As an avid motorcyclist and RVer, I have traveled through the majority of states in the U.S., some of them quite extensively. Believe me when I say California is probably the most geologically-diverse state in our country.
When people think of California – specifically, California road trips – they usually think about the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Santa Monica Pier. To many, California means beaches, sunsets, and palm trees. And those are definitely worth seeing. Others head to California for the giant redwoods and stunning mountains at Sequoia or Yosemite National Parks.
But what if you’re in the mood for someplace off the beaten path? Someplace most people don’t think about when they are visiting our beautiful state? If you’re ready to plan a spring or summer road trip to some unusual places, I have some ideas for you!
Anza Borrego State Park
In the Southern California desert, south of Coachella and west of the Salton Sea lies Anza Borrego State Park. Spring wildflowers, canyons, washes, mountains, badlands, and stunning sunsets are there for any adventurous soul willing to look for them. The badlands area looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, while the spring wildflowers leave blankets of yellow and purple along the desert floor. If you have a four-wheel-drive, there are plenty of easy trails to follow. If you don’t, there are hundreds of hiking trails. Hotels are sparse, so I’d advise making this a day-trip from the Coachella area.
On the other side of the Salton Sea, not too far from Anza Borrego is a man-made curiosity called Salvation Mountain. The mountain was built by Leonard Knight out of junk: old tires, and items dumped in the desert. Mr. Knight covered the items over with sand and cement and painted his creation with bright colors, adding flowers and scripture along the way. For 25 years, his creation was an ongoing project until he died in 2014. In front of the sculpture is the old 1936 truck that Mr. Knight lived in for over two decades. The mountain has now become the center of several impromptu sculpture gardens created by unknown artists. Nearby is Slab City, described as an “off-the-grid squatter community.” People who live there have built walls out of bottles and sculptures out of car parts and other metal. This place is definitely worth the side trip if you’re in the area.
Glamis
Heading south from Salton Sea, then east on Highway 78, you’ll come across something you’d never expect to see in Southern California: giant sand dunes. Once you’re there, you may recognize them from numerous car commercials over the years. They were also the filming location of the dune buggy scenes in Jumanji: The Next Level and the Sarlacc Pit battle in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. If you don’t have an off-road vehicle, you won’t be able to get into the dunes themselves. But the view at sunset from the top of Osborne Overlook is breathtaking. The turnoff for the outlook is right off the main highway and is easy to find. It is a short driveway that crosses the “sand highway” and heads up to Osborne Overlook’s top. The view is worth the effort it takes to get there.
Death Valley National Park
Directly east of Sequoia National Park is a lesser-known park: Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is a land of extremes. At 282 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in the United States. In the winter, snow often frosts the tops of the mountains. Yet, in the summer, it is regularly the hottest place on the continent. In the spring, colorful desert flowers brighten up the landscape. From otherworldly landscapes like the salt flats to curiosities like the Racetrack Playa, where you can see the “sliding rocks” and the trails they leave behind, there are so many things to see in what is the largest National Park in the contiguous United States. Hiking and off-road trails abound, and there are oasis areas and old borax and gold mines. There are hotels inside the park, but reservations are highly recommended.
Highway 395/The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
If you leave Death Valley by way of Highway 190 and head west to Highway 395, you are in for several treats. The drive up Highway 395 is beautiful from the Ridgecrest area to Lake Tahoe. And there is so much to see on that stretch.
Some of the greatest road trips are off the beaten path, and I encourage you to take your time. Stop to watch the horses in the meadows or get some fresh fruit from a roadside stand. In Bishop, stop at Schat’s Bakkery (yes, it’s spelled that way!) for some fresh Sheepherder Bread. It’s nothing short of amazing.
As you head up Highway 395, several side trips are worth the break. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is a great place to learn about just how old the area is.
=Devils Postpile and Mono Lake
Further north, a trip off the highway to Devils Postpile is interesting although getting there isn’t all that easy. Where Highway 395 intersects with Lee Vining is Mono Lake. The lake was formed at least 760,000 years ago. With no natural outlet for the water, the saltwater lake continues to rise, and the water is too alkaline to swim in or drink. But the views are surreal and stunning.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you are willing to drive even further up Highway 395, you’ll hit the little city of Susanville. Just northwest of that is another less popular park – Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is one of the few areas where all four types of volcano can be found – plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. Steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots remain active. The volcano is still active but has not erupted for over 100 years. If you are taking any budding geologists on a road trip this summer, this is a must-see park.
I have traveled the country with my family on our Harleys, and my dad instilled in us a strict policy of no interstates. (He must have been a Robert Frost fan, always taking the road “less traveled by.”) We have gone all the way to Canada from Southern California on two-lane highways. My children, who are now adults, still recall with warm memories all of the places they have been with me and their grandparents. As a parent and now as a grandparent, I keep in mind that experiences are what kids remember. New places and new experiences are what fill their minds with possibilities and dreams, and questions–so many questions! Isn’t it time for an adventure with your family? I say it’s time to hit the road less traveled with the kids!
Disclaimer: several of the recommended destinations are in the desert, which becomes quite hot after spring. Always travel with plenty of water, snacks, and a roadside emergency plan. As always, check online for road closures and park closures before heading out.
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures.