Things to do in California Desert, California Desert: The Best National Parks

December 17, 2021 Merry Kessler

Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Joshua Tree National Park, Castle Mountains National Monument, Mission Creek Preserve, Mojave National Preserve, Dead Mountains Wilderness Area.
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1. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, CA +1 760-367-5500 http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 608 reviews

Joshua Tree National Park

Reviewed By jamesmD3016MY - Boston, United States

Being NP aficionados, Joshua Tree has been on our list to visit for a few years. We were not disappointed. The scenery from the loop roads was diverse and wonderful. We took a couple of relatively easy trail hikes. My only quibble is on the Barker Dam and Hidden Valley Trails the descriptions/stories exceeded what we actually saw on the hikes.

2. Castle Mountains National Monument

unnamed dirt road off of Lanfair Road in Mojave National Preserve, Barstow, CA 92364 +1 760-252-6100 http://www.nps.gov/camo/index.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Castle Mountains National Monument

3. Mission Creek Preserve

Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA +1 760-369-7105 http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_missioncreek.html
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Mission Creek Preserve

Reviewed By karengV2246JB

After driving down the bumpy road to the parking area, the reward was a quiet and scenic 1.6 mile walk to the Stone House. We were happy to be able to take our fur baby with us. A new dusting of snow covered the mountains and the air was brisk. It was mid morning and we only saw one Ranger and two other solo hikers. A totally Covid friendly activity! Very peaceful. It was a total bonus to have clean restrooms behind the Stone House at the half way point. We really enjoyed this desert hike and hope to return.

4. Mojave National Preserve

2701 Barstow Rd 35 miles south of Baker, Barstow, CA 92311-6609 +1 760-252-6100 http://www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Mojave National Preserve

Reviewed By 515vic - Fresno, United States

If you like isolated beautiful views of the true American desert, this is the place! So thankful it is now preserved for the future generations.

5. Dead Mountains Wilderness Area

Needles Highway, Needles, CA 92363 http://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildView

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