While we are in the neighborhood, Joshua Tree National Park is worth a visit to see its namesake trees. One of the local 4×4 tours is an adventurous way to see the park, and to get some background information. Sadly, due to environmental issues and vandalism, this park may loose even more of its unique trees. Please respect the parks, and leave them as you found them.
The park sits right outside of Palm Springs, so you can make a weekend of it. As always, in these remote parks, make sure you have plenty of fuel and water if you venture in on your own.