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Yucca Valley, California

Yucca Valley, California offers a plethora of unique experiences for visitors to explore. From hiking the best trails to exploring the scenic desert landscape, there is something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include the Oasis of Mara and the Joshua Tree National Park. For adventurers, the Integratron and Keys View are both excellent choices. With so many activities and attractions to choose from, Yucca Valley is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get out and explore.

Top Spots in and near Yucca Valley

  • Mountain Center, California

    Lion Peak Trail

    9.39 mi / 1722 ft gain
    Lion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Hemet, California

    Hike South Fork Trail

    5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Dunn Road

    15.55 mi / 994 ft gain
    Dunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Cactus Spring Trail

    31.73 mi / 6407 ft gain
    Cactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Aztec Falls

    3.3
    1.23 mi / 16 ft gain
    From Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...
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  • Mecca, California

    Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 990 ft gain
    From Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will b...
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  • Mecca, California

    Big Painted Canyon

    3.61 mi / 541 ft gain
    Big Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Night Hike Painted Canyon

    Take Box Canyon Rd to Painted Canyon Road. Painted Canyon Road is a dirt road, so exercise caution. The road dead ends at the Painted Canyon Trailhead parking lot.Once on the trail, look out for markers and arrow rock piles pointing to the slot canyons and other trails. Some climbing is necessary...
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  • Mecca, California

    Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop

    5.0
    4 mi / 2215 ft gain
    From Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on f...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP

    The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop

    5.0
    2.3 mi / 331 ft gain
    The trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed.  If you plan on going to the top...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Explore Cottonwood Spring

    Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you...
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  • Redlands, California

    Run the Carriage Trail

    3.5
    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    There is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia. 
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  • Apple Valley, California

    Deep Creek Hot Springs

    4.2
    3.64 mi / 948 ft gain
    Deep Creek Hot Springs is nestled along the Mojave River at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. This year-round mineral water retreat consists of three pools the size of large hot tubs, that range in temperature from around 96 degrees in the first pool to 102 in the third....
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge

    4.0
    4.75 mi / 1335 ft gain
    Located in the San Bernardino National Forest and part of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are a relaxing site for those of us without access to a Jacuzzi. There are at least 4 pools of hot (not just warm) water that you can soak in with your fellow neighbor (who may or may not...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Dispersed Camp at Old Dale Mining District

    5.0
    It can be a pain to try and camp in Joshua Tree. Most of the sites get reserved way in advance and if you are looking for privacy or a quiet area, it's not going to happen.  But you can camp outside the park on BLM land and there is a great place to do this, it's called Old Dale Mining district. ...
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