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Amboy, California

Amboy, California is a must-visit for outdoor adventurers. One of the top attractions is the Amboy Crater Trail, a moderate level hiking trail that offers scenic views of the desert landscape and the extinct Amboy Crater. The trail is 3 miles long and is best used from November until June. Another must-visit is the Bristol Dry Lake, a large salt pan where you can witness the unique process of salt crystallization. For those interested in history, the Route 66 roadside attractions like the Roy's Motel and Café provide a glimpse into the past. These are just some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Amboy, making it a great destination for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Amboy

  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree

    4.5
    To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this clim...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP

    5.0
    The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Ryan Ranch

    0.75 mi / 56 ft gain
    If you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky a...
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Hike Rock Spring Loop Trail

    1.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    The Rock Spring Loop trail is an easy to follow 1.5-mile hike in the Mojave National Preserve.  The hike starts in the parking lot, where you walk through a gate, past a sign welcoming visitors to "come on up", to the historic Rock House.  The Rock House is about a tenth of a mile up the trail fr...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike to Lost Horse Mine

    4.09 mi / 545 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back. This trail takes you through a beautiful desert ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Dispersed Camp at Old Dale Mining District

    5.0
    It can be a pain to try and camp in Joshua Tree. Most of the sites get reserved way in advance and if you are looking for privacy or a quiet area, it's not going to happen.  But you can camp outside the park on BLM land and there is a great place to do this, it's called Old Dale Mining district. ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Covington Crest Trail

    4.2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Accessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...
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  • Yucca Valley, California

    Backpack the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree

    36.97 mi / 2792 ft gain
    The starting point for this hike is at the Black Rock campground, 5 miles from the town of Yucca Valley. You'll need to self register for a free backcountry permit before starting. The first section of the trail follows a wash then the trail narrows and, after only a mile or two, you'll begin cl...
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