Recently I had the chance to take a spontaneous California Road Trip. From Palm Springs through California’s desert roads here’s a list of some Instagram Worthy Spots.
If you know me, you know that I love anything that has to do with being outdoors. Being able to really experience setting up camp at Joshua Tree was a dream come true. It’s so nice just turning off from the world for a while and spending time in nature. It is one of those places you want to get lost in. Wake up and go for a morning walk while the sun is still coming up and fall asleep under the stars. There are several parks that you can camp out on either in your RV or in your tent or maybe even just in your car if you want to wing it. This is a great California road trip spot.
2. Indian Cove
This was our first stop on our California road trip and one of my favorite parks at Joshua Tree. The campgrounds at Indian Cove are nestled between big beautiful boulders on a sandy road. Keep in mind we traveled here during peak season which was in March so I think we got lucky because we didn’t make a reservation (shocker) we are those last minute kind of folks. I would definitely make a reservation in advanced! We spent at least two or three nights here..
To sum up our days and nights at Indian Cove we pretty much woke up, went for a morning hike with our dog Jax (there are plenty of hiking trails with the most exquisite scenery.) Be cautious of any other wild animals although luckily we didn’t see any. We brought a small grill with us and cooked some yummy meals (there is a food store a few miles out.)
Can we just talk about magic hour at Indian Cove? I mean if you know, you know. We absolutely took way too many photos and videos I probably drove my insta hubby insane. We lounged outside and read some of our favorite books, did some afternoon yoga met our camping neighbors and let Jax play with the dog next door. Night time is the best for building a fire and making some smore’s with your boo while enjoying a glass of wine under the stars. Its truly magical, a must see!
The Cholla Cactus Garden is another must see at Joshua Tree. Is my fiancé the only man in the world who does not listen? I have to say it wouldn’t be the first time he did not take my advice! I said probably about 3 times before leaving our RV that morning, “Babe make sure you wear sneakers while we walk through the Cholla Cactus Garden.” I guess between all of the clear signs that said wear sneakers and me nagging was not enough. Ten minutes later he ended up with a cactus in his toe and I have to say it was probably one of the most funny things I have witnessed on our California Road Trip!
Approximately 12 miles south of the park’s north entrance is the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
Pretty purples, yellows and specks of pink splash across the parks tranquil landscape and it is a sight for sore eyes. The Wildflowers at Joshua Tree are superb. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to see the flowers in full bloom but what we did see was still exquisite. You should plan on going when the flowers are blossoming which doesn’t happen too often. Usually you will see the perennials in full effect towards the end of March, but I believe certain years they don’t bloom at all depending on the weather -make sure to check online before heading over. I mean come on even with the flowers not in full bloom you know you would still want to take an instagram photo with this stunning scenery.
I may have already said this but The Imperial Sand Dunes are 100% one of the best California Road Trip stops, an ABSOLUTE must see. For Instance, from the second you arrive it feels like you are in the movie Mad Max! (Yes this is just one of the movies they have filmed here.) With over thousands of acres of sand you can truly get lost, literally! When we drove to the dunes it was late March and it was the most immaculate weather with lows of 60’s and highs of 70’s. Bring a sweatshirt for night time because it gets a little bit chilly when you are sitting in the sand by your fire.
Secondly being there felt like something out of this world, I didn’t feel like I was in California at all. We found a spot and set up camp with only a few neighbors about half a mile away from us it was nice having privacy. Also, this is definitely a great spot for photoshoots and to really annoy your hubby.
This was the most romantic stop on our trip for sure. Because of all of the sand between our toes, watching the sun go down over the sand dunes, and just being there with my hubby and pup made for one of the best stops to get a little bit of away time from the world.
As promised, below you can find some of our iPhone photoshoots that Jason loved taking with some behind the scenes commentary.
Fascinating colors of light and dark blues bouncing off of the white sand. The Salton Sea is a photographers dream come true. The reflection of colors between the sea and the sky makes for the most magnificent photos. We found this gem while driving between Coachella and Imperial Valley. Located in Southern California about an hour South of Palm Springs you need to stop at The Salton Sea.
7. Slab City
Now this is what I call “off the grid” living to its finest. You can live freely and be whoever you want to be here because it’s a lawless community in terms of government. Apparently you do have to follow the Slabs rules! (No clue what they are) Driving through you’ll see some random art, topless men walking around, shoeless women, tents on the side of the road and a bunch of free happy souls.
“The artwork is made of adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of lead-free paint.[1] It encompasses numerous murals and areas painted with Christian sayings and Bible verses, though its philosophy was built around the Sinner’s Prayer.[2]“
This is a part of Slab City and a MUST SEE for your California Road Trip! It was like nothing I have ever witnessed before like something out of a movie. A beautiful art piece; it was a mountain painted with bright colorful Christian bible quotes and art. A few vintage cars that don’t run anymore parked in the sand. Something really cool to see in person because you probably have not seen anything like it before.
9. San Bernardino National Forest
Building bonfires, making smores, listening to some good old country music and cooking some rice a roni in the RV is the true camping experience. If you are looking for forest vibes this is definitely your spot! The forest was our last stop on our California Road Trip with our RV. This was a lot different then the others because it felt more like you were on a real camping ground with a ton of trees around. If you have ever been camping as a child this will definitely bring you back. The weather here was a bit colder because you are higher up in the mountains so it definitely gets a bit more chilly; bring sweats!
