The California Desert is composed of California's entire southeast corner and offers excellent opportunities for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Counties

• Imperial County
• Inyo County
• Kern County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County

Cities

• Baker. Baker is the only significant town on I-15 in the remote desert stretch between Barstow and the Nevada border and, as a result, is frequented by travelers on their way to Las Vegas. It offers food, fuel and lodging, is home to the world's tallest thermometer, and is the starting point for those journeying north to Death Valley.
• Barstow. Barstow is a city that lies at the junction of I-15 and I-40, with the former Route 66 also passing through town. It offers visitors several historic and natural attractions ranging from the 200,000 year old Calico early man site to the Western America Railroad museum.
• Bombay Beach. A small town on the east shore of the Salton Sea.
• Indio
• Palm Desert
• Palm Springs. A desert resort oasis that serves as a vacation getaway to guests from around the world and a playground for Los Angeles and other Southern Californians.
• Twentynine Palms. A small town north of Joshua Tree National Park that caters to park visitors.
• El Centro, county seat of Imperial County
• Calexico

Other destinations

• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
• Death Valley National Park – Mother Earth in the raw
• Joshua Tree National Park – Many well developed campsites and great rock climbing
• Mojave Desert
• Mojave National Preserve – 1.6 million acres of mountains, jumble rocks, desert washes, and dry lakes
• Salton Sea – boating in the desert

Understand

For many travelers the California desert is merely experienced on the other side of their car windows on their way to more popular destinations. However, for the adventurous few that take an exit and their supplies, the rewards are unforgettable.

Get in

By plane

Ontario airport has a good variety of short haul flights as well as a limited number of long distance options. If you are arriving from outside California Los Angeles International airport (LAX ^IATA) might be more convenient.

By train

cities such as Riverside are linked to the Los Angeles commuter railway system

By car

the whole area is served by excellent though frequently congested roads

Get around

Regular bus service to and between major cities including Barstow, Indio and Palm Springs is available through the Greyhound bus service.

However, the full glory of this region is very difficult to access without a vehicle. Many of the parks in the region have paved roads and developed campsites. However the complete experience can not be had without a bit of exploration on the dirt roads and an inspiring piece of dirt to set up camp – see California desert camping. Believe it or not, even a compact car will survive valiantly on many of the well graded roads in the region although a high clearance vehicle is recommended for full access.

See

Many extremely exotic forms of wildlife and plant life can be found in any desert. Many cacti will not grow anywhere else except for a desert, and as such, the desert is an ideal destination for seeing these plants. Many species of unique birds (certain owls and others) and arachnids (Tarantulas, scorpions, mites) call this place home. There are also, strangely, reptiles and amphibians, which usually require water to survive.

Some deserts also feature natural rock formations and sand dunes, both of which are quite beautiful. However, reaching them can be an issue if you're not properly equipped.

Stay safe

The desert can be a brutal and unforgiving place. Even if you're planning to just pass through, you should be prepared to be fully self-reliant and follow these minimum guidelines. Additional safety guidelines should be adhered to if you are planning to go camping.

• Hydration
  • Drink even when you do not feel thirsty.
  • When hiking, carry a gallon of water for each day plus extra in case of an emergency.
  • Store extra water in your car.
  • Carry water even if you are only planning to explore a short distance from your car.
• Dress for Success
  • Wear a hat with a brim (a cowboy hat or sombrero would be a good idea) and light-colored, lightweight clothes.
  • Pack warm, wind-proof clothes in case the wind picks up or the weather cools.
  • Wear sunglasses and good sunblock.
• Carry a Flare & a Spare
  • Ensure that your car is in good working order – service stations are few and far between.
  • Carry a spare, a jack, and some flares.
  • 'Fix-a-Flat' can be a lifesaver along with jumper cables.
  • Do not leave your car unless you are certain that help is close by.
• Watch for Flash Floods
  • It may seem ironic, but rain in the desert can be a real danger. Many roads in the desert southwest cross dry washes that can turn into raging torrents from rain falling over a mountain range fifty miles away. These flash floods can easily carry away you or your vehicle. If you see a sign that says "Do not cross when flooded" obey it! Flash flooding usually occurs during afternoon "monsoon" events from July through October.
• Misc.
  • Gas: when the sign says "Next gas 50 miles," you better know you've got enough to make it before you pass the pumps! Never go lower than a quarter tank. You could also keep a completely full tank and carry some in a hand container.
  • First Aid Kit: Always carry a first aid kit that includes tweezers, antiseptic ointment or spray, band-aids, and aloe vera in case you meet any desert wildlife (snakes, spiders, bees, cacti) or get sunburned.
• Remember: A desert area that is infrequently visited by people will have more wildlife in it; always stay on the trail and in areas designated for human use.