The stretches of the Mojave Desert that most people tend to see from the road conform to the stereotype of the earth's arid regions - barren, lifeless and desolate. Consequently few visitors are inspired to explore further, but this High Desert - all of it above 2000ft - offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the southern part of the state, rolling with lush grasses, startling volcanic formations, large stands of Joshua trees and even, in some spots, piƱon pines.

High Desert

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Death Valley National Park

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