A Scenic Road Trip Through Mono Lake, Alabama Hills, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego

Sunburst over desert landscape with Eastern Sierra mountain range and sagebrush at Alabama Hills, California.
Red sunglasses and pink shirt against a desert landscape with rock formations and mountains in the background.
Sunrise illuminates rugged mountain landscape at Alabama Hills with figures silhouetted against bright morning light.
A desert landscape at sunset with rocky formations and desert plants in Joshua Tree National Park.
A person jumps joyfully in a desert landscape with mountains and cacti during golden hour.
Wilted brown sunflower with dried petals and green leaves in moody lighting.
A white dog lies on the ground during sunset in a mountainous desert landscape, gazing at the horizon.
A runner in colorful athletic wear jumps across rocks on a desert trail during a sunny day.
Large metal dinosaur sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus Rex stands in a desert landscape with mountains in the background.
Silhouetted cholla cactus plants backlit by golden sunset light in a desert landscape with mountains in background.

Mono Lake

Tufa Towers: Explore the otherworldly limestone formations along the lake’s shoreline. South Tufa is a great starting point.

Mono Basin Scenic Area: Offers hiking trails and expansive views of the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mono Lake Kayaking: If you're up for it, take a kayak out onto the lake for a serene, salty adventure.

Alabama Hills

Mobius Arch Loop Trail: A short but scenic hike with iconic rock formations and a perfect frame for Mount Whitney.

Movie Road: Explore the filming locations of countless Westerns.

Night Sky: A stargazer’s paradise with minimal light pollution.

Joshua Tree

Hidden Valley Trail: A short, easy hike showcasing iconic Joshua trees and massive boulders.

Cholla Cactus Garden: A surreal walk through a dense collection of cholla cacti, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

Keys View: Stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

Anza Boreggo

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: A rewarding hike to a hidden oasis of palm trees.

Metal Sculptures of Galleta Meadows: Over 130 massive sculptures scattered across the desert.

Wildflowers (seasonal): Visit during spring for breathtaking desert blooms.