  TRONA PINNACLES is a stunning geological gem situated in the Mojave Desert within the northern part of San Bernardino County. Located a short distance from Death Valley National Park, this unique, federally protected land consists of over 3,800 acres within the Searles Dry Lake basin. Resting at approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, it's home to nearly 500 tufa spires with some towering over the peaceful desert at nearly 140 feet tall.
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  JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK was originally designated a national monument in 1936 covering approximately 825,000 acres until it finally received official national park status on October 31, 1994. Joshua Tree National Park is known for it's sprawling Joshua Trees (Yucca Brevifolia) covering the serene desert landscape in the northern park of the park, but it's also home to over 800 other plant species, 240 bird species, 41 mammal species and 40 reptile species. In a nutshell, Joshua Tree is an incredible, yet fragile desert ecosystem.
The enormous and extremely diverse park is best visited during the late autumn and winter months in order to avoid the dangerously high temperatures in warmer months. Though, keep in mind, the winter months offer cold temperatures and multiple layers should be considered when packing for your visit. Also, there are three main entrances to the park, the most popular is the entrance in Joshua Tree, CA and the directions below bring you there. The other two entrances are Twentynine Palms (northeast from the town of Joshua Tree) and Cottonwood Springs (the southern-most part of the park near the city of Indio).   The ALABAMA HILLS is a portion of federally protected public land spanning over 30,000 acres located near the town of Lone Pine, California. Situated at the foot of the Eastern Sierras with Mount Whitney towering over the high desert landscape, Alabama Hills is an alluring retreat for adventurers of all ages. Known for the massive boulders and natural arches, the landscape was formed over millions of year as a result from the weathering process caused by wind and water. The list of outdoor activities to enjoy among the rocky terrain is astounding and is ideal during autumn and spring months. Visitors are free to cycle, hike, rock climb, trail run, and camp within the boundaries of this marvelous National Recreation Area with no fees attached.
  CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT is easily one of California's most spectacular hidden gems that should be experienced by any nature lover. Located in a remote area between San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield, this ecological masterpiece offers panoramic views of rolling grassland and epic "super blooms" in the springtime. With the largest concentration of threatened and endangered wildlife in California as well as Southern California's largest remaining natural alkali wetland, Carrizo Plain was designated a national monument in 2001 and now consists of over 204,000 acres of federally protected land. With the help from The Nature Conservancy, Carrizo Plain is now the largest protected habitat along the pacific flyway, which is a route used by migratory birds spanning from Alaska all the way down to Patagonia.
  Situated in the center of Arizona approximately two hours north of Phoenix, SEDONA is a breathtaking town surrounded by 1.8 million acres of forest and being home to the world-famous red rocks towering high above the quiet desert landscape. Not only being known for it's stunning landscape, Sedona is also considered by Native Americans to be a sacred place to renew or heal your spirit through the multiple vortex energy centers scattered throughout the city. Whether you're looking to explore the desert or forest, both are possible within a few minutes drive from downtown Sedona. If you're planning to drive from Los Angeles, it's a hefty one clocking in at around 7.5 hours, without traffic, or a quick flight to Phoenix. However you decide to get to Sedona, in the end, you'll be glad you experienced this incredible place situated in the historical American southwest.
  ALSTROM POINT is, hands down, one of the most magical dispersed camping spots around. Located on a cliff towering over the picturesque waters of Padre Bay in Lake Powell, Alstrom Point offers breathtaking views of the incredible rock formations of Gunsight Butte and The Cookie Jar. Lake Powell is situated within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is a massive man made lake that was created after the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam along the Colorado River. When the dam was finished, it essentially forced the excess water into flooding the surrounding slot canyons that now make up Lake Powell, which is currently the second largest reservoir in the United States.
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