The Hidden Wonders of the Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert is a vast expanse of desert, known by some for its unique and rugged beauty. The desert might not be an ideal place for everyone to visit, but with its iconic yucca trees, sand dunes, and jagged mountains, the Mojave offers a stark landscape that surprises visitors with its hidden treasures.

Sunset in Barstow.

We are from Southern California, so a lot of this area is passed through on the way to Las Vegas and is worth a stop to make a long road trip a little more exciting. I would not say the Mojave is a destination vacation by any means, unless you really consider yourself a desert person. For things to do in Las Vegas and Nevada, see my post

Calico Ghost Town

(Pictured: Photos from a visit to Calico Ghost Town.)

Calico Ghost Town is an exciting historical site that offers fun for the whole family. This well-preserved ghost town, restored by Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm, transports visitors back to the silver mining boom era of the late 1800s. With its rustic buildings, dusty streets, and engaging artifacts, Calico offers a glimpse into the Wild West, allowing visitors to explore the past and uncover the tales of the town's rich history. This was one of my favorite places to go when I was a kid. Explore the old cemetery, walk into the mine, and take a photo near the bottle house while visiting Calico.

(Pro Tip: If you come an hour or so before the park closes, they will usually let you in for free.)

Mojave National Preserve

(Pictured: Exploring the Mojave National Preserve.)

The Mojave National Preserve is a magnificent protected area encompassing over 1.6 million acres of diverse desert landscapes. This pristine wilderness showcases vast expanses of intricate desert ecosystems. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the raw beauty and tranquility of the Mojave Desert.

Kelso Sand Dunes

(Pictured: The Kelso Sand Dunes.)

The Kelso Sand Dunes are located within the Mojave National Preserve in California and remain a mesmerizing natural wonder that transports visitors to a surreal desert landscape. As stated in previous posts, maybe I just really like sand dunes, but these are incredibly cool. Rising to heights of up to 650 feet, these vast sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding desert terrain. As you explore the Kelso Sand Dunes, you'll notice the delicate patterns sculpted by the wind and the shifting sands. Visiting the Kelso Sand Dunes offers an opportunity to experience the raw power of nature while fully immersing yourself in the vastness and serenity of the desert.

Lava Tube Trail

(Pictured: Inside of the Lava Tube.)

The Lava Tube Trail in the Mojave National Preserve is an exciting adventure into an ancient volcanic landscape. This trail leads visitors to the entrance of a lava tube, a natural tunnel formed by an air pocket in molten lava. I will be honest, we stopped here during a road trip when it was dark out. As we approached the area where the tube was supposed to be, I will admit that had second thoughts in the dark, empty desert. We easily found the staircase, however, and it ended up being an amazing experience. As you navigate the underground passage you will marvel at the intricate rock formations, unique geological features, and eerie ambiance (it is especially eerie at night!) It's an otherworldly experience that provides a glimpse into the powerful volcanic past of the Mojave Desert. I would highly recommend this stop if you are able to do it!

Amboy Crater

(Pictured: Photos from Amboy Crater.)

Amboy Crater is an impressive volcanic landmark situated within the Mojave Desert. This extinct cinder cone volcano stands as a striking feature, with its perfectly symmetrical shape and rugged, blackened slopes. If you are able to make it, hiking to the crater's rim rewards visitors with a glimpse into the volcanic forces that shaped the region. As you explore the trail around the crater, you can take in the unique geological formations and soak up the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this ancient volcanic site. Please note, my daughter was bored to death by this excursion. This might not be the most interesting stop if you have kids.

Pisgah Crater

Exploring the lava tubes and field near Pisgah Crater.

Pisgah Crater- a prominent feature of Lavic Lake Volcanic Field - is a volcanic cinder cone located in the Mojave Desert. Rising from the desert floor, the crater showcases its distinctive shape and featured dark-colored black and red volcanic rocks. Trekking to the crater's summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, revealing the stark beauty of the desert and the remnants of volcanic activity. Exploring the area, visitors can witness fascinating geological features, such as lava tubes and volcanic ash deposits, that tell the story of the area's volcanic past. Pisgah Crater offers a unique destination for those seeking to uncover the region's volcanic history and further illustrates the rugged charm of the Mojave Desert. This stop was also way more exciting for my daughter, who loved exploring the lava tubes.

(Pictured: Exploring the area near Pisgah Crater.)

Inscription Canyon

(Pictured: Some canyon walls on the drive into Inscription Canyon.)

A visit to Inscription Canyon in Black Mountains of California promises an out-of-the-ordinary trip through history and natural beauty. This canyon is adorned with ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into its rocky walls. Exploring this archaeological treasure allows you to witness the artistry and symbolism of past civilizations.

(Pictured: Water trough along the road.)

As you venture further into the Black Mountains, you'll encounter a rugged and picturesque landscape. Please note that you need some sort of off-roading vehicle if you plan to visit this area safely, and also make sure to bring plenty of food and water as there are no services out here.

(Pictured: Cave in the middle of the drive to the inscriptions. It looks like people were using this to camp in recently.)

One cool stop along the way was this cave, that looks like it has been used multiple times for camping. I could not find any information about this cave or its origins online, but if your car is able to make it here, it was a really neat place to stop along the journey.

Bloom of flowers in the canyon.

During our drive to see the Black Mountain Rock Art District, we also stumbled upon a large bloom of wildflowers. This was a beautiful and stunning treat along this already unique landscape. Once you reach the art district, prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of petroglyphs and drawings in the area. A visit to Inscription Canyon and the Black Mountains offers a profound connection to both ancient history and the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Mojave Desert.

Visiting the Mojave Desert is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression for adventurers. Whether you are discovering hidden gems like Calico Ghost Town or the Mojave National Preserve, or marveling at volcanic landmarks like Amboy Crater and Pisgah Crater, each adventure in the Mojave unveils a new layer of its rich history and natural wonders. The solitude, harsh climate, and stunning sunsets create a sense of awe and appreciation for the resilience of life in such an extreme environment. Whether you are seeking solitude, adventure, or a connection with nature, the Mojave Desert offers an experience that lingers in the heart and beckons you to return to its captivating landscapes.

Joshua Tree National Park incorporates part of the Mojave Desert as well:

Joshua Tree National Park