Places mojavenc Wants to Go

A midcentury ranch house hides a literal treasure trove of unique rocks and minerals.

A waterfall and cave near Arroyo Seco that inspired the writings of D. H. Lawrence, Willa Cather, and Mabel Dodge Luhan.

Taos Pueblo recipes, foraged ingredients, and outdoor ovens define the menu at this eatery.

If drivers cross the rumble strip on this stretch of Route 66 at just the right speed it plays "America the Beautiful."

The U.S. Air Force has an anti-satellite laser weapon.

Ninety feet off the valley floor is an ancient dwelling put under protection of the U.S. government by Teddy Roosevelt.

A spiritual vortex among the red rocks in Sedona.

Witnessing the might of this dessert-colored desert waterfall is a rare, powerful treat.

This Native American settlement dates back to the Pueblo II period.

A monument to the one-armed geologist who led the first documented expeditions through the Grand Canyon.

This small interfaith chapel lies not far from the rim of the Grand Canyon.

The remnants of a creative early method of wildfire prevention.

An homage to everyone's favorite prehistoric cartoon family.

A small canyon with petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall, only a short hike from the remnants of old Route 66.

Bootleggers ran booze beneath this building before (and after) Route 66 appeared beside it.

Hiding amid the largest camellia collection in the country lies a charming children's maze, donated by a secret admirer.

Giant Redwood-themed cafeteria operates under the golden rule, "Dine Free Unless Delighted."

The illuminating collection of L.A. street lights is run by the city and only opens one day per month.

This California tree is the single source of the state's entire orange industry.

The Citrus Variety Collection at UC Riverside contains two trees of each of the 1,000+ varieties of citrus.

This Pringle-shaped ledge makes for the perfect photo op.

The victims of a free-floating Japanese bombing during WWII are remembered by this stone monument.

Mine your own precious stones.

A spectacular but little-known slot canyon in extreme northern Nevada, with sheer walls nearly 500 feet high and a perennial stream.