Last Updated on August 27, 2023
San Bernardino County, located in Southern California, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking to explore the high desert region.
San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States by area, encompassing a vast expanse of diverse terrain.
Landmarks and Activities
Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve is a vast and beautiful desert landscape located in San Bernardino County, California. The preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and off-roading.
Here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy at Mojave National Preserve:
- Hike to the top of Kelso Dunes: Witness the mesmerizing sight of towering sand dunes and embark on an exhilarating hike or sandboarding adventure.
- Explore Mitchell Caverns: Delve deep into the desert’s secrets by exploring the limestone caverns and marveling at the stunning geological formations.
- Discover unique rock formations at Hole-in-the-Wall: Enjoy scenic hiking trails that wind through volcanic ash beds and Joshua tree forests.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a neighboring park to Mojave National Preserve and is home to a variety of desert landscapes, including towering Joshua trees, towering boulders, and vast sand dunes.
The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and off-road vehicle riding.
Here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy at Joshua Tree National Park:
- Get up close and personal with the iconic Joshua trees: These iconic trees are a must-see for any visitor to Joshua Tree National Park. They are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when they cast striking silhouettes.
- Challenge yourself with world-class rock climbing: Joshua Tree National Park is a world-renowned rock climbing destination. There are climbs for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the desert from Keys View: Keys View is a popular spot for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. It offers stunning views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and the Salton Sea.
Outdoor Adventures in San Bernardino County’s Desert
San Bernardino County’s desert is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are many other things to do in the desert, including:
- Off-roading: Explore the expansive desert terrain by embarking on an off-roading adventure. Popular off-road areas include Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area and Dumont Dunes.
- Hiking and Backpacking: Discover the beauty of the desert on foot by exploring hiking trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, the Mojave Riverwalk, and the Amboy Crater Trail.
- Stargazing: Experience the magic of the desert night sky by stargazing in remote areas away from light pollution. Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve are excellent spots for celestial viewing.
High Desert Cities of San Bernardino County
The following San Bernardino County cities are in the Mojave Desert region of California (also known as Califormia’s “high desert”):
Victorville
Victorville is a city in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 113,000. It is located in the Mojave Desert, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Victorville is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve offering hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
The city is also home to a variety of businesses, restaurants, and attractions, including the Victor Valley Mall, the Victorville City Library, and the Victorville Air Force Base.
Apple Valley
Apple Valley is a city in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 45,000. It is located in the Mojave Desert, about 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Apple Valley is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve offering hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
The city is also home to a variety of businesses, restaurants, and attractions, including the Apple Valley Golf Course, the Apple Valley Historical Society Museum, and the Apple Valley Resort.
Barstow
Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 23,000. It is located in the Mojave Desert, about 150 miles east of Los Angeles. Barstow is known for its historic Route 66 and its proximity to Death Valley National Park. The city is also home to a number of casinos and resorts, including the Primm Valley Resort and Casino and the Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino.
Needles
Needles is a city in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 4,500. It is located on the Colorado River, about 200 miles east of Los Angeles. Needles is known for its hot springs, its proximity to the Colorado River, and its historic Route 66. The city is also home to the Needles Museum, which tells the story of the city’s history.
Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms is a city in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 26,000. It is located near Joshua Tree National Park, about 175 miles east of Los Angeles. Twentynine Palms is home to a number of resorts and campgrounds, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The city is also home to the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base.
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