Desert Parks in Southern California – But do you realize it’s the home of some of the most beautiful Deserts & Towns in the southwest? Let’s explore Ten remarkable desert area parks in Southern California now.
The state of California has ten best desert national parks USA and towns in the deserts of Southern California, and I’ve been to them many times.
I cannot even begin to think of the number of times I’ve been in the deserts, amazed by their diverse but equally breathtaking scenery.
If you decide to give them a shot, I’m sure that you’ll be feeling the same. Find out about the most breathtaking Desert Parks in Southern California landscapes discovered surprisingly within Southern California.
Table of Contents
10 Unforgettable Desert Region Parks & Towns in Southern California
Here are the Top 10 Desert Parks in Southern California.
10. Joshua Tree National Park
I’ve said it to you and will hear it once more. I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Joshua Tree National Desert Parks in Southern California is one of my top destinations across the globe. Like no other place I’ve visited, this unique vegetation and peculiar geology could take the visitor to another dimension.
It’s a place that you’ll never forget. This park is fantastic because, within its 12-35 sq miles of land, Joshua Tree National Park is residence to not just two different desert areas: The Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
If you are a committed visitor, you can traverse Joshua Tree hiking trails in two deserts on the same day. The distinct differences between these two deserts in california are significant. The Mojave part is surrounded by huge, bulbous mountains, rocks, and the park’s name – the Joshua Tree.
The elevated, lean Joshua Tree is more of a yucca plant than a tree. This park zone is located in the north and is where most camping in the California desert parks and hiking are discovered as it is the best desert region parks in southern California for camping in the desert. The Colorado portion is flatter and hotter. It is also drier and filled with various cacti types, including barrels and the cholla.
It is the Colorado Desert covers the southern part of the park, and while some people do not bother the drive that much back, I’m here to admit that this is a huge mistake. The breathtaking views feature cactus-filled gardens set against an emerald-colored mountain backdrop.
If you’re looking for the ideal Joshua Tree itinerary, I’ve written a long blog that will explain exactly how you should make the most of your visit (as well as tips, maps as well as a PDF copy of the itinerary because cell phone reception within the park is quite restricted! ).
Though the desert parks are not listed in any specific order of their own, Joshua Tree is one of my top picks in Southern California. Starting from Los Angeles, it will take about 2.5 hours to get to the park via car, based on the departure location.
Also Read Disney Refillable Popcorn Bucket
9. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is most likely the first California city that pops into your thoughts when you think about the desert near la escapes. Just 2 hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a well-loved weekend getaway spot away from L.A and a desert los angeles.
Tourists come here to rest in the stunning midcentury-modern homes for vacation. Enjoy the views from the Aerial Cable Car to Mt. San Jacinto, and enjoy some of the trails within Palm Springs when the weather is milder in winter.
Golf is yet another attraction to Palm Springs. Suppose you’re looking for the thrill of playing on a stunning green golf course between a vast mountainous desert. In that case, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to play it here!
8. Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in the tiny city of Cantil, California, roughly 3-4 hours to the north of L.A.Seriously, how come no Californians even know about the park? It is always empty whenever I go there!
The canyon is situated inside the Mojave Desert region (not to be confused with the Mojave National Preserve below). It is a desert park that provides amazing and intriguing visuals. As you travel along the highway, impressive white, orange, and red rock formations can be seen across the road.
The views become more impressive the more you travel deeper into the park. I believe the scenery here resembles the desert landscapes in southwest Arizona or Utah.
Red Rock Canyon hiking and desert camping are hard to rival.
With no crowds, dazzling images, and peaceful surroundings, You’ll feel as if you’re far away from bustling Los Angeles. There are some scattered Joshua Trees scattered a bit north of the towering rocks; however, the scenery here is entirely different from the other area in the Mojave Desert.
7. Yucca Valley
Another amazing Coachella Valley desert town worth visiting can be found in Yucca Valley, located close to the western border of Joshua Tree National Desert Parks in Southern California, the Black Rock area, which features some more tranquil hiking trails as well as campsites that aren’t part of the park’s main area.
This charming, small town in the desert of San Bernardino County also has many more things to offer than its closeness to the National Park. Yucca Valley is an artsy area full of creative ideas.
Look at the geoglyphs on Black Mesa created by Andrew Rogers and wander around the art galleries in downtown Yucca Valley and discover something special to keep for yourself.
To know details about the environment around you, visit The Hi-Desert Nature Museum, which teaches you about the fauna and flora of the desert.
6. Death Valley National Park
The third and most well-known of Southern California deserts region parks is Death Valley National Park, situated in the eastern part of the state. Death Valley is the most superheated and driest national park. It’s also the biggest park in the United States outside of Alaska. It is truly amazing.
Badwater Basin, pictured above, is one of the most tepid points in North America. The basin is an astonishing 228 feet (86 meters) lower than sea levels.
In the past, I’ve experienced more than 115 degrees temperatures while driving the long route that leads towards Badwater Basin and Furnace Creek. In addition, I’ve visited following record rainfalls throughout Southern California and experienced a breathtaking view of Death Valley. You can see a range of weather conditions here.
