Bronson Caves
Take a hike to the Bronson Caves, at the end of Canyon Drive in Los Angeles. These caves have been home to many movies and TV shows, including "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," "The Scorpion King" and the original "Batman" series. The man-made caves are in the southwest corner of Griffith Park in an old rock quarry. Part of the trail is especially steep but making it to the top will reward you with a gorgeous view of the Los Angeles basin and Hollywood.
Bronson Caves
2960 Canyon Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Calico Ghost Town
Visit a real ghost town where you can camp, hike and see the Mystery Shack, where water runs uphill. Calico Ghost Town is on the site of King Mountain and is part of San Bernardino's regional park system. This former silver mining town features several reconstructed buildings, including a school house and blacksmith shop. Shops and restaurants line Main Street. You can ride a narrow gauge mining train and pan for gold. Plan to stay in one of the 253 camping sites, a cabin or bunkhouse; large bunkhouses sleep 12 and mini-bunkhouses sleep six. The park charges a small admission fee and is open every day except Christmas.
Calico Ghost Town
Yermo, CA 92398
(760) 254-2122
(800) 862-2542
calicotown.com/
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a World Biosphere Reserve and National Natural Landmark; it's the largest desert park in America. Named after Juan Bautista de Anza, the Spanish explorer, this park has 12 wilderness areas. When it rains enough, the wildflowers are spectacular. Home to the endangered bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife, the park allows camping from October 1 to May 15. You can camp in a developed site or open camp in the backcountry; elevations range from 775 feet to 3,400 feet. The park does not allow dogs on wilderness trails; they must be on a 6-foot leash in the campgrounds. Activities include naturalist talks, nature walks, guided hikes, campfire programs and Jr. Ranger programs. Twelve trails range from easy to difficult; more than 500 miles of dirt roads are also in the park.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-4205
parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=638
