01
Best overall desert hike
Red Rock Canyon State Park - Hagen Canyon Trail
South Of Johannesburg Along Highway 14 • Colorful Badlands Loop Through Sculpted Sandstone • Most Scenic Half-Day Outing
A short loop through red and cream cliffs that delivers classic Mojave desert drama with minimal effort.
Hagen Canyon is the go-to walk if you want the full Red Rock experience without committing to an all-day trek. The loop threads between towering striped formations, sandy washes, and small side gullies where you can poke around for new angles and quieter corners. Go early or late for softer light on the cliffs and cooler temperatures under the wide-open sky.
02
Most surreal landscape
Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark
North Of Ridgecrest On Desert Backroads • Otherworldly Tufa Spire Wandering • Best For Otherworldly Photos
Unmarked paths weave through hundreds of strange rock towers that feel more like another planet than the edge of the Mojave.
There is no single set trail at Trona Pinnacles; instead you wander among clusters of tall tufa spires, picking your own route across firm desert ground. Short scrambles up low hills give you sweeping views over the Searles Dry Lake bed and the forest of stone below. It is exposed and often windy, so bring sun protection and plan your visit for the cooler parts of the day.
03
Best quick geology stop
Fossil Falls Scenic Area
Along Highway 395 South Toward Olancha • Short Volcanic-Rim And Canyon Walk • Quick Roadside Stretch-Your-Legs Stop
A brief walk leads over black lava to a dry waterfall carved smooth by ancient torrents of the Owens River.
From the parking area, a well-worn path crosses rough but manageable lava rock to the rim of the old falls, where you can peer into potholes and polished chutes. With a bit more exploring, you can pick your way along the edge or drop into sections of the canyon where it is safe and the rock is not too steep. It is an easy add-on when you are already driving 395 and want a leg-stretcher with real scenery.
04
Best history-meets-adventure hike
Burro Schmidt Tunnel and Last Chance Canyon
El Paso Mountains Backroads East Of Red Rock Canyon • Historic Tunnel And Desert Ridge Ramble • Best History-Meets-Adventure Route
A rough desert track and short hikes link an improbable hand-dug tunnel with wide views over the El Paso Mountains.
The approach roads are dirt and can be slow, but once you park near the old homestead, it is a short climb to the entrance of Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel and a walk through to the far side if you are comfortable with enclosed spaces. From the exits and nearby ridges, use informal paths and old mining routes to explore the surrounding mesas and arroyos. The mix of solitude, relics, and big panoramas makes this feel like a true desert adventure rather than a groomed park stroll.
05
Best summit-style workout
Government Peak Trail
Rand Mountains Above Randsburg • Classic Summit Climb Above Mining Country • Top Sunrise-And-Sunset Summit
A steady climb to a rounded high point with wide views over Johannesburg, Randsburg, and the surrounding desert basins.
Starting from the desert flats, you follow old roads and use paths as they climb the ridge toward Government Peak, gaining elevation gradually but consistently. The higher you go, the more the views open up over the Rand mining district, dry lake beds, and distant ranges that glow at golden hour. It is a straightforward route, but the lack of shade and the exposure to wind make timing and layers important.