What to do and see in California Desert, California Desert: The Best State Parks

September 8, 2021 Florencio Paulino

Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Glamis Sand Dunes, The Mountain Station, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, Picacho State Recreation Area, Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
Restaurants in California Desert

1. Glamis Sand Dunes

Highway 78, Glamis, CA http://www.desertusa.com/sandhills/sandhinfo.html
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Glamis Sand Dunes

Reviewed By 495JamesG495 - Fredericton, Canada

It is like being on a non stop exhibition ride... looking forward to doing it again... and again.. hugs jim

2. The Mountain Station

Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA +1 760-325-1391 http://palmspringsaerialtramway.us
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

The Mountain Station

3. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Hwy 14, Cantil, CA 93519 +1 661-946-6092 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Red Rock Canyon State Park

State park that has been the site for a number of movies due to its colorful rock formations and variety of wildlife including roadrunners, hawks, lizards, mice and squirrels.

Reviewed By mari_reys - Los Angeles, United States

Enjoyed the nice walk/ hike around the park. Beautiful redrock formations. This would be a great camping site if it were to be open.

4. Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Essex, CA 92332 +1 760-928-2586 http://www.calparksmojave.com/providence
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

California's most remote state park contains the only limestone caves in the state park system.

5. Picacho State Recreation Area

Interpark Rd, Winterhaven, CA 92283 +1 760-996-2963 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=641
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
25%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Picacho State Recreation Area

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.

6. Salton Sea State Recreation Area

100225 State Park Rd, Mecca, CA 92254-4039 +1 760-393-3059 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639
Excellent
20%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
8%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 51 reviews

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Reviewed By jenLeCreate - Vista, United States

Ok - so people seem to either love this place or hate it. We love nature and being outside. For us, the Salton Sea was very intriguing - it is resilient and still survives in spite of man's efforts. We felt that there is something very special about the place - read up on the history of how the sea started and the town built up around it (and later moved on). Take some time to check out the visitor center (restrooms here if you need) and talk with the rangers there - they have a wealth of information that they are happy to share. Entrance fee was $7 for our car. Get out of the car and walk a little bit - get away from the parking lots. It is an amazing window of life, death and rebirth unfolding underneath your footsteps. Go at a time of the bird migration and marvel at all the sounds and sights that this brings. Have enough gas in your car as it takes a while to get here (but the drive is pretty mellow). Be sure to bring plenty of water, some food and clothes (the weather can pick up out here before you know it), hat can be helpful from the sun. You can camp her if you want to spend more time. Check out the Sonny Bono National Wildlife refuge on the south side of the sea. Lots of people check out salvation mountain (and some venture into slab city) which is just a little bit away. Spend some time to enjoy and who knows you might join the group that loves the Salton Sea.

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