USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 1 (page 7 of 9)

ARCH ROCK TRAIL - JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK - CALIFORNIA

Arch Rock Trail is an easy 1.7-mile round-trip hike located in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The trailhead is near the parking lot but on the other side of the road. See the GPS coordinates mentioned below in this post.

The rock formations you’ll see along this hike are spectacular, especially Heart Rock—a large heart-shaped boulder—as well as Arch Rock, a stunning arch that requires a bit of climbing to reach.

33.98948, -116.02292 Parking 33.98947, -116.02293 Trail leading to Arch Rock Trail 33.98792, -116.02252 Start of the trail 33.98815, -116.01343 Hearth Rock About 300 m and you return 33.98687, -116.01642 Small clockwise loop 33.98621, -116.01561 Arch Rock 33.98627, -116.01666 Right junction for the return to the parking lot

https://youtu.be/UoTXyEI6HNk

CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN TRAIL - JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK - CALIFORNIA

The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is an easy 400-meter loop trail located in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The Cholla Cactus Garden is situated in the Pinto Basin, a transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave deserts.

The cholla cacti, which are actually quite pretty, are concentrated here due to the conditions that favor their growth and reproduction.

They primarily reproduce when detached stems take root in the soil to grow a new plant. These separated stems are often too heavy to be carried by the wind, which is why the colony thrives in this area.

It’s recommended to walk carefully around these cacti because segments can break off and attach to people and animals with their sharp spines.

It’s also advised to wear closed-toe shoes while walking this trail to protect your feet.

33.92526, -115.92896 Trailhead

https://youtu.be/BO2j6pU8eY8

LONE PINE - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

Lone Pine is a small town located along Highway 395 in the heart of Owens Valley in the state of California.

It's surrounded by majestic mountains, particularly the Inyo Mountains to the east and the Sierra Nevada to the west.

The local economy relies heavily on tourism since the town sits between several popular destinations like the Alabama Hills, Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Mountain, Death Valley National Park, and Yosemite National Park.

Numerous motels, restaurants, and bars line the main road that runs through town.

You’ll also find the Beverly & Jim Rogers Museum, a museum themed around the history of American cinema.

For over a century, filmmakers have chosen the Alabama Hills near this town for several Western movies like *Bonanza* and *The Lone Ranger*, as well as more recent films like *Gladiator*, Disney’s *Dinosaur*, and *Tremors*.

Location: 36.60553, -118.06343

https://youtu.be/NyT5WZ2VpUw

MISS ALABAMA & SHARK FIN - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

The Alabama Hills are located west of Lone Pine in the state of California and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

This spectacular landscape of rounded rocks and eroded hills is nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains.

This park, which is free to access, has served as a filming location for over 400 movies. Additionally, there are several hiking trails where you can explore natural arches and cliffs perfect for climbing.

36.59661, -118.0985 Miss Alabama

Miss Alabama is a huge rock with eyes and a mouth drawn on it, forming a smiling and welcoming face.

36.59780, -118.12073 Shark Fin

Shark Fin is a rock shaped like a shark’s fin. It’s a very popular climbing spot.

https://youtu.be/obMtW7_O1lc

LONE RANGER CANYON - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

Movie Road is a scenic route that crosses the northern part of Alabama Hills and takes us to the most visited section of this park.

It gets its name from the many films and TV series that have been shot in this area.

Numerous hiking trails start from this dirt road, which is passable with a standard vehicle—except in very bad weather.

These hiking trails let us explore the surrounding rocks and discover the many arches found throughout the park. In fact, there are nearly 400 of them here!

Lone Ranger Canyon was the first stop we made on Movie Road. We took a short hike in this area to see the strange rock formations.

The snow-capped mountains in the background make the landscape truly stunning.

This site was the filming location for *The Lone Ranger* and *Django Unchained*.

36.59572, -118.10933 Start of Movie Road 36.60223, -118.11804 Lone Ranger Canyon

https://youtu.be/XsvCqQEsflo

MOBIUS ARCH LOOP TRAIL (HEART ARCH & LATHE ARCH) - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

The Mobius Arch Loop Trail is a 1-kilometer loop trail. Located on Movie Road, it lets you discover three spectacular arches and also offers incredible views of Mount Whitney and other peaks in the Sierra Nevada.

