In one of the hottest parts of the Mojave Desert, shallow bedrock forces the typically dry Mojave River to the surface in this canyon, providing a vital oasis for humans and wildlife.

Colorful sedimentary rock layers provide opportunities both for hiking and photography.

A collection of anti-communist sculptures stands watch in the Mojave Desert.

Quite simply the largest tree in the world (by volume).

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

Finally the worlds of UFO enthusiasts and beef jerky lovers have come together in this roadside shop.

Like a kitschy mirage in the Mojave, this eatery serves up classic 50s-style diner meals and a dinosaur sculpture garden.

The cluster of boulders near Fort Irwin is covered in military insignia.

A desert ghost town—occupied for only 12 years—was once home to more than 500 silver mines.

A castle from the Holy Roman Empire that hosts traveling youth... in its stables.

Thirty creepy ghosts now inhabit this decaying 14th-century church.

The first archaeological site discovered by aerial photography.

A giant white horse drawn on an English hillside may not have been intended to be a horse at all.

Famously misunderstood wonder of the ancient world

The hidden lair of an alchemist rediscovered in a 2002 flood.

A church of bones, decorated with 40,000 human skeletons.

These 18th century gardens tell a rocky story of the son of Odysseus.

Money made from smuggling sugar helped create this wondrous rock maze in honor of the Prussian Queen Louise.