My family loved this!!! Just letting everyone know it is a bit scary. The museum had lots of detail…read moreand the staff was nice! Super interactive! 5 stars!!!! My kids went to jail..... JK

It was super interesting. The museum portion is very well done. Super informative without too much…read moreinformation to absorb. Loved that they have a quiz you can take to find the answers. Really helped keep my daughter and I engaged in the content. We had a great tour guide who wrote a more in depth book. He was entertaining, kept things moving. The short film is also a good introduction. Even at the end of February, the sun was fierce. Wish we would have brought hats and water. I have forgotten how dry it can be. While it wasn't hot, the sun felt unrelenting. Highly recommend stopping and enjoying the site. A great piece of American history.

I enjoyed the historical aspect of this person and his family. His contribution to the community…read moreand Yuma businesses. And it was fun to enjoy a tea cup with ice cream in the parlor dining room. They also use a cute game to keep you interactive as you read about history It's a small place but they have nice stories and I'm sure the gardens are lovely when in bloom

Come while they are giving the guides tour. Learn a lot. Interact more with the money game. Lots to…read moresee. Kids might like it

The ghost town is very interesting and fun to walk through. We spent about an hour and half. Great…read morehistory of mining and life during the gold rush era to after WWII. For $75 per person you also get the guided Castle Dome Mine tour. Took about 2 hours and was very informative about mining life underground. Miners extracted gold, silver, copper and lead for many years. This and other minerals show up fantastic under black light. Glad we drove 10 miles down the bumpy road off of highway 95. Mine tour are at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. Would recommend getting there after 10:00 and take the 11:00 tour. Closes at 5:00 so give yourself a good 4+ hours to have fun.

** A Hidden Gem in the Desert: Castle Dome Mining Museum & Ghost Town**…read more We visited the **Castle Dome Mining Museum and Ghost Town** today during our tour of the Yuma area, and we were absolutely **blown away** by this **unexpected treasure** in the middle of the desert! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the **owner and founder, Allen Armstrong**--a true **Renaissance man** with a passion for history, sustainability, and preservation. As we paid our entrance fee, we had the pleasure of chatting with him about his **off-grid, energy-efficient lifestyle**. His **solar power farm** generates so much electricity that he effortlessly powers his home, museum, and even air conditioning--**all while living sustainably** in this remote location. His ingenuity alone was worth the visit! The **Ghost Town walking tour** was **nothing short of spectacular**. Before starting, we downloaded the **audio tour**, which provided fascinating background stories at various stops. The town features **over 20 buildings**--some original, some carefully reconstructed--each **meticulously filled with authentic period items**. The attention to detail was **breathtaking**: - The **blacksmith shop** was stocked with real tools and equipment. - The **dress shop** displayed elegant gowns, hats, and sewing supplies. - The **barbershop**, saloons, jail, and church all felt **frozen in time**. Even the **"junk piles"** behind buildings were **historically accurate**, filled with old bottles, cans, and mining debris--proof that every inch of this place was crafted with **love and precision**. We missed the **Castle Dome Marauders** (a lively reenactment group), but we'll **definitely plan our next visit around their schedule**. We also didn't take the **mine tour** this time, but hearing about the **fluorescent mineral walls** and gemstone-lined tunnels has us **eager to return**. A few notes for future visitors: - The road is **10 miles off the main highway** and **rough**, but **trust us--it's worth it!** - If you're lucky, you'll meet **Allen himself**--his passion is contagious. If not, the guides are **knowledgeable and engaging**. - Don't miss the **silver extraction exhibit**--a fascinating look at historic mining techniques! **Final Verdict:** **5/5 Stars!** This is a **must-see** attraction near Yuma--**authentic, immersive, and unforgettable**. Whether you love history, mining, or just unique adventures, **Castle Dome delivers**. We'll be back soon! **Highly, highly recommend!**

I have seen this place from the I-8 freeway over the years as I drove across into Arizona. While…read moreworking in the area I made the trek over and visited! They have a big gift shop with random knick-knacks. You pay $10 to explore the grounds which includes a tiny chapel on elevated mound of earth, a replica of a chapel in Brittany, France. They also have a beautiful display of granite blocks carved out like an encyclopedia of just about all kinds of things! Such an interesting place I definitely recommend you check out!