Heart Arch can be spotted in the distance from the Mobius Arch Loop Trail parking area. However, you can see it up close when you take the left fork in the trail that leads to Mobius Arch.

Mobius Arch is an arch that perfectly frames Mount Whitney in its window. The arch’s window is nearly 2 meters high. The surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking.

Lathe Arch is the last arch you’ll see along the Mobius Arch Loop Trail. It’s located near Mobius Arch. This arch is smaller, but its elongated shape is really unique. Looking through its window, you get a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada.

36.61132, -118.12481 Trailhead 36.61315, -118.12343 Heart Arch viewpoint 36.61300, -118.12316 Heart Arch 36.61323, -118.12340 Left turn 36.61361, -118.12585 Mobius Arch 36.61349, -118.12584 Lathe Arch 36.61310, -118.12614 Right turn

https://youtu.be/yT5_ACK6WfI

EYE OF THE ALABAMA HILLS ARCH - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

Location: 36.61610, -118.11669

The Eye of Alabama is also one of the most well-known arches in Alabama Hills. It’s located along Movie Road.

A trail, about 600 meters round-trip, starts from the parking lot and leads to this arch. From there, you can enjoy incredible views of the hills and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

https://youtu.be/FGVG-crWCQY

BOOT & CYCLOPS ARCHES - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

Boot Arch

Boot Arch, as the name suggests, looks like a boot. It’s located along Movie Road, a little north of the Eye of the Alabama Hills arch.

It’s easily accessible. Just leave Movie Road, the main route, and take a side road for about 200 meters to a parking lot.

The arch is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.

36.63271, -118.13142 Parking 36.63276, -118.13343 Boot Arch

Cyclops Arch

Cyclops Arch is another pretty unusual natural formation in the same area as Boot Arch.

36.62934, -118.13310 Parking 36.62999, -118.13528 Cyclops Arch

https://youtu.be/SYQ3dtuoBMA

ONE MILE ARCH, BOWLING BALL AND PINS & GUNGA DIN AREA - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

One Mile Arch

One Mile Arch is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the start of Movid Road, which is how it got its name.

There’s a small parking lot nearby, making it easy to access the arch.

36.60813, -118.12689 Parking 36.60485, -118.12075 One Mile Arch

Bowling Ball and Pins

36.60814, -118.12687 Parking 36.60807, -118.12638 Bowling Ball and Pins

The Bowling Ball and Pins is made up of rock formations that resemble a bowling game. This spot is popular for climbing and stargazing.

Gunga Din Marker

This historic marker for the film *Gunga Din* is located on Horseshoe Meadows Road. The adventure movie, filmed in this mountainous region in 1938, starred Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Victor McLaglen, Joan Fontaine, and Sam Jaffe as Gunga Din, the water carrier who desperately wanted to become a soldier.

Take the opportunity to explore this area, as there are several small arches to discover.

36.584597, -118.11548 Gunga Din Marker

https://youtu.be/3nX2NDqhGes

WHITNEY PORTAL ARCH TRAILHEAD - ALABAMA HILLS - OWENS VALLEY - CALIFORNIA

36.59540, -118.15295 Parking and trailhead 36.60220, -118.15596 Whitney Portal Arch

Whitney Portal Arch is accessible from Whitney Portal Road. It’s visible from the road, though it tends to blend into its surroundings.

This arch is much less crowded than other arches in the park, since it’s not located near the road.

The trailhead isn’t marked until you cross a small bridge over Lone Pine Creek. After the bridge, you’ll reach a path heading left (northwest).

After hiking about 400 meters on this trail, the arch appears near the top. It’s surrounded by many other rock formations.

Just keep an eye on the arch and head toward it. There’s no official trail to get there, so this part of the hike requires a bit more effort since the arch is higher up on the hillside.

Its location offers a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. On the way back, you can see Owens Lake in the distance.

https://youtu.be/elYafl_-Po0

FISH ROCKS & TRONA PINNACLES - MOJAVE DESERT - CALIFORNIA

Fish Rocks

Fish Rocks are rock formations painted in the 1930s to resemble giant fish with sharp teeth. These rock formations are also known as Fish Head Rocks or Whale Rocks.

