Southern California Desert Day Trips: Parks, Ghost Towns & Hidden Stops

Southern California Desert Adventures

Discover the beauty of California’s desert regions with these unique trip ideas. When people think of Southern California, they usually envision its stunning beaches, incredible amusement parks, and vibrant cities. Often overlooked by tourists, the desert regions of Southern California are home to two national parks, Death Valley and Joshua Tree, as well as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Visitors can explore ghost towns and historical sites and enjoy outdoor adventures. Explore Southern California’s desert destinations.

Shoshone California: Last Stop Before Death Valley

Shoshone, California, is a small desert town near the southern entrance of Death Valley National Park. It is situated along Highway 178 and was initially known as Metberry Spring. In 1909, the area was renamed Shoshone and used as a station stop on the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad. Shoshone is a popular stop for travelers going to or returning from Death Valley National Park. Nearby Dublin Gulch Caves are worth visiting when visiting Shoshone.

China Ranch Date Farm: Mojave Desert Hidden Gem

An oasis is hidden in a desert valley; the China Ranch Date Farm is off the beaten path and worth a side trip on your next journey across the Mojave Desert as you wander into this little palm-lined haven between Death Valley and the Dumont Dunes. A small shop sells date treats and souvenirs. Several hiking trails let visitors explore the area.

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Death Valley

The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns are a popular attraction in Death Valley but are located in a remote area. They were constructed in 1877 to supply charcoal to Lookout City’s mining operations in the Argus Mountain Range. Because of their location, the road to the kilns is usually closed in winter.

Tecopa Hot Springs: Hot Pools and Mud Baths

Hot Springs, a tranquil desert town just outside Death Valley National Park, is located approximately 90 minutes away from Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Las Vegas. The town’s main attractions include natural hot springs, mud baths, run-down resorts, and Death Valley. For the more adventurous day-trippers, there are a couple of natural hot pools on the outskirts of town.

Old Mojave Road 4-Wheel Drive Adventure Trip

The Old Mojave Road is a well-known route for off-road enthusiasts. It starts from the Colorado River and takes you through the Mojave National Preserve to Afton Canyon near Barstow, California. The road is steeped in history and has been used by Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and settlers. The Mojave Road is a popular adventure trip for groups of overlanders looking for a thrilling, memorable experience.

Burro Schmidt Tunnel Mojave Desert

Burro Schmidt was a determined man who spent 32 years digging through the rock to create a shortcut for transporting gold ore to the smelters near Mojave. Although he never found any gold ore, he completed his tunnel. To visit the tunnel, bring a flashlight and plenty of water. The trek through the tunnel takes about 30 minutes, and the ceiling is high enough that most people do not have to duck.

Explore Trona Pinnacles: Ancient Rock Formations in Kern County

Trona Pinnacles is about 20 miles east of Ridgecrest in northeastern Kern County. The terrain in this area looks like it’s straight out of a science fiction movie. The tufa pinnacles found at Trona Pinnacles have been used as filming locations for movies such as Star Trek. You can drive to the Pinnacles with two-wheel drive, but 4WD is recommended.

Saline Valley Hot Springs

Saline Valley Hot Springs offers a rugged experience but is worth the effort for those who enjoy soaking in hot mineral water pools. Volunteers have maintained the hot springs for years. Services are limited, paved roads are scarce, and cell phone reception is scarce in the area. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but some travel in 2WD vehicles.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is recognized as the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. The area, located in California, was named “Death Valley” by prospectors who crossed the valley on their way to the goldfields. However, only one recorded death occurred during the Rush. Plan to spend at least two to three days exploring the park because it’s so vast.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park and the second-largest in the United States, covering 600,000 acres. It accounts for one-fifth of San Diego County’s land and offers over 500 miles of roads to explore. Some routes require an off-road vehicle as they feature rocky climbs or deep sand, while others are paved.

Red Rock Canyon California State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park is situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert, covering nine square miles of badlands and exposed mudstone strata on both sides of California Highway 14. The park’s mysterious landscape resembles a distant planet, featuring scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and multi-colored rocky outcrops.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and covers almost 800,000 acres. More than half of this land has been designated as a wilderness area. The park includes two deserts, each with a unique ecosystem that varies by elevation. The Mojave Desert section is located at a higher elevation and is drier and cooler than the other section.

Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve is located in the heart of the Mojave Desert and was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act. It is a must for any outdoor enthusiast and a great way for the whole family to spend time outdoors.

Goffs Schoolhouse Museum Historic Route 66

The Mojave Desert Heritage Association is an intriguing museum that showcases the Mojave Desert’s fascinating history. It boasts an extensive collection of mining and railroad artifacts, antique automobiles, Route 66 memorabilia, and military exhibits. The museum comprises two main buildings: Goffs Schoolhouse and a replica of the historic Goffs Santa Fe Railway Depot. If you are traveling across the Mojave Desert, do not miss the chance to visit this exceptional museum.

Harvey House Railroad Depot Casa Del Desierto

The Harvey House Railroad Depot, also known as Casa Del Desierto, sits alongside the railroad tracks in Barstow, California. It was opened in 1911 as a Santa Fe train station and Harvey House. During your visit to the Harvey House Railroad Depot, you can witness the impressive sight of several colossal freight trains passing by, heading towards the Mojave Desert. Some of these trains are over a mile long, so it’s worth seeing!

Kelso Dunes & Depot Mojave Desert Trip

Kelso Dunes rise almost 700 feet from Southern California’s East Mojave Desert. These spectacular dunes are the remains of mountains long worn away. Winds created the dunes, blowing sand particles across the Mojave River sink. When you climb down the dunes, your shoes make a booming sound that delights children of all ages. Kelso Depot is only a few miles from the dunes and well worth a stop while in the area—Dunes website.

Borax Visitor Center Boron, California

The Borax Visitor Center is in the Mojave Desert in Boron, California. It is built on massive material extracted from the Borax mine pit. The center’s displays showcase the various uses of Borax. Visitors can also watch an exciting movie about the history of the Borax industry from the past to the present. Visitors can also enjoy a view of the massive open-pit mine where Borax is extracted—Visitor Center website..

Amboy Loop of Route 66 California

Consider taking a road trip along Route 66 and the Amboy Loop. This route features several points of interest, including Ludlow, California; Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark; Roy’s Motel and Cafe Amboy; the Guardian Lions of Amboy; and Essex, California. Amboy Crater National Landmark website.

National Old Trails Highway Road Trip

The National Trails Highway, situated west of Needles, California, was the primary route for travelers journeying from New Mexico to California. During our road trip, we will travel along this iconic highway, named after the coast-to-coast route that existed before Route 66, though only a few remnants remain today.

Palm Springs Day Trip: Hiking, Shopping, Museums & Desert Adventures