There are about 25 million acres of desert in California and Southern Nevada. That's a lot of territory filled with all kinds of things to see and do. Whatever you enjoy, we built these pages to help you plan your desert adventure. Start here before you hit the road and you are bound to have a better trip. Our driving tours can lead you to treasured places and save you miles and miles out on the dusty trails. Other pages give you the weather, tips for safe travel, and a schedule of events to help you plan ahead. So follow one of the links and get going. Early explorers never had it so good!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. Five-hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert.

Death Valley National Park
A Land of Extremes. Hottest, Driest, Lowest: A superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of stone wilderness. Home to the Timbisha Shoshone and to plants and animals unique to the harshest deserts. A place of legend and a place of trial. Death Valley.

Joshua Tree National Park

Viewed from the road, this desert park only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place. Come see for yourself!

Mojave National Preserve

Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mojave provides serenity and solitude from the crowds of major metropolitan areas.

Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. Located at the foot of the imposing Sierra Nevada in eastern California's Owens Valley, Manzanar has been identified as the best preserved of these camps.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is indeed the year-round premier vacation destination. We have something for everyone in Palm Springs: sunning, shopping, golfing, hiking, biking, exploring, gaming, modern architecture, cultural and ethnic events, tennis, nightlife, people watching, eco-tourism and of course, the natural beauty we are surrounded by for you to just kick back relax and absorb.

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

This 360 square-mile basin is a popular site for boaters, water-skiers and anglers. Most fish currently caught are Tilapia, but Corvina, Gulf Croaker and Sargo have been known to jump on a line. Kayakers, birdwatchers and other visitors can enjoy the site's many recreation opportunities.