The California Desert can be a magical place… and it exists for all of us to enjoy. In reality, there are two deserts in Southern California - the high Mojave Desert where you find Joshua Tree National Park. And the lower, drier, Colorado Desert which is in California and part of the overall Sonoran Desert. This lower Sonoran Desert in Southern California has a very distinct look to it. And, it’s a land of contradictions. It’s a desert, yet there is so much life and vitality. It’s dry, yet in the late winter of 2026 we were treated to more flowers and green grass than I have ever seen in a desert. I have visited it several times already and hope to see it again and again… and record the images that convey how this unique desert feels to me.

Spring In The Desert

We did our first hike in Indian Canyons in what could only be described as perfect conditions! It was a beautiful sunny day with a breeze. But just over the Santa Rosa mountains, rain and snow from a three day atmospheric river were pounding southern California. All day long the rain and clouds were visible, but they only inched closer. And with the wind, it sometimes blew the raindrops over to us. It is this proximity to rain that explains how alive the desert looked that day. I have never seen so much green and color in a desert!

The San Andreas Fault

Scenes From The California Desert

Sunset In A Palm Oasis

One evening, our Red Jeep Tour was coming to a close in the Indio Hills along the San Andreas Fault. But just before it ended, we were treated to a beautiful subtle sunset over the desert. Everything seemed to glow with the pink and blue hues of the fading light. It was quite a treat to end the day.