Plan a first visit to Mojave National Preserve with a 2-day itinerary, road-condition strategy, Kelso Dunes, Hole-in-the-Wall, desert safety, camping and where to stay.
Drive a realistic seven-day California desert route through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley with seasonal safety, road checks and sensible overnight bases.
Find the best stargazing in California, from Death Valley and Joshua Tree to the Eastern Sierra and North Coast. Learn how moon phase, weather, altitude, safety and lodging affect a successful night.