Whatever the time of year, there’s plenty to explore. The park is situated in the Mojave Desert’s northern region and near the Great Basin Desert. The majority of the area of Death Valley occupies California. However, small portions spill across the Nevada border.
Although I wouldn’t suggest going on a hike during the summer heat months, there are plenty of beautiful trails in this park that are well worth taking the trek and best desert camping in california. Death Valley National Park is home to five distinct areas of sandy desert. And while hiking on the sandy mountain peaks may not be as stunning as walking through the Arabian Desert, they are nevertheless stunning.
5. Twentynine Palms
Another popular desert town near Joshua Tree National Park is Twentynine Palms, located near the park’s northern entrance.
Twentynine Palms is also an ideal destination for those who want to observe the stars in the California desert because there’s an observatory that hosts night-time star evenings for amateur astronomers!
It’s an ideal spot to start your Joshua Tree adventure if you prefer to stay in luxury accommodation instead of camping for the night.
4. Mojave National Preserve
The equally sprawling Mojave National Preserve covers 1.6 million acres of desert. Of all the Desert Parks in Southern California, it isn’t given the attention it deserves. Three out of four main deserts of North America are found within the park’s borders. They are it includes the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts it is the best desert camping spot in california .
While you’ll see certain typical Mojave Desert landscapes, You will encounter amazing mountains, dry riverbeds and dunes made of sand. Kelso Dunes is a large sandy desert perfect for hikes during the colder months. The dunes’ vastness is perfect for watching the sunset.
Mojave National Preserve is rugged. Staff and park rangers are scarce and hard to find. It is hard to get cell reception. Other park visitors can be difficult to find. Make sure you make a plan ahead for any desert hikes that you are planning to take on.
The park is about 3-4 hours away from Los Angeles. Joshua Trees are plentiful, and snakes and lizards are always close by.
3. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Not to be missed last but not least is The Anza Borrego Desert, State Park. It is located just 2 hours to the east of San Diego. This park is distinctive, situated between badlands and mountains, creating breathtaking geology.
Earthquakes, floods and erosion have caused a lot to the terrain, and the results are stunning. The landscape you see on any hike in Anza Borrego will please the visitor! The trail winds between narrow canyons.
Some are so narrow that it’s impossible to fit an entire backpack in. But tripping over them is part of the excitement!
The majority of the area of Anza Borrego is primitive and can’t be reached without a four-wheel-drive vehicle and it is best for fall camping in California. The park provides tours with Jeeps in some of the lesser-traveled areas that take visitors to tranquil and unspoiled areas of the desert area of the park.
Like Joshua Tree National Park, Anza Borrego Desert State Park can be a paradise for stargazers. It is far from the city’s bright lights and is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. There are also stargazing excursions available.
2. Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is a huge ghost town located on Route 66 and was a bustling town in the heyday of silver mining.
It’s now been transformed into a county Desert Parks in Southern California to keep its historic value intact. An $8 admission fee goes to its future preservation.
While it’s not officially the town of no one, commerce is extremely active in Calico. It has an operating restaurant and saloon and a variety of shops!
Also read Famous Landmarks in Nashville
1. Barstow
An additional Route 66 town in the Mojave Desert. Barstow is a wonderful destination for the desert road trip to Las Vegas — or to have a trip of its own!
It is home to its Mother Road Museum, a 50’s-themed restaurant, an outdoor/indoor railroad museum, and Liberty Sculpture Park. Liberty Sculpture Park, among other things to do.
Top 3 California Desert Tours
1. Joshua Tree National Park tour Discover the Desert Parks in Southern California’s national nature in the convenience of a comfortable air-conditioned van.
2. Palm Springs Legends and Icons tour – Visit the mansions of “Little Hollywood in the deserts in southern california. Then step back into the golden age of Hollywood and visit the secluded hideaway that was the home of The Rat Pack.
3. Earthquake Canyon downhill bicycle Experience Cycle through the desert and enjoy the amazing views on this breathtaking adventure.
FAQ On Desert Region Parks & Towns in Southern California
What are the three major deserts of California?
The deserts of California are home to a variety of natural elements. The three distinct deserts of California are the Mojave Desert, The Colorado Desert, and the Great Basin Desert. Each dessert has unusual attributes that distinguish them from other desserts worldwide.
What is the California desert?
The Mojave Desert is a dry region of southern California and parts of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, the U.S. It is named after Mojave, a name given to the Mojave people.
What is California the largest desert?
Mojave Desert
Is Death Valley a desert?
Death Valley is a desert land in Eastern California, in the northern Mojave Desert, touching the Great Basin Desert. In summer, it’s the hottest spot on Earth. The Death Valley’s Badwater Basin is the point with the lowest height in North America, at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level.
What is the aridest area of deserts within the U.S.?
The Great Basin Desert is the most extensive desert area in North America. Furthermore, it is one of the most northern, wrapping the entirety of Nevada.
