Top 10 Geologic Formations in California Desert, California Desert

October 16, 2021 Giuseppe Pratt

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

Godsway Love, Pioneertown, CA 92268 https://www.thebouldergardens.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Boulder Gardens

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

Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree, CA
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Banana Cracks Rock

3. Kelso Dunes

Mojave National Preserve, Essex, CA +1 760-255-8801 http://www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Kelso Dunes

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

Ocotillo, CA
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Painted Gorge

The three kinds of rock here have been exposed to heat and movement over millions of years, causing remarkable coloration of the mountains.

5. San Andreas Fault

Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

San Andreas Fault

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

Us 395, Little Lake, CA
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Fossil Falls

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

Landers Lane, Landers, CA 92285
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Giant Rock

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

1 Black Canyon Rd Hole in the Wall, Mojave National Preserve, Essex, CA 92332
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Banshee Canyon

9. Hauser Geode Beds

Blythe, CA
Excellent
26%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

Hauser Geode Beds

Exploration and digging at this elusive spot yields geodes, beautiful inside when split open.

10. Mystic Maze

Park Moabi Rd. off I-40 11 miles southeast of Needles, Needles, CA +1 760-326-5678 http://www.golakehavasu.com/activities/more_to_do/az_day_trips/topock_maze.aspx
Excellent
30%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 10 reviews

Mystic Maze

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.

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