Salt flats, surreal monoliths & stargazing dreams
Salt flats, surreal monoliths & stargazing dreams
Death Valley National Park, CA 92328
Trip overview
Embark on a stark, otherworldly expedition through California's deep desert landscapes. Loop from oasis canyons to the salt flats of Death Valley, the granite towers of Alabama Hills, and the twisted forests of Joshua Tree.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin
Walk out onto the surreal, geometric salt crusts at the lowest point in North America, sitting at 282 feet below sea level.
Badwater Rd, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328
Zabriskie Point
Gaze over a wildly eroded landscape of golden badlands and undulating clay hills, particularly breathtaking as the afternoon sun casts dramatic shadows.
CA-190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328
The Oasis at Death Valley
A historic, spring-fed luxury estate nestled in the desert basin, offering a lush palm-filled retreat after a day in the sun-scorched valley.
328 Greenland Blvd, Death Valley, CA 92328
Day 2 — Death Valley National Park
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Traverse these iconic, silky-smooth sand dunes framed by dramatic purple mountain ranges in the distance.
CA-190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328
Father Crowley Vista Point
Peer into the jagged depths of Rainbow Canyon, a colorful volcanic gorge frequently used by military pilots for dramatic low-altitude flight training.
CA-190, Panamint Springs, CA 93545
Mobius Arch Loop Trail
Hike through the rounded granite boulders of the Alabama Hills to find a natural window perfectly framing Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous US.
Movie Road, Lone Pine, CA 93549
Dow Villa Motel
Stay in a historic hotel that has hosted legendary Western movie stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood during their filming runs in the nearby hills.
310 S Main St, Lone Pine, CA 93549
Day 3 — Little Lake
Fossil Falls
Explore a bizarre, polished black basalt gorge sculpted by ancient glacial meltwater rushing through volcanic flows.
Cinder Road, Little Lake, CA 93542
Roy's Motel & Café
Photograph one of Route 66's most iconic mid-century neon signs and step back in time at this remote desert outpost.
87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
Wander through a sprawling, open-air gallery of massive, whimsical assemblage sculptures constructed entirely from salvaged junk in the high desert.
63030 Blair Ln, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Day 4 — Joshua Tree National Park
Arch Rock Trail
Walk among massive, gravity-defying monzogranite boulders to reach a stunning, 30-foot natural stone arch nestled in the high desert landscape.
Pinto Basin Rd, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
Cholla Cactus Garden
Stroll along a raised wooden boardwalk through a dense, glowing forest of prickly, golden 'teddy bear' cholla cacti.
Pinto Basin Rd, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
Indian Canyons (Andreas Canyon)
Contrast the harsh, dry desert with a hike along a cascading stream lined by a magnificent canopy of towering California Fan Palms.
38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
King's Highway at Ace Hotel
Conclude your loop with a locally sourced meal inside this chic, reimagined mid-century bohemian diner.
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The California Deserts road trip covers about 557 mi and roughly 10h 6m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 14 stops. Highlights include Badwater Basin, Mobius Arch Loop Trail, and Arch Rock Trail.
The estimated cost is around $1,059, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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