01
Best dramatic desert canyon
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Northwest Along Highway 14 • Desert State Park With Colorful Cliffs And Washes • Best For Scenery-Filled Day Hikes
Close enough for an easy day trip, Red Rock offers classic Mojave canyon hiking with big views and photogenic rock formations.
Most visitors start with the short loops and washes near the main campground, where towering red and cream cliffs feel a world away from Highway 58. With a little wandering, you can link sandy washes, gentle ridges, and side canyons into satisfying half-day outings. Go early or in cooler seasons to enjoy the color and open space without the harsh midday heat.
02
Best quiet wildlife walk
Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area
North Of California City • Protected Desert Preserve With Signed Walking Trails • Best For Slow, Observant Hikes
This low-key preserve trades elevation gain for peaceful, signed paths through prime Mojave tortoise and wildflower habitat.
The main loop here is a gentle stroll over firm desert soil lined with interpretive signs about plants and wildlife, including the threatened desert tortoise. It’s a good choice when you want a quieter outing and time to notice tracks, blooms, and subtle color in the creosote flats. Bring plenty of water and walk softly, especially in spring when wildlife activity is highest.
03
Best summit-style workout
Saddleback Butte State Park
East Of Lancaster On The High Desert Floor • High-Desert Peak And Joshua Tree Park • Best For A Short But Steep Climb
A straightforward trail climbs to the summit of Saddleback Butte, rewarding hikers with sweeping views over the Antelope Valley and Mojave plains.
From the main trailhead, the route gains steadily across open desert before tackling the rocky upper slope of the butte. The climb feels rugged but manageable, and the payoff is a wide panorama that takes in distant ranges and a sea of Joshua trees below. It’s exposed the whole way, so plan for cooler parts of the day and expect a satisfying workout rather than a casual stroll.
04
Best badlands loop near Barstow
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
North Of Barstow • Eroded Badlands And Canyon Wandering • Best For Exploring Otherworldly Geology
Rainbow Basin delivers short but memorable hikes through multicolored hills, tilted layers, and narrow washes.
Most visitors pair a slow drive on the loop road with easy walking into side canyons and gullies where the rock shows off greens, tans, and rust colors. Footpaths are mostly informal, so you can keep things simple with short out-and-back ventures or wander farther if you’re comfortable navigating open desert terrain. It’s a great choice for hikers who enjoy exploring textures and rock formations as much as racking up miles.
05
Best high-country escape from the desert floor
Pacific Crest Trail – Tehachapi Section
Mountain Ridges West Of Mojave • Long-Distance Singletrack On Windy Ridgelines • Best For Longer, Breezy Ridge Walks
A short drive toward Tehachapi drops you onto the Pacific Crest Trail, where rolling ridges offer cooler air and far-reaching views back toward the desert.
Access points near Highway 58 and Cameron Canyon Road let day hikers sample the famous trail without committing to backpacking. Expect a mix of open slopes, scattered pines or oaks, and steady up-and-down rather than a single big climb, which makes it easy to turn around whenever you’re ready. On clear days, the contrast between the greenish ridges underfoot and the stark Mojave stretching back toward Boron is hard to beat.