It was really a lot more than I thought it would be. Beautiful engraved granite, a maze, and the…read moreCenter of the Word Certificate. It was fun and had a lot of unique things to see. I highly recommend it for the history alone.

I mean it's pretty?…read more Self register: $7 for one vehicle access. $2 discount for seniors above 62 years old. Campsites range in the $30. POSITIVES: - it's flat land so easy to walk/hike - "clean" air... in the middle of no where (so it gives these vibes) - you see live animals like rabbits! - not many people - multiple options regarding parking and campsites - places to launch - it's well kept / clean - the presence of a cactus garden! - easy to navigate - great place to release some stress NEGATIVES: - it's salty - there are portions that are dried to the tee - it's in the middle of no where so you do have to drive a bit - there's not much to see or to do - not many activities OVERALL: it's a unique experience that one should experience at least once.

A pretty interesting and unusual place. A must see if…read moreyou're in the area. Take some time to learn the history of the sea and community.

Have you ever been on a Jeep ride adventure? I have. I will continue seeking more road trips, muddy…read moreand rocky grounds anywhere in the world with experienced drivers in Southwest 4x4 Adventures. I don't own my own Jeep, however, I didn't let that stop me from joining on a ride with like minded people who love the outdoors. Thanks Southwest 4x4 Adventures for my first but not my last rides in the future.

From the owner: Southwest 4x4 Tours is an off-road guide and pack service specializing in trails and tours in the…read moreSouthwestern US. If you need a guide for a day or a week or if you need to get your gear to a hard to reach location, we can get you there. We also have great tours going into exciting historical areas in the southwest such as the the Mojave Desert and Death Valley in California, pioneering trails in Arizona and many other amazing places. We have tours from one day and up to a week. If you don't have your own vehicle, not to worry, we will assistant you. All our guide are licensed and certified. Call us for more information and tell us where we can take you.

This was a quick stop for me before heading to Bombay Beach. It's near Slab City, and as you drive…read morethrough the area and start seeing all the RVs around, you can immediately feel the energy shift a little :) After hearing about this place from the movie ases on a true story, Into the Wild and living in San Diego for so long, I finally decided to check it out. I was honestly impressed by how well maintained everything was. I technically arrived after hours around 6pm, but there was still a volunteer there who gave a short introduction about the history of the place, which I appreciated. As I walked up the mountain, I was surprised by how clean everything was and how bright and vibrant the paint still looked, so huge credit to the volunteers who keep it looking this way. I was even given a free postcard on my way out, which was a nice little touch. I probably wouldn't make a full trip out here just for this alone, but pairing it with a visit to the Salton Sea or Bombay Beach is definitely worth it. I also love that it's completely free so no tickets or entrance fee needed.

I did a long weekend trip to Palm Desert with the goal of visiting the Salton Sea. Originally, I…read moreplanned to loop the entire shoreline, but after talking with a ranger at the visitor center, I stuck to the east side and doubled back, which was definitely the right call. Our turnaround point was Salvation Mountain, right next to Slab City. Before going, I had read about Leonard Knight and the story behind the mountain, which honestly made the visit more meaningful. The dedication and message behind it are almost as interesting as the site itself. It is kind of amazing that the structure still stands today and is in such solid condition. The drive out was mostly fine, though hot and dusty, especially on a Saturday afternoon. I would recommend going earlier in the day if possible. The mountain itself looked better maintained than I expected. The colors were bright, and it was clear that ongoing work is being done to preserve it. I left a small donation since it felt like a meaningful effort to support. That said, it did not fully resonate with me. While I can appreciate the effort and story, the style of art and the surrounding environment did not quite click. If you are into outsider art or off grid communities, you will probably get more out of it than I did. The biggest downside is the immediate setting. Being next to Slab City definitely impacts the experience. The vibe felt a bit uncomfortable at times, and we did not stay long or continue on to East Jesus. Overall, I am glad I visited. It is unique, and the story behind it adds depth, but it is more of a one time stop for me than a place I would go out of my way to revisit. 3 stars.

