Antelope Valley is an exciting destination in the northern part of Los Angeles County. There are two towns in the Valley, Palmdale, and Lancaster. It is the westernmost tip of the Mojave desert that stretches through California, Nevada, and parts of Arizona and Utah. You can find unique plant life that includes Joshua tree, California Juniper, and Scrub Oak.
The Valley got its name from pronghorn, a species of antelope once present in huge numbers and now almost instinct. There are numerous attractions scattered across the Valley.
To get into this desert landscape from Australia, where similar deserts exist, you will need to apply for esta australia visa. Visitors from down under are in Visa Waiver Program and can get the travel authorization over an easy online application process. Once you have an ESTA permit, you will have two years to travel to the US.
Antelope Valley attractions
Huge Valley surrounded by mountains and in rain shadow has unique landscape features. In this western part of the driest North American desert, you can find Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
In the spring, the Reserve is filled with numerous wildflowers blooming. The season of intense colors and beautiful flowers lasts from March to May.
Lancaster organizