DesertUSA publishes news, articles and educational content about the desert regions of the United States. Our news feed includes press releases from the National Park Service, State Parks and other recreation areas.
Desert Life Features
Ladder Canyon Hike
Mecca Hills Wilderness Area
Located 15 miles east of the City of Indio in the greater Palm Springs region, is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Coachella Valley, Ladder Canyon. Ladder Canyon Hiking Trail is located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The colorful mineral deposits, narrow slot canyons and views of the Salton Sea are a few of the characteristics that make this hike unique. Ladders are placed along the slot canyon to enable hikers to climb up dry waterfalls along the trail, earning it the name “Ladder Canyon.” There are several Geocaches hidden along the trail that you can search for too.
Fort Bowie National
Historic Site
Hike to Fort Bowie
Fort Bowie National Historic Site in southeastern Arizona is one of the few national monuments that can only be accessed by a 30-minute drive over gravel roads, followed by an hour’s hike. This adventure, however, is not nearly as daunting as it may seem, and is much more enjoyable than one might imagine.
The trail winds past the remains of a Butterfield Stage Coach Station, the Post Cemetery, an Apache Wickiup, the Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency, Apache Springs, the original Fort and, finally, the more elaborate Fort Bowie and the Ranger Station/Visitor Center.
Wildflowers Along Elephant Trees Trail
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The Elephant Trees Trail is a l.5-mile loop and an easy walk. Sections of the trail traverse the deep, sandy wash, which takes more energy to forge through than the hard-packed portions. There is little shade along the trail, so take breaks and drink lots of water.
There are 17 markers that correspond to a printed Trail Guide describing the flora and geologic features along this self-guided trail.
DesertUSA Wildlife Trail Cam
Photos by Jim Bremner, DesertUSA Staff Photographer
Staff Photographer, Jim Bremner, has been photographing wildlife for many years. In 2016 he purchased a wildlife trail camera to see what animals lived on his ranch. Today, he has several cameras and videos at two watering holes. His collection includes photos of mountain lions, bobcats, owls, coyotes, skunks, and many other critters.
Zion National Park rescues one person and responds to one fatality in the Narrows
Search and Rescue Training at Zion National Park On the morning of Wednesday, November 23, Zion National Park shuttle drivers reported that visitors had encountered an injured man and a non-responsive…
Zion National Park shares shuttle schedule and campground information for fall and winter
Plan ahead to know when shuttles will run and where you can camp in Zion National Park Autumn Visitors at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Fall has arrived at Zion National…
Audubon California Receives $500K from General Motors for Work on Salton Sea
“The Salton Sea is an enormous resource to California, to the western United States, and the entire Western Hemisphere.” Audubon California today announced that it is the recipient of a $500,000…
An adventure through time. Explore the route used by pioneers on their way to California. The Mojave Road lets your SUV act as a time machine, guiding you on a trail that stretches for 138 miles through country virtually unchanged since prehistoric times. Learn more about the Mojave Road Guide by Dennis Casebier.
100% Natural Ingredients – DesertUSA Prickly Pear Syrup is made with all natural ingredients using real prickly pear cactus fruit puree. Never any preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. Shop for Prickly Pear Syrup
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do with your kids, check out our “Break-at-Home” geode kits. This hands on rockhounding experience is a great way for kids to learn about geology, how geodes are formed and to experience the excitement of discovery when they break one open. Learn more about “Break-at-Home” geodes