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
Countries
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in California Desert That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Oswit Canyon, South Lykken Trail, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Coachella Valley Preserve, Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Trona Pinnacles, Amargosa River Project, Homestead Valley Park and Recreation, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Picacho State Recreation Area.
Restaurants in California Desert
1. Oswit Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By jodycJ4660DM
Incredible! There is an ancient Grape vine and even frogs. A bit challenging to get to. Follow the yellow dots.
2. South Lykken Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
The creosote bush is one of the interesting desert plants to find as you explore this part of the California desert.
Reviewed By dellesol - Cumberland, Canada
A few days ago we hiked up this trail for the first part, which is an area with stunning views of the Indian Canyon valley! It was far too hot (82+) and we were not prepared (running shoes, no poles and not enough water. Today we managed to go well past that to the area that connects to desert riders park. Keep right to have this shortened version of a spectacular hike! This version will have to walk about a mile through the neighborhood just FYI. This is a moderate to difficult hike. Bring your poles, lots of water and some snacks, and good hiking boots that support your ankles. There are many rocks during parts of the trail so hi top hiking boots are worth bringing (plus good socks of course). For the view you make also run into some iguana like animals, geckos and hares. Amazing. Depending on your physical ability, it can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Amazing views and worth the drive. Bring your phone or camera as the pictures are stunning.
3. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Tucked among the Little San Bernardino Mountains, this desert reserve is one of the largest of its kind in California.
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Peaceful and scenic are the words to describe Big Morongo Canyon Preserve! Located in Morongo Canyon near Joshua Tree National Park and Yucca Valley California,Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers hiking trails,bird viewing,wild life observing and the opportunity to get away and be surrounded by a beautiful environment! There is a convenient parking area for cars,trucks,campers,motorcycles,RV's and bicycles along with a helpful staffed information kiosk that offers great information about the Preserve and a free map of the area! There are some piknik tables to enjoy a meal or snack before or after your adventure! This is a great place if one is looking for a scenic adventure into nature! . . . . #bigmorongocanyonpreserve #hiking #trails # mountainbikes #preserve #californiatrails #ilikehiking #birding #ilovetocamp #rv #motorcycles #backpacking #nature #yuccavalley #morongovalley #morongocanyon #godisgood #waynesalvatti #seetheusa #goclimbarock #photografxworldwide
4. Coachella Valley Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.
Reviewed By JudyP1614
Come see how Palm Springs was named! My husband and I took an easy, leisurely walk with some friends through this preserve and were treated to sun, desert, gorgeous flowers following a recent rain, palm trees surrounding an oasis! A docent welcomed us to the trails and explained this particular area had more ecological diversity than most any other in the area! Another docent further up the trail explained the amazing array of flowers often not present. We extended our 2 mile loop an additional stretch to catch more wild flowers. It was well worth it. Although I have lived in the Inland Empire area for ten years this was my first time to savor the beauty of the springs. Wow! Nature gave us a spectacular morning! The whole experience was picturesque, pristine (not one piece of trash anywhere to be seen) with sand, water, palm trees and snow capped mountains in the distance. The beauty of this spot cannot be fully captured without feet in the sand and eyes to the sky. Thanks for an unforgettable preserve!
5. Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
This scenic desert area is good for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Reviewed By R4982MLchrisk
This was a great stop and easy to get to. From the Baymont Hotel, Barstow, take a left on Main St, another left on N 1st St and another left on Irwin Rd. It's about 8 miles. Drive 3 miles on a dirt, washboard road and then take a right into Rainbow Basin. It's very easy to get to and well marked. Once in the Basin, you will wander through a 5 mile dirt road through the formations. The road is good, any can can make it. The formations were so beautiful. Different colors and shapes. I went at sunset and the lighting made it interesting. Definitely a good stop of an hour or two.
6. Trona Pinnacles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By alisaj_12 - Santa Clarita, United States
We made the stop at the Pinnacles en route to Death Valley. The 5 mile drive in from the main road is easy, even for a family sedan; My Mazda SUV did just fine on the road and climbing around the pinnacles. This is a fascinating area. Dispersed camping, and OHV riding are permitted. There is a bathroom facility. Nearby, the train tracks hold old train cars, available for the young and agile to climb on. I imagine sunrise and sunset is amazing here and the night sky must be unmatched. We were here mid-day, pictures were still pretty good. This is a filming location for Star Trek and probably many others...The town of Trona offers very little. We did fill our tank with gas and the small store had a very nice mineral display (pink Halite). Gas was fairly reasonable, certainly less than you will find in D.V. The road to D.V. from here hits some real elevation so be aware of weather conditions in winter, and enjoy the view...very beautiful!
7. Amargosa River Project
8. Homestead Valley Park and Recreation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This is the Homestead Valley Park and Recreation. There were trees (Desert) and rocks. There were plenty cacti There is a shelter There basketballs. all ready to do sports
9. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By C7480IPchristophert - Fort Mohave, United States
You'll find some interesting things if you just take the time to take a few off the beaten path roads... Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a whole lotta water in the desert and "Catfish Landing" is just a nice place to rest. Nestled just south of Interstate 40 in Arizona just before the California State line and along the Colorado River. People say there is some good fishing here.
10. Picacho State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By 786dianeg - Yuma, United States
Take Picacho Rd north out of Winterhaven; continue 18 more miles on the dirt road which is well maintained. Expect a safe speed 20-30 miles per hour. Around mile 12 is an active gold mine and a historic marker with its history. This is a fee for use park, so bring cash. It is self registration. Be sure to pack water and food. We didn’t explore much of the park but did venture out the River Overlook Road. This is one car wide only and no areas to pass. At one point it seriously felt like we were on a curving roller coaster track. Very nerve racking. The road does end at a wider area to turn around and park. Beware it does end over a cliff with no barricades. The view was stunning . We drove a Jeep Cherokee low clearance vehicle. Four wheel drive not necessary.
