park is within the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. For highlights, wander the nearly 1-mile loop trail.

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  The Holey Spirit

  Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail serves up the best parts of the Mojave Desert, all in a 1.3-mile loop: vista views, rare geological features, and even a climb through a slot canyon.

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  Gem of a Vacation

  Backed by the Coachella Valley’s Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta’s vast wild spaces are steeped in history, with plenty of important historical sites amid its beautiful nature. Add in boutique hotels, spas, and great dining, and you’ve got one gem of a vacation.

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  Barrel of Fun

  Put a spring in your step and a barrel in your belly in Antelope Valley's Palmdale. Do a 2.75-mile hike on Barrel Springs Trail and enjoy a local winery that shares part of the nomenclature.

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  Take the Musical Road

  Drive the Musical Road—one of only a handful in the world—to connect two of Antelope Valley’s best parks, Prime Desert Woodland Preserve with its Joshua Trees and Apollo Community Regional Park.

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