They’re located on Route 178, about 2.3 miles south of the turnoff leading to Trona Pinnacles.

35.66678, -117.42829 Fish Rocks

Trona Pinnacles

The Trona Pinnacles, which are free to access, are a cluster of strange tufa rock formations right in the heart of the Mojave Desert in California.

The Middle Group is actually the best-developed and most easily accessible area. A 1-mile trail winds around this zone, letting you discover these truly unique rock formations.

Here’s the translation of an informational sign at the site entrance explaining how these pinnacles formed:

"Rising from the floor of what was once an ancient lake bed, the Trona Pinnacles represent one of the most unique geological landscapes in the California desert. Over 500 of these tufa or calcium carbonate spires are spread across 14 square miles in the Searles Lake basin. Their sizes range from small coral-like rocks to several that tower over 140 feet high.

The pinnacles formed between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago, when Searles Lake was part of a chain of interconnected lakes flowing from Owens Valley to Death Valley. At one point during the Pleistocene, this area was under 640 feet of water.

The Trona Pinnacles were designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1968 to preserve one of the most remarkable examples of tufa spire formation in North America."

35.68143, -117.39151 Start of Pinnacle Road - RM143 35.62567, -117.37908 Thade Point - Informational signs 35.61777, -117.37363 Start of the loop 35.61743, -117.36814 Great viewpoint at the top

I suggest checking out this website if you’d like more information about this park: https://www.blm.gov/visit/trona-pinnacles

https://youtu.be/31as57fuIxg

RED CLIFFS TRAIL - RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK - CALIFORNIA

35.37327, -117.99062 Visitor Center

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a small park located in the heart of the Mojave Desert in California.

It offers beautiful desert landscapes and many spectacular, colorful geological formations that have been sculpted by wind and water.

Access to Red Rock Canyon State Park isn’t free. Please check the entrance fee on the park’s website, which is listed at the end of this post.

Since it’s a state park, the America the Beautiful annual pass isn’t accepted.

There’s no toll booth at the park entrance. You need to go to the Visitor Center to pay the entrance fee. If the Visitor Center is closed, use the self-service envelope system.

The park is home to a significant amount of wildlife, such as Greater Roadrunners (often just called Roadrunners), hawks, lizards, squirrels, and the flora includes Joshua trees and yuccas, among others.

* Red Cliffs Trail

35.36211, -117.97688 Parking 35.36254, -117.97672 Trailhead

The Red Cliffs Trail is a short 1.4-kilometer loop hike that starts on the north side of the parking lot. The view of the red sedimentary rocks is already stunning.

Just follow the trail, which is lined with small rocks and leads to the top of a small hill. About 300 meters from the trailhead, you’ll come to an intersection. Turn right at this junction to complete the loop.

Continuing in this direction, you’ll have amazing views of this beautiful region.

You’ll reach another intersection marked by a trail sign. Turn right at this junction to head back to the parking lot.

On the way back, we took the opportunity to explore these massive cliffs up close, which stretch over 500 meters.

You can step off the trail to get a closer look at the red rock walls before or after this hike.

I suggest checking out this website if you’d like more information about the park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631

https://youtu.be/CzK5cEXnWBA

HAGEN CANYON NATURE TRAIL - RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK - CALIFORNIA

35.36510, -117.98304 Parking and trailhead

Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is an easy 2-kilometer loop trail. It’s located in Red Rock Canyon State Park, right in the heart of the Mojave Desert in California.

This canyon has a rich cinematic history, especially in old Western films.

Hiking this trail lets you explore colorful cliffs, gorges, and spectacular side canyons. Some rock formations even have names because they resemble objects or animals.

35.36433, -117.98407 Junction with Bench Overlook 35.36349, -117.98389 A bench sits at the top of a pleasant viewpoint surrounded by Yucca plants 35.36242, -117.98466 Junction with Window Rock (to the left)

The loop portion of the trail starts at this junction. It’s also the best spot to locate Window Rock to the west.

You’ll come to a junction marked by a few cairns. Follow these cairns and head straight toward the cliffs.

With a little searching, you’ll spot two rock formations: Window Rock (a hole/arch) and Camel Rock (a camel).

The last section of the trail is lined with beautiful Joshua trees and Yuccas.

In short, this loop hike gives you a lovely overview of the area.

https://youtu.be/gsGcWnk7upM

VISITING HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TEHACHAPI - CALIFORNIA

The city of Tehachapi is located in Kern County in the state of California.

A walking tour of Tehachapi’s historic downtown shows it’s packed with restaurants, shops, and museums.

There are also plenty of murals depicting the historical and cultural facets of Tehachapi, along with helpful markers identifying points of interest.

35.13236, -118.45052 The Historic Tehachapi Loop - Intersection S. Pauley St. and Tehachapi Blvd 35.13273, -118.44957 Greetings from Tehachapi - 200 W Tehachapi Blvd 35.13233, -118.44757 Tehachapi Depot Museum - 101 W Tehachapi Blvd 35.13156, -118.44738 Mural - The Historic BeeKay Theatre - 110 S Green St 35.13193, -118.44655 Street Dance - 116 E Tehachapi Blvd 35.13158, -118.44367 T-hacha-P - 333 E Tehachapi Blvd 35.13063, -118.44644 The Legend of Avelino Martinez - 126 East F Street (H&R Block) 35.13109, -118.44741 Monolith - 113 East F Street 35.13063, -118.44790 Air Mail - 209 S Green St 35.13094, -118.44799 People of the Mountains - Hitching Post Theaters - 100 W F St 35.13144, -118.44916 Red Front Blacksmith Shop - Intersection W F St & S Curry St

https://youtu.be/PdMkjy0e5y8

VIEW OF THE TEHACHAPI LOOP – MONOLITH - CALIFORNIA

The Tehachapi Loop is located in Monolith, California. It’s a must-see stop for train and railroad enthusiasts.

Designated a national monument, this spiral railroad was created to allow long, heavy freight trains to climb a mountain pass that was too steep for a conventional straight track.

Two viewpoints let you watch trains enter the spiral. The official viewpoint doesn’t offer the best view, though. However, about 150 meters from this viewpoint, there’s another one that provides a better panoramic view of the loop.

It’s accessible via a dirt road blocked by a chain since it’s on private property. But you can walk there because the landowners allow visitors to reach the top of the hill to see the trains entering the loop.

35.19500, -118.53480 Viewpoint 1 (official viewpoint) 35.19698, -118.53264 Viewpoint 2 (better view)

https://youtu.be/wj3MFmsFuCE

CESAR E. CHAVEZ NATIONAL MONUMENT - KEENE, CALIFORNIA

The César E. Chávez National Monument is located in the town of Keene in the state of California.

It’s dedicated to the Mexican-American activist who fought for the rights of Latino workers between 1952 and 1976.

Access to the site is free, and the most interesting sections for the Chávez family are the Memorial Garden, where the activist is buried, and the Desert Garden.

35.22386, -118.55872 Parking

https://youtu.be/ZBndmv4O4UA

EXPLORING BAKERSFIELD - CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield is located in the state of California. Its downtown features a growing arts district, while the historic area now hosts public sculptures and murals, along with dozens of art galleries and shops.

We took a 2.8-kilometer hike through the city and a driving tour to discover its historic buildings and murals.

By car:

35.418501, -118.9568 Muffler Man: Indian Warrior, 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy 35.38611, -119.04248 The Bakersfield Sign & Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, 3032-3000 Sillect Ave

2.8 km hike in the city. Street parking available.

35.37706, -119.01701 Mural - The Kitchen Bakersfield & another mural to the left of the building, 1317 20th St 35.37732, -119.02136 Fox Theater, 2001 H St 35.37637, -119.02410 Mural - pair of wings next to House of Talula, 1900 19th St 35.37613, -119.02193 Nile Theatre, 1721 19 Th 35.37612, -119.02096 Mural - Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen & across the street, 1623 19th St 35.37510, -119.02121 Mural, 1798 H St 35.37576, -119.01969 Guthrie's Alley Cat & Murals, 1525 Wall St 35.37578, -119.01914 Murals + Jerry's Pizza & Pub Wings, 1501 Wall St 35.37637, -119.01797 Woolworth Diner (interior and mural to the right), 1400 19th St 35.37513, -119.01221 Wings Mural Café Smitten, 909 18th St Return to parking

