Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 760-852-4580; www.discovercynthias.com ; 2001 Old Spanish Trail Hwy, Tecopa; dm $22-25, r
$75-118, tepee $165-225; check-in 3-8pm; )
Match your budget to the bed at this congenial inn helmed by the friendly Cynthia, about
three miles from central Tecopa. Your choices: a colorful and eclectically decorated private
room in a vintage trailer, a bed in a dorm, or a Native American-style tepee (a short drive
away) with thick rugs, fire pits and comfy king-size beds.
Pre-made and freezer-to-grill meals are available with pre-order. Reservations are essen-
tial, even if that means just calling ahead from the road.
Pastels Bistro CALIFORNIAN
(860 Tecopa Hot Springs Rd; mains $13-22; noon-9pm Fri-Mon; )
This artsy road house sure looks funky-dunky, but the chow is seriously gourmet with lots
of healthy, veggie-friendly options (Mediterranean plate, Moroccan eggplant curry, etc.)
and charming staff. The California fusion menu, often made with organic ingredients, is al-
ways changing. No phone, internet or credit cards.
UPPER MOJAVE DESERT
The Mojave Desert covers a vast region, from urban areas on the northern edge of LA
County to the remote, sparsely populated country of the Mojave National Preserve. The
upper Mojave is a harsh land, with sporadic mining settlements and vast areas set aside for
weapons and aerospace testing. But there are a few things out here worth stopping for, too.
Lancaster-Palmdale
The Antelope Valley is dead flat. It's difficult to see a valley, much less an antelope. But in
spring, bright-orange fields of California poppies create a spectacular carpet, like a vision
out of The Wizard of Oz .
West of Lancaster the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve ( 661-724-1180;
www.parks.ca.gov ; 15101 Lancaster Rd, at 170th St W; per vehicle $10; sunrise-sunset) offers hill-
side walks among the wildflowers. To get there take Hwy 14 south of Mojave for about 25
miles, exit at Ave I in Lancaster and drive 15 miles west. Arthur B Ripley Desert Wood-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search