Most reviewed Deserts in California

  1. 4.5 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (988 reviews)
    - Pleasant Hike at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Deserts • Scenic Drives
    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park image
    The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring. See more..
  2. 4.5 Coachella Valley Preserve (755 reviews)
    - Interesting, Informative
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Deserts
    Coachella Valley Preserve image
    Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases. See more..
  3. 4.5 The Racetrack (273 reviews)
    - Hunter Mountain Road is a much smoother way in!
    Deserts • Geologic Formations
    The Racetrack image
    Unusual desert area where rocks move from place to place, but the actual movements have never been observed by humans. See more..
  4. 4.5 Palm Canyon (231 reviews)
    - A desert oasis
    Canyons • Deserts
    Palm Canyon image
    It's amazing to be in a true desert oasis and imagine what life was like for the Cahuilla people who's ancestral home this is. There are about 2000 of California Fan Palms here in Palm Canyon and makes this the place where the largest collection of them can be found anywhere. There is a fee to enter Indian Canyons but it's totally worth it to see all this amazing natural desert beauty. See more..
  5. 5.0 The Huntington Desert Garden (168 reviews)
    - Cactus in full bloom
    Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Deserts • Gardens
    The Huntington Desert Garden image
    Conveniently located, the Huntington includes the largest collection of mature cacti and succulents in North America. See more..
  6. 4.0 Twentynine Palms Oasis (Oasis of Mara) (84 reviews)
    - 2 Guys walking in Joshua tree at the Oasis of Mara
    Deserts
    Twentynine Palms Oasis (Oasis of Mara) image
    An oasis, located in Joshua Tree National Park, inhabited by the Serrano, Chemehuevi and Cahuilla Indian tribes. See more..
  7. 4.5 Amboy Crater (74 reviews)
    - Easy hike and it's free
    Deserts • Volcanos
    Amboy Crater image
    This crater created by prehistoric volcanic eruptions offers hikers a panoramic view of the desert. See more..
  8. 4.5 Coyote Canyon (45 reviews)
    - Road has been graded and is passable in a sedan now!
    Canyons • Deserts
    Coyote Canyon image
    Popular day hiking area for desert lovers. See more..
  9. 4.5 The Pinto Basin (26 reviews)
    - A large Areas to see in your lifetimg
    Deserts
    The Pinto Basin image
    The Mojave and Sonora deserts come together in this basin, with characteristics of both deserts represented. See more..
  10. 4.5 Desert Gardens (17 reviews)
    - Just in time
    Deserts
    Desert Gardens image
    This landmark in Coyote Canyon is part of Anza Borrego State Park. Popular with day hikers. See more..
  11. 4.0 Desert Tortoise Natural Area (16 reviews)
    - A great opportunity to see a desert tortoise.
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Deserts
    Desert Tortoise Natural Area image
    Springtime is primetime for this spot, one of the best anywhere to see a desert tortoise in the wild. Wildlowers, snakes, lizards, birds, and hares also abound -- though not in the numbers that I remember in the 1980s (the decrease likely due to the expansion of the offroad crowd). Start early, bring water, and wear a good hat. Keep your eyes open and explore the trails and washes. The best method is to go in a small group, spread out in a loose line, and communicate your finds with the others. This will cover the most ground. See more..
  12. 4.0 Yaqui Well (16 reviews)
    - Interesting hike but no well
    Bodies of Water • Deserts • Mysterious Sites
    Yaqui Well image
    Waterwell located in the Anza Borrego State Park. Site of the mysterious Ghost Dancers. See more..
  13. 4.5 Ocotillo Flat (5 reviews)
    - Great place to visit
    Deserts
    Ocotillo Flat image
    Located in Coyote Canyon, great place to hike for viewing desert plants and life. See more..
  14. 5.0 Granite Mountain (1 review)
    - If You Like Old Gold Mines and 4X
    Mountains • Deserts
    Granite Mountain image
    Located in the southwest corner of Anza Borrego State park, this is an uncrowded mountain to hike, with plenty of abandoned mine shafts and desert to explore. Danger: beware of bats in the mine shafts. See more..
  15. Carrizo Wash (0 review)
    Deserts • Mysterious Sites
    Area of the Anza Borrego State Park, affiliated with the ghost story of the Phantom Stage. See more..

Top Things to do in California