Places Jen Seriously Wants to Go

This mountain trail inspired Nietzsche to complete his magnum opus.

This public amphitheater was once a key part of Monaco’s defense strategy.

On the edge of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, these rock formations create an eerie landscape.

A unique geological area spiked with wind-carved rocks that resemble teepees.

In a largely deserted ghost town, a little brick building recalls its history as a gold rush hub and haven for outlaws.

A phenomenal assembly of pueblos in New Mexico is the most complete example of ancient ruins north of the border.

The wild west is still alive and well at this authentic mining town watering hole.

A mining town once rife with murderous disputes over its copious treasures now creates income as a popular spot for photo shoots.

This mostly abandoned shopping outlet is now adorned with beautiful graffiti and murals.

The only mine for rare earth elements in the United States has been intermittently active since the 1950s.

In the middle of the desert, miles from any human life, sat an anomalous pay phone that still magically answers your calls.

A volcanic tunnel illuminated by natural skylights offers a shaded respite from the desert sun.

No one’s quite sure why there's a metal megaphone bolted on two rocks in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

This large pile of traveler-curated rocks by the dry lakebed is a longstanding tradition on the Old Mojave Road.

The largest dune field in the Mojave offers a chance of hearing the 'singing sands.'

On a barren hillside in the Yucca Valley, the recently restored Desert Christ Park has attracted pilgrims and kitsch hunters for over 50 years.

Artist Jack Pierson made this surreal sculpture in honor of Wonder Valley, a countercultural community on edge of civilization.

While you're unlikely to find riches here these days, this remote mine is a time capsule of the Gold Rush era.

This outdoor observatory offers stellar views and a scale model of our solar system.

The only thing stranger than stumbling onto these philosophical musings is the story of the homesteader who created them.

Experience the glam side of air travel without leaving the ground at this speakeasy.

At the western edge of Palm Springs, a rugged desert canyon trail leads to a waterfall at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains.

With beautiful views and every detail perfectly considered, one of the geniuses of modern architecture built himself the perfect home.

An outdoor sculpture park of giant pink robots and post-apocalyptic Christmas scenes.