Joshua Tree National Park, California
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Pinto Basin Road

Scenic byway · California

Photo: Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States · CC BY 2.0 · source

Pinto Basin Road is a designated scenic route in California.

Photo stops along the way

Joshua Tree National ParkDark Sky Place
Joshua Tree National Park8.4 km away · Riverside County
Natural Arch
Arch Rock23 km away · Riverside County
Canyon
Berdoo35 km away · Riverside County
Cap RockRock Formation
Cap Rock35 km away · Riverside County
Wilderness Area
Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness42 km away · San Bernardino County
Quail MountainMountain Peak
Quail Mountain42 km away · Riverside County · 1,772 m
Salton Sea State Recreation AreaState Park
Salton Sea State Recreation Area45 km away · Riverside County
Indio Hills Palms Park PropertyState Park
Indio Hills Palms Park Property47 km away · Riverside County
Coachella Valley National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge48 km away · Riverside County
Living Desert Zoo and GardensBotanical Garden
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens56 km away · Riverside County
College of the Desert ArboretumBotanical Garden
College of the Desert Arboretum56 km away · Riverside County
Salton SeaLake
Salton Sea60 km away · Imperial County

Tips for scenic drive photography

  • Drive the route in both directions — the views change completely.
  • Plan stops for golden hour at the highest overlooks; use pull-outs, never stop on the roadway.
  • Check seasonal closures for high-elevation roads before you go.
  • A polarizer cuts windshield-like glare on wet roads and foliage.