Things to do / Travel Guide
The clear skies and wide open vistas of the California Desert make for amazing scenic overlooks just begging for someone to pull over, stretch their legs, and snap a few pictures of the often awe-inspiring desert scenery.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
No visit to Palm Springs would be complete without a ride in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a revolving cable car, passing 6,000 feet from the desert to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains. The climb takes you through several different vegetation zones, and, by the time you step out of the car at the top of the mountains, the temperature will be about 30-40º F cooler than it was on the desert floor you left a short 15 minutes prior. From the mountain station's observation deck, the views of the Coachella Valley desert floor and the surrounding mountains are indescribably beautiful.
Dante's View
An overlook you have to make sure to check out is the aptly named Dante's View. From this point, the highest in the mountains surrounding Death Valley (elevation: approximately 11,500 feet), you can see all the way down to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, 282 feet below sea level in Badwater. Panoramic views of the desert valley from this perch should not be missed. The peak is reached by a 13-mile road that runs south from State Road 190 and twist and climbs to the summit.
Onyx Summit
The stretch of State Road 38 that runs north out of Big Bear Lake climbs to the soaring heights of Onyx Summit - at 8,440 feet, it's one of the highest paved roads in the region. The path is lined with national forest campgrounds and splendid views along the two lane mountain highway, culminating in the scenic overlook from the summit, with views of Big Bear Lake and the endless expanse of mountainous National Forest wilderness as far as the eye can see.
Zabriskie Point
Located in one of the most gorgeous areas of Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point is an elevated scenic overlook at the edge of the Funeral Mountains in the old remnants of the prehistoric Furnace Creek Lake. At sunset, the overlook gives stunning views of the setting sun bathing the badlands and chalky, tan, and off-white desert mountains stretching for miles. This scenic overlook is located on State Road 190 near Furnace Creek.
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