Mobius Arch is the most famous of many arches in the Alabama Hills. Giant monzogranite boulders have eroded for millions of years creating magnificent shapes. The arch perfectly frames the Sierra Nevada Mountains including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. A 3/4 mile hike winds through the boulders and provides sweeping views of the landscape.
#197 Teutonia Peak
Teutonia Peak is an amazing trail in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve. This 3 mile round-trip hike to the top winds through the largest and densest Joshua Tree forest on Earth. Sweeping views of Mojave Desert terrain including the symmetrical Cima Dome soar for miles as this peak tops out at 5,755 feet.
#153 Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area
Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area is a grand assortment of sandstone boulders and cliffs at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At 4,750 feet, the San Andreas Fault travels directly beneath the park helping to create its striking formations. A one mile trail takes you down into the heart of the punchbowl for an up-close look at this geological wonderland.
#138 Rocky Peak Park
Rocky Peak Park is a great way to escape the bustle of the city without traveling far. Shared by Los Angeles & Ventura Counties, giant sandstone boulders dominate the landscape among chaparral and oak woodlands. It is also a great place to see spring wildflowers. The parkland has been used by the Tataviam, Tongva and Chumash Native Americans for at least 8,000 years.
#124 Granite Mountains
The wild rock formations of the Granite Mountains in the Mojave National Preserve are out of this world. Exotic eroded shapes are a wonderland for the imagination. The highest peak at 6,796 ft make it an area rich in biodiversity and lies within a transition zone for the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, Great Basin Desert and Colorado Plateau.
#115 Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. It has beautiful Joshua Trees as well as the jumbo boulders which make the park famous. An easy 1 mile interpretive stroll takes you around the valley and makes a great first stop in the park.
#82 Barker Dam
Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park is a man-made reservoir created in 1900 by early cattlemen. It has become a watering hole for Desert Bighorn Sheep. The giant boulders as well as nearby petroglyphs make for a great 1.3 mile loop hike. The dam is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
#58 Hole In The Wall
Banshee Canyon at Hole-in-the-Wall in Mojave National Preserve is a beautiful canyon with endless exploration possibilities. The canyon was named after the sound of the wind as it blew across the canyon sounding to early settlers like a Banshee from Irish Mythology. The colorful rocks were formed by volcanic eruptions several million years ago. Adjacent is a great visitor center highlighting many sights of the Mojave. *Dirt road access
#56 Kumeyaay Village Site
The Kumeyaay Village Site is located in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Kumeyaay Native Americans inhabited these beautiful boulders and caves in the winter months for thousands of years. They survived off of plants, jackrabbits and bighorn sheep. The site can be found right off Highway 78 with a short drive through Mine Wash. Though a gravel wash road, it is usually passable for most vehicles.
#51 Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is an essential hike in Joshua Tree National Park. 3 miles out and back will have you climbing over 1,000 feet making this a moderate hike. The trail gives sweeping views of the park and the Wonderland of Rocks that rise from the ground. You will feel as if you are on the crown of the Mojave Desert.
