Top Things to do in California Desert
Top Hotels in California Desert
- 1. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 2. Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel
- 3. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
- 4. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 5. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
- 6. Best Western Plus Frontier Motel
- 7. Palm Springs Rendezvous
- 8. Caliente Tropics Resort
- 9. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- 10. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
Top 10 Geologic Formations in California Desert, California Desert
Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Boulder Gardens, Banana Cracks Rock, Kelso Dunes, Painted Gorge, San Andreas Fault, Fossil Falls, Giant Rock, Banshee Canyon, Hauser Geode Beds, Mystic Maze.
Restaurants in California Desert
1. Boulder Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Boulder Gardens is a unique place on 640 acres of pristine massive desert boulder and Joshua tree landscape. The Cosmic Castle is one of its unusual small structures situated upon this magical land. It sits upon a massive boulder with an ancient pinion pine on its doorstep. The Castle has been fabricated using earth materials on the interior walls, which are painted in a landscape mural look.
Reviewed By Lynda816 - Edmonton, Canada
We went to Boulder Gardens after a guided hike at Pioneertown Preserve. You do travel about 5 miles of sand roads to get there, but they are in decent shape. The people are so welcoming and the Cosmic Castle is so cool - exactly as the previous reviewer described it. We found a shady spot and ate our lunch - so peaceful. Then we went exploring - we actually found a "grotto" - so much fun! The views are superb. The grounds are well maintained. Beautiful and highy recommended!
2. Banana Cracks Rock
3. Kelso Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
One of the areas in California where one can view the unique aspects of sand dunes.
Reviewed By AirForceTraveler - Charleston, United States
This is a place for kids of all ages and adults too. Run, play, climb and slide - the sand is loose and a chore to walk in let alone to climb in but its just so dang fun!! Climbing to the top and listening to the sand sing as you scoot, slide, and roll down the sand is a one of a kind adventure. Choose a dune and go! Please be prepared. Plenty of water, good sports or hiking shoes/boots, jacket, sunscreen, hat, something to cover the face like a barclava or bandana to keep out the sand, glasses/goggles again to keep out the sand, comfortable clothing - highly recommend spandex sports/exercise clothing to allow for heat exchange and prevent sand from getting into those places where sand does not belong. The sand is a fine powedery material, not like the beach. The wind blows continuous as you approach the tops hence the formation of dunes. The two mountain ranges and the dunes themselves are a site to behold. Take a camera that can tolerate sand or have a good protective cover. We use a fujifilm water camera which does great. There is 6+ miles of round trip to the top of one dune, out-house style bathrooms at the parking area of the main entrance, no path per say just footsteps towards the dunes. Choose one and start walking. The view is amazing, the walk is intense with the loose sand, but the effort pays off. A must see, must do activity. Only expense is fuel. No entrance fees (a rare offer) and excellent sites to and from the dunes in any/all directions. Plan a day of 6+ hours to enjoy. Take plenty of water on the hike and leave some in a cooler when you return to the vehicle. We took 1 L each and that was good for us but we hydrated well before and after the hike and it was early April so it was cool. Take extra clothes so you can remove stuff to leave the sand in the Mohave. Spandex is best since it prevents most sand from getting to the skin and it is easy to remove and shake out. Eat before you go, take quality snacks for energy and protein, and be prepared to be hungry when you leave. An easy drive from Las Vegas with interstate most of the way. Just a short distance off any interstate in the area. The flowers are colorful and the Joshua trees are enormous.
4. Painted Gorge
5. San Andreas Fault
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By JimF7988 - Chesterfield, United States
Was expecting this to be a drive by a crack in the ground but it was staggering. Our guide, Craig, showed us an amazing geological tour of the site and was full of factual information. Highly recommend this tour...ask for Craig.
6. Fossil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
We finally decided to stop here on our way back from our Labor Day trip. What an awesome attraction. This is amazing. Now, to be clear, I'm an amateur rock hound and will stop at local geology attractions pretty well anywhere. If you're into geology, a rock hound, or someone just fascinated by what volcanic activity can do, this is a stop for you. If you've ever visited a slot canyon, such as Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Utah, this is similar except you'll be on the top of the canyon, not inside it. You'll be standing on huge masses of pumice and ancient lava flows, looking down into the canyon. it's an impressive sight. A couple of logistical items: 1. If you visit during summer, expect the temperature to be well into the 90's. All that black pumice and lava makes for a very hot area. Bring water and make sure to drink it. 2. Camera. As you take the trail to the canyon, turn around to the north and you'll see a large cinder cone. It'll stick out as it's also a dusky red color. It makes for some great pictures. There's also huge blocks of lava, just make sure to put someone next to it for scale. 3. Be careful. Make sure to have good shoes and take your time. The trail is rocky and, while not dangerous, you should pay attention to where you walk. A fall will hurt with this material. Restrooms are standard vault toilets. My elder son found it fascinating as he's also into rock climbing. He spent a lot of time right along the edge evaluating the descent and the technical difficulty level. He wasn't planning on going down as he didn't have his gear and I'm not trained to assist him. This is an attraction that you should take an hour and make the stop. It is impressive.
7. Giant Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By BOOYAA714 - Pago Pago, American Samoa
Cleaning out the garage and found these old photos we took a few days after Giant Rock Split. It’s a shame people rushed to destroy it with oil and paint.
8. Banshee Canyon
9. Hauser Geode Beds
10. Mystic Maze
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Earth formation believed to be of significance to Mojave Indian warriors.
Reviewed By chasclever
I have been to the "Mystic Maze" many times, and laugh! It was an old timer who also laughed while explaining the so-called mystery. No, it was not Indians or space men who carved the groves in the terrain, look for yourselves. Like all roads lead to Rome, all the groves lead down a wash where the "new" Topock bridges were being built. Using mules to pull Fresnos" and srcape surface rock to build a road into the river for pile drivers. Under rhe Arizona side you can still see pilings used as a temporary bridge as concrete footings were poured. Yes, the mystery is a myth, but it is fun to believe they are Indian running groves, but examine for yourselves. Groves terminate where scrapingd from another ridge form new paths, carrying surface rock, and used in bridge construction.
