Desert Trips

Desert visitation in California has increased more than 600 percent since 1958 and with good reason. The stereotype of the desert as a flat wasteland is fading as many visitors realize the desert can provide tranquility and beautiful scenery, as well as opportunities for photography, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife observation.

The best times to visit the desert are during the cooler times of spring or fall. There is a variety of interesting day trips you can make, but be sure you take along several quarts of water. Sunglasses are also essential. Desert weather is unpredictable, and it can rain at any time. If you plan on any overnight camping, bring along warm clothing—the desert gets cold at night, even in the summer.

Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms View map
760-367-5500

Joshua Tree National Park was created in 1936 to preserve a large and pristine area between California's Mojave and Colorado desert regions. Named for its many beautiful Joshua trees (a spiny, cactus-like tree), the park includes about 850 square miles of desert. The landscape has often been used as the backdrop for Westerns. This popular area is a favorite of visitors from outside the United States and the eastern U.S. who want to really "experience" the desert.

There is enough to see and do in this one spot to keep most adventurers busy during many visits. To get to Joshua Tree National Park, take the I-10 East from Redlands, toward Palm Springs. Shortly after the Palm Springs turnoff, you'll see the turnoff for Highway 62 heading north. Take the 62, and you'll come up to the entrance to the park. Visitors can stop in Twentynine Palms and at the Visitors Center where you can get information about other trips and activities. The trip is about 90 minutes from Redlands.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is the "California Dream" in real life--warm weather, stunning scenery, beautiful resorts and hotels, luxurious shops, and great food. Many people spend their winter in Palm Springs to take advantage of the mild climate and escape the East's cold weather.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the best place for an overview of the desert. The ascent of 2.5 miles takes you up to over 8,500 feet in about 14 minutes. On clear days (the norm) you can see for 75 miles. The cost is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 5-12. Call 619-325-1391 for operating hours. The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce (619-325-1577) can help with hotel reservations and additional information.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs View map
760 767-5311

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is situated about 80 miles east of San Diego and is an expansive area with numerous marked hiking trails, historic sites, and good camping spots.

There are a variety of entrance points to the park. From Redlands, take the I-10 West to the 215 South. Take the Junction 60/215 south toward San Diego. The junction is easy to miss so watch for it. The 215 will join the 15 near Murrieta Hot Springs. When you get to Escondido, take the 78 freeway east and follow it to Yaqui Pass Road. Yaqui Pass Road turns into Borrego Valley Road. Make a left on Palm Canyon Drive, where you'll see the Anza-Borrego Visitors Center.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579, Death Valley View map
760 786-3200

Death Valley is in the midst of the Mojave Desert, and it provides some of the most spectacular desert scenery anywhere. There is a stunning range of features in the area: 14 square miles of sand dunes, more than 1,000 species of plants and trees (21 of which are unique to Death Valley), and hills and canyons of many colors.

To get there, take the I-10 West to the 15 North toward Barstow. In Baker, take the 127 North for about 50 miles; it will take you directly into the Death Valley area. Please practice extreme caution when traveling to Death Valley during the summer; the highest temperature recorded in the shade is 134 degrees.

Las Vegas

For information about visiting Las Vegas, contact the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; 702-735-1616.

To reach Las Vegas, take I-10 West to the 215 North, which turns into the 15 North. Take the 15 into Vegas; signs will direct you to the strip.