5 Destinations in the High Desert
When Angelino's think of the California Desert, they think of Palm Springs. Below I've listed five other quirky destinations in the high desert, not far from the mid century modern mecca.
California Desert Destinations
Pioneertown
Landers
Amboy
Joshua Tree
Yucca Valley
1. Pioneertown
Pioneertown was created for filming old westerns in the 40s. It has a lot of character, and they are now turning some of the old western homes into shops. It's also home to Pappy & Harriets, which has great live music and draws in loads of talent to perform out in the middle of the desert.
2. Landers
Landers in home to the Integratron. It's creator claimed that the structure is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and telepathic directions from extraterrestrials. Book a rejuvenating sound bath (meditation) far in advance, hang out at Hammock Village, or go across the street to visit the Gubler Orchids. The site is also very close to Giant Rock, said to be the largest free standing boulder in the world.
Integratron
Enjoying Hammock Village at the Integratron
Orchid Farm
Giant Rock
Frolicking around the desert.
Desert sunset near Giant Rock.
3. Amboy
The ghost town of route 66, Amboy, was once a major stop along Route 66 until Interstate 40 was opened. It only has 10 remaining buildings, Roy's being the biggest landmark. You can stop in for a Root Beer and wander through abandoned hotel rooms with art installations.
Art installation inside Roy's Motel.
Art installation.
Amboy Crater is a 6,000-year-old cinder cone volcano that rises above a lava field. This cinder cone is estimated to be 79,000 years old. You can hike to the rim using the western cone trail, or there is a parking lot you can turn into with viewing deck.
Amboy Crater
4. Joshua Tree
Arguably the most known place near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful landscape filled with it's namesake tree and large, overpowering boulders. It's a great place to camp, hike, and boulder. It's also a great place to rent a quaint cabin (Airbnb) and have a relaxing time off the grid and under the stars.
Popular Hikes: 49 Palms Oasis, Ryan Mountain
Airbnb: Mountain Shadow Cabin
Key’s View offers breathtaking views of the vast desert landscape.
Key's View Lookout Point
There are countless things to do in both inside Joshua Tree and inside the National Park.
5. Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley is home to Desert Christ Park, which has over 50 large biblical statues on the grounds, including a relief of the Last Supper.
Desert Christ Park Apostles
Last Supper Relief
Another interesting site is Sky Village, where the swap meet is held every Sunday. It's possible to find some hidden treasures here but it's not carefully curated so you'll need to dig. The western sets of Sky Village rival those of Pioneertown, and there's a quaint old fashioned cafe on the interior. If you go to visit, don't leave without seeing Bob Carr's Crystal Cave. I didn't include a photo because it wouldn't do it justice. Just go, trust me.
Sculptures and structures of Sky Village