By car:

35.36635, -119.01924 Big Shoe Repair, 931 Chester Ave 35.37302, -119.01373 Plaza de California, 1033 Truxtun Ave 35.37297, -119.00768 Mural - Visit Bakersfield, 515 Truxtun Ave 35.37428, -118.99236 Mural - Luigi's Restaurant, 725 E 19th St 35.37486, -118.99219 Mural - Oscars Road Service, East 19th Street 35.37671, -118.99503 Fisk Boy - Tire Mascot, 530 E 21st St 35.37717, -118.98951 Bloom Mural, 716 Jackson St & Beale Ave (under a viaduct)

https://youtu.be/JoDIGsahlOc

KERN COUNTY MUSEUM – BAKERSFIELD - CALIFORNIA

The Kern County Museum is a history museum located in Bakersfield, California, with the goal of promoting the history of Kern County.

One of the museum's most recognizable structures is the Beale Memorial Clock Tower, located across from the museum.

The Pioneer Village features over 50 historic buildings related to the county's late 19th-century history, including a school, a church, a photography studio, a train station, a hotel, a courthouse, and an assay office. These buildings are arranged to simulate a real town.

Black Gold is an exhibit that explores Kern County's oil industry. You’ll find oil equipment on-site, including a wooden oil derrick and a pumping unit (with 6 wooden pumps).

Neon Plaza showcases restored neon signs from historic restaurants, retail stores, and service workshops in the county.

There’s also the Lori Brock Children's Discovery Center, a museum for kids.

Location: 35.39410, -119.01910

I suggest checking out their website if you'd like more information about the museum: https://kerncountymuseum.org/

https://youtu.be/REZhy1pqOKI

BRAVO FARMS, TREE HOUSE & PETTING ZOO - TRAVER - CALIFORNIA

Bravo Farms, located in Traver, California, is a large store with many different sections to explore, including food and antiques. There’s also a restaurant on-site.

Outside, behind the building, you’ll find a mini arcade and a small petting zoo where you can see animals like llamas, donkeys, goats, pigs, rabbits, and birds.

There’s also a lovely little seven-story treehouse. You can go inside and climb all the way to the top floor.

36.44772, -119.48577 Bravo Farms, 36005 6th St 36.44815, -119.48617 Tree House & Petting Zoo

I suggest checking out their website if you’d like more information: http://www.bravofarms.com/

https://youtu.be/tm3sFJPpue0

WALKING TOUR OF KINGSBURG - CALIFORNIA

The town of Kingsburg is located in the state of California. It's famous for its Swedish heritage.

Its downtown area features a growing arts district, while the historic section now hosts sculptures, public murals, and dozens of art galleries and shops.

We took a walk around the town and also did a driving tour to explore its historic buildings and murals.

We stopped by the Sun-Maid headquarters (raisins) which is also located in Kingsburg.

Short walking tour in the town:

36.51515, -119.55113 Parking, 1440 Smith St 36.51463, -119.55181 Kingsburg Historical Jail (free) & Swedish Coffee Pot Water Tower 36.51610, -119.54827 Holy Family Church Office, 1700 Lewis St 36.51773, -119.54736 Concordia Lutheran Church, 1800 Sierra St 36.51789, -119.54871 Memorial Park Fountain 36.51766, -119.54933 First Baptist Kingsburg, 1753 Draper St 36.51621, -119.55049 Evangelical Mission Covenant Church, Intersection Draper St & Lincoln St Continue on Draper St. - Photos of some buildings and murals 36.51651, -119.55263 Kingsburg Community Church, Intersection Smith St & Ellis St 36.51658, -119.55313 Washington Elementary School, 1501 Ellis St Turn left onto Ellis St. 36.51581, -119.55396 Turn left onto Marion St. (beautiful murals) 36.51509, -119.55284 Kingsburg City Hall, 1401 Draper St Return to parking

By car:

36.51860, -119.54036 Kingsburg Historical Park, 2321 Sierra St 36.51917, -119.56424 Swedish Mill Restaurant, 475 Sierra St 36.53759, -119.57638 The Sun-Maid Market

https://youtu.be/yhSoaXR5QvA