Explore the Magic of the American Deserts
Desert Biome – Colorado River – Lake Levels – Air & Water Temperatures
Treasure Hunt at Home
Use AI Tools to Find the Real Value of Your Possessions
Walk your house with a camera, photograph potential treasures, and let artificial intelligence tools (AI ) help identify, research, and estimate the value of artwork, antiques, jewelry, coins, and more. We use ChatGPT5 to evaluate our items. There are also other artificial intelligence tools available most have a free startup plan. More…
Mojave National Preserve
This detailed video documentary explores the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million-acre landscape situated between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Viewers will learn about the history of the Kelso Depot—a 1920s mission-style train station turned visitor center—and walk among the towering Kelso Dunes, where booming sand produces musical sounds.
Along the eastern side of the preserve, the landscape undergoes a sudden transformation. Dozens of volcanic cinder cones rise from a dark layer of lava flows. Geologists estimate that at least thirty cinder cones formed here, starting about 7.6 million years ago. We also explore a lava tube.
The video traces the storied Mojave Road, from its origins as an Indigenous trade route to its role as a 19th-century mail corridor and modern off-road adventure, and visits Rock Spring and the stone cabin built by World War I veteran Bert Smith. We examine the restored Goffs Schoolhouse on historic Route 66 and showcase recent conservation efforts, including major road improvements and new tortoise fencing. This video encourages viewers to appreciate the desert’s timeless beauty, human history, and ongoing efforts to protect its fragile ecosystems. More…
Ballarat Ghost Town – Gateway to Manson’s Last Hideout
Ballarat, California, is more than a ghost town—it’s a living story tucked against the Panamint Mountains in the Mojave Desert. Founded in 1896 during the gold rush, Ballarat once had hundreds of residents, seven saloons, a post office, and not a single church. When the mines went quiet, the town faded… but not completely.
This video explores Ballarat’s colorful past, from the legendary “Seldom Seen Slim” who lived without electricity for over 50 years, to prospector Shorty Harris, and even a connection to the Manson Family. You’ll see the rusted 1942 Dodge Power Wagon linked to Tex Watson, the starting point of the rugged road to Barker Ranch—the Manson hideout deep in the Panamints.
Join us as we walk through Ballarat’s crumbling buildings, meet the characters who gave it life, and follow the trails that lead to some of Death Valley’s most infamous history. More….
The Colorado River Is Dying – What Happens Next Will Change the Southwest
The Colorado River is in crisis. Once a lifeline for the American Southwest, it is now struggling to meet the demands of 40 million people, millions of acres of farmland, and countless ecosystems. In this video, we explore why the Colorado River is drying up, what happens if Lake Mead and Lake Powell continue to fall, and what solutions—if any—can save the river. More…
How to Survive When Your Car Dies
You’re venturing off-road in a car or four-wheel-drive vehicle. It’s important to be aware of the risks involved in remote travel. Imagine choosing a lonely trail, only to have your vehicle run into trouble. As you try to turn around and head back, your car might break down or get stuck. You could be miles from major highways, towns, or help, with no cell service. Even if your car is still running, you could face other issues like flat tires, and without the right tools to fix them, you might end up stranded. This guide offers essential survival tips for handling such tough situations in the desert. More…
Discover the breathtaking beauty and unique wonders of the American Southwest with DesertUSA.com. Our comprehensive travel guide offers in-depth information on destinations, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Explore articles on the flora and fauna of the desert, geology, history, and desert culture. Whether you’re planning a road trip, looking for hiking trails, or seeking insights into the vibrant desert ecosystem, DesertUSA.com is your ultimate resource. Join our community of desert enthusiasts and uncover the hidden gems and rich heritage of this extraordinary region. More…
