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...]
Southern California Desert Day Trips
Explore California's Desert Regions
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...]
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 Salvation Mountain A Beautiful Tribute to Folk Art
There's Mt. Sinai, and then there's Salvation Mountain. On the barren badlands east of San Diego, a 30-foot high, 100-foot vast concrete and adobe mountain is covered in religious slogans and over 150,000 gallons of lavish multi-colored acrylic paint.Located near the salty shores of the Salton … [Read more...]
Twentynine Palms: A Thriving Artist Colony in the Mojave Desert
Twentynine Palms is located at the northern entrance of Joshua National Park. Despite being a sleepy desert oasis, many travelers pass through the town without realizing its potential. Most of the town's revenue comes from the nearby 29 Palms Marine Base and tourists visiting Joshua Park for a … [Read more...]
Explore Gubler Orchid Farm in the Hi-Desert: Free Tours
This orchid farm in California's high desert is an unbelievable location for a flower garden. Few could have imagined that the delicate and exotic orchid plant would thrive in the harsh desert environment.Yes, you can purchase orchids here. The range of varieties and colors available is … [Read more...]
Titus Canyon Off Road Trip to Death Valley
There are two ways to enter Titus Canyon in Death Valley National Park. The easy way is to park at the west entrance and walk in. The fun route is to drive in from Nevada Highway 374. The 27-mile trip starts near the Nevada town of Beatty and climbs to 5,000 feet before winding down to lower Titus … [Read more...]
Cactus Mart Morongo Valley Dig Your Cactus
Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley is a must-visit for anyone headed to Joshua Tree National Park. With a tremendous selection of cacti and helpful staff to guide you to the right plants, it's a great stop on your trip.Along with a vast selection of cacti, Cactus Mart features succulents, cacti, … [Read more...]
National Old Trails Highway Road Trip
National Trails Highway, located just west of Needles, California, was once the main route for travelers from New Mexico to California.Our road trip takes us along the iconic National Trails Highway named after the coast-to-coast highway predating Route 66, but today, only a few ghostly shadows … [Read more...]
The Crochet Museum: An Unexpected Stop in Joshua Tree
The World Famous Crochet Museum is a fascinating roadside attraction behind the Joshua Tree Saloon. The Crochet Museum is in a small artist colony, including Soul Connection, Art Queen Gallery, Space Cowboy Books, a ceramic shop, and a glass blower. If you visit Joshua Tree National Park, it's worth … [Read more...]
Red Rock Canyon California State Park Day Trip
Red Rock Canyon State Park spans nine square miles of badlands and exposed mudstone strata on both sides of California Highway 14 in the middle of the Mojave Desert, resembling a mysterious landscape of a distant planet.Featuring scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and multi-colored rocky outcrops, … [Read more...]