California Desert Regions

The California Deserts are home to three distinct regions, each with its own unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and inspiring scenes. For the ultimate desert trip, start in the Northern Desert region, which includes the wind-swept, striking landscapes of Death Valley National Park, and discover such spectacular sights as ancient rock formations, abandoned ghost towns and healing hot mineral springs.

From there, explore the rustic yet modern environs of the Central Desert region, where Joshua Tree National Park evokes wonder and awe with its whimsical trees and giant boulders and the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs offer an oasis of relaxation and recreation at their many world-class resorts, golf courses, and spas. 

Then venture to the Southern Desert, bordering Arizona to the east and Mexico to the south, for breathtaking hikes through the mesas and canyons of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, eclectic shopping and dining in the quaint town of Borrego Springs and eerily beautiful vistas of the Salton Sea. 

Learn more about each California Desert region below.