Southern California Desert Day Trips

Coachella Valley Preserve is just a short, convenient, air-conditioned day trip from Palm Springs. Take a nice easy walk through a real oasis in the middle of the desert, or work up a sweat under the sweltering desert sun, and then retire for a cool drink in the shade of a gorgeous palm grove. No … [Read more...]

Burro Schmidt was a determined fellow and spent 32 years of his life burrowing through the rock to create a shortcut to bring gold ore to the smelters near Mojave. Burro never found any gold ore, but he did finish his tunnel. Schmidt was entered into "Ripley's Believe It or Not" as the "human … [Read more...]

Harmony Borax Works is a popular attraction in Death Valley National Park. The site contains the remains of the processing plant along with a few buildings that made up the mining camp of Harmony. Harmony Borax Works was only used to process borax between 1882 and 1888. Today the site is listed … [Read more...]

There are numerous arches in the Death Valley National Park, some big, most small. The most popular arch is Natural Bridge due to its easy access. Natural Bridge is just one of many remarkable attractions in Death Valley. Natural Bridge is made of sedimentary rock that has been carved out by the … [Read more...]

Palm Springs California offers many options for relaxation away from the big city, but few know about the Indian Canyon trails that offer a true break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you don’t have the time to visit nearby Joshua Tree National Monument Indian Canyons creeks and … [Read more...]

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway close to home than Tahquitz Canyon should be on your list. It is truly one of the crown jewels of southern California's early history. Situated just west of Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon is home to an idyllic desert environment just on … [Read more...]

Kelso Dunes rise almost 700 feet high out of Southern California's East Mojave desert. These spectacular dunes are the remains of mountains long worn away. Winds created the dunes as they blow sand particles across the Mojave river sink resulting in a 45-square mile sandbox. Kelso Dunes are also … [Read more...]

Once the home of the Whitewater Trout Farm and hatchery, the Whitewater Preserve in Palm Springs has become a sanctuary of the Southern California Wildlands Conservancy. Abutting the San Gorgonio Wilderness, and part of the 33,000 acre Sand to Snow Preserve System, it is a great place to visit … [Read more...]

Integratron is a hidden gem in the desert near Yucca Valley California. It’s not much to look at from the outside, but inside it is something out of this world that provides visitors a far-out vibe. Constructed by NASA physicist George Van Tassel, who said aliens supplied him with instructions to … [Read more...]

Salt Creek Boardwalk is a must-see for visitors to Death Valley National Park. The entire Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is on a raised wooden boardwalk. The entire Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is on a raised wooden boardwalk. This makes for easy hiking and protects this sensitive area of Death … [Read more...]

If you are a film and television buff, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is the perfect day trip for you. When you are driving along the 14 freeway, most travelers pass by without knowing the history and beauty just a quick exit away. The Vasquez rocks area has always been a popular backdrop for … [Read more...]

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Day Trip From Bishop. Located in the White Mountains within the borders of the Inyo National Forest. Bristlecone Pine Forest is about an hour's drive uphill from Bishop, California. At an elevation that ranges between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, the forest boasts … [Read more...]

Twentynine Palms is situated at the Northern entrance of Joshua National Park. Many travelers pass through town without giving this sleepy desert oasis a second thought. Most of the town's revenue is from the nearby 29 palms marine base and tourists heading to Joshua Park for a day. Twentynine … [Read more...]