Top Things to do in Essex
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Things to do in Essex, California Desert: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Essex, United States including Tecopa Caverns, El Pakiva Cavern, Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, Mitchell Caverns, Kelso Dunes, Banshee Canyon.
1. Tecopa Caverns
2. El Pakiva Cavern
3. Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
4. Mitchell Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By taylor_bird1 - Lake Forest, United States
This place is incredible. First of all, the view from outside the caverns is beautiful. Overlooking the Mohave Desert at 4,300 feet elevation, you get a glimpse at where nature transitions between desert and mountain (with a little more desert than mountain). I could have sat and looked at the view for hours. The tour itself is amazing. The State Parks service and California Conservation Corps have maintained a safe, easy-to-navigate trail that curves around the mountain and into Mitchell Caverns. While outside, you learn about the history of the caverns and the animals and plants who live on the desert-like mountain. You enter the caverns through the "eyes" of the mountain (which is a stunning sight in itself), and once inside, the path is paved and lined with LED lights to show off the breathtaking cave formations. Our awesome tour guide, Will, kept us informed and entertained about how water works over millions of years to pick up and redeposit minerals, forming stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique structures that you'll only ever see in a place like this. We even saw a bat! $10 is a steal for a one-of-a-kind tour like this. The only "downside" is that the caverns are located far from civilization, so be prepared to drive at least several hours from wherever you are. But it's totally worth it! Highly recommended for families, solo trekkers, or couples who are looking for a date adventure.
5. 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.