Great vibe, lots of spots to have a drink, hang out, and eat! Gets pretty lively at night.read more

This city has undergone some major and much deserved renovation and restoration in the last few…read moreyears. Its border crossing (though busy), is not as busy as the border I grew up experiencing living in San Diego. It has however, (and understandably) gotten much busier with more barriers/delays, etc. over time. It's a good idea to pay attention to the border wait times to plan the best time to return into the states. You will have to go through a checkpoint when entering into and returning from Mexico. Bags are inspected each way so if you have to question an item you're considering bringing in or out, it's likely best to leave it at home. Or you risk confiscation. Surprisingly, I did not too many refugees on my recent visit. This city is relaxed and the people are warm and welcoming. The locals/natives (Mexican and/or Chinese descent) lovingly are referred to as "Cachanillas". This a type of plant, Pluchea sericea native to Mexicali. Blending two beautiful cultures into one that makes La Chinesca so special and unique. This area is historically known for having the largest Chinese community in Mexico. There are hidden underground establishments and tunnels built by the early Chinese immigrants. I am told the underground construction was a way for the Chinese to escape the harsh heat. Which at its hottest, reached a scorching 125 degrees Fahrenheit in 1995. These tunnels have been re-opened and there are affordable tours available taking you as far and as safely as possible through an underground labyrinth where people would live and congregate. They even show you some old opium/gambling areas and more. I would highly recommend coming and respectfully embracing all the city has to offer. About a decade ago, I referred to La Chinesca as somewhat stuck in time. However, they're mixing old with new, embracing change, all while honoring and preserving deeply rooted traditions. This city also offers plenty of dining options as well and plenty sightseeing and shopping in a day.

Palm Springs Old and new!…read more The MAGIC CART RIDE is such a fun activity for tourists and locals alike. I'm a long-time local, but I still have so much to see and learn. I work with many tourists who ask me about great activities and this is the top on my list. Donnie and Kathy (the tour guides) are so much fun- taking us through the history of Palm Springs, while pointing out the newer details about the area. History, culture, art, food, what more can we ask for? They kept us hydrated and filled with beverages, water, food and even a nifty gift bag. This tour is small and intimate, with only 6 guests, so everyone has a chance to ask questions and absorb! The tour includes several stops featuring cocktails, mocktails and food while you enjoy the experience. Some of our stops included several popular and my personal choices, Eight Four Nine and Crudo. We were treated to Crudo's pistachio lime cocktail - perfect beverage to feel relaxation at its finest! These may be on your tour, or there will be other wonderful places. Best to even take the tour again, in case you missed something! I don't want to give much more away so just trust me and make your reservation now. It's truly memorable and magical!

This was such a fun tour!! First off the golf cart is so cool, it's a comfortable safe ride and…read moreDonnie and Kathy are so friendly and personable. We got to see things that no other tour is able to show you, and their knowledge of the area is very comprehensive. The restaurants they chose were excellent and now we can go back and enjoy dinner at the places we were able to sample on this tour. I highly recommend this tour and love Palm Springs! Thank you for a wonderful time.

I was a bit confused about the relationship between the Yuma Crossing Heritage area and the various…read moreparks, but learned that the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area covers 7 square miles along the lower Colorado River in Yuma, and includes various parks. Specifically, it includes: (1) the Yuma Crossing Historic Landmark, (2) the Yuma Territorial Prison - very cool; (3) Colorado River State Historic Parks; and (4) 3 miles of riverfront parks, trails and 350 acres of restored wetlands. National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural and national resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. Yuma is the oldest city established on the Colorado River. Really interesting to learn about the history of Yuma, and the story of the River and its impact on the people and land. Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the River, too.

Along with the Territorial Prison from yesteryear, there is a miniature train running in the park…read morebelow which people can actually ride on. A neat way to spend a day albeit in the cooler months!