The Borax Visitor Center, nestled in the Mojave Desert in Boron, California, offers a unique experience. Perched atop a vast heap of material extracted from the borax mine pit, it provides awe-inspiring views of the Rio Tinto Borax processing plant and the largest open-pit mine in California. The … [Read more...]
Southern California Desert Day Trips
Explore California's Desert Regions
Day Trip: Indian Canyons: A Scenic Gem in Palm Springs
Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, California, is a scenic and historically rich area located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are three canyons to explore, and each offers a unique experience. All three areas are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Each has its degree of … [Read more...]
Day Trip: Discover the Wonders of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park and the second-largest in the United States, is a sprawling 600,000-acre wonderland. Nestled in the southeastern corner of California, it spans three counties: San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside. While a day trip is possible, the unique … [Read more...]
How To Explore Death Valley National Park In One Day
Death Valley National Park is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest point in the United States. It is best to visit in the winter or spring when temperatures are more moderate. It is possible to see the park in one day, which most visitors do, yes it is. However, exploring this wonderful national … [Read more...]
Discover Relaxing Tecopa Hot Springs Near Death Valley
Tecopa is a sleepy little desert town located in southeastern California. Tecopa is situated along The Old Spanish Trail, a trade route that connected Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Los Angeles. Tecopa was a rest stop for wagon trains traveling along the to California. In the early 20th century, the … [Read more...]
Day Trip: Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Death Valley National Park
The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns are a remote historical site in Death Valley National Park. These ten beehive-shaped masonry structures are a testament to the region's mining history and were constructed in 1877 by the Modock Consolidated Mining Company. They were used to produce charcoal for the mining … [Read more...]
Moorten Botanical Gardens: Palm Springs Hidden Gem
Moorten Botanical Gardens, a hidden gem in Palm Springs, offers a unique and captivating experience for desert flora enthusiasts. Founded in 1938 by Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, and now lovingly maintained by their son, Clark Moorten, the gardens are a testament to their … [Read more...]
Explore the History of Goffs Schoolhouse in the Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert Heritage Association is a captivating museum that displays the rich history of the Mojave Desert. It boasts an extensive collection of mining and railroad artifacts, vintage automobiles, Route 66 memorabilia, and military exhibits. The museum comprises two main buildings: Goffs … [Read more...]
China Ranch Date Farm: Discover a Hidden Desert Wonderland
The China Ranch Date Farm is not your typical farm; it's a hidden oasis in a desert valley. This secret treasure, off the beaten path, is a must-visit on your next adventure through the Mojave Desert. As you step into this palm-fringed sanctuary, a stark contrast to the arid surroundings, you'll be … [Read more...]
Death Valley Junction: A Ghost Town With an Opera House
Death Valley Junction started as a water stop along the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, which operated from 1907 until 1940. In 1914, a 20-mile side spur was constructed from Death Valley Junction to the mines at Ryan, near Death Valley; the line operated until 1928 and carried Borax to the mill at … [Read more...]
Exploring the Owens Valley Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns
The Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns are seven miles north of the ranching town of Cartago in the Owens Valley of California. A graded dirt road off Highway 395 leads to the kilns. Any vehicle can make this side trip as long as you are careful. From the turnout on Highway 395, the kilns are approximately … [Read more...]
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Day Trip From Palm Springs
Cabot's Pueblo Museum is one of Southern California's most unique buildings. It all started with one man’s dream. He was an extraordinary individual who worked hard and traveled to many places.He wanted the desert to be a wonderful place for his family and everyone to live, to build an area rich … [Read more...]
Randsburg California Ghost Town Day Trip Points of Interest
Randsburg is located just off Highway 395 in eastern Kern County, known as the Rand Area. At an elevation of 3,500 feet, the Living Ghost Town of Randsburg transports travelers back to California's early gold mining days. Randsburg once housed nearly 3,000 miners and their families. When gold was … [Read more...]
Old Mojave Road 4-Wheel Drive Adventure Trip
The Old Mojave Road takes off-road adventurers from the Colorado River through the Mojave National Preserve to Afton Canyon near Barstow, California. This historic route has been used by native Indians, Spanish explorers, and settlers. Today, the Mojave Road is a popular adventure trip for groups of … [Read more...]
Day Trip to Burro Schmidt Tunnel Mojave Desert
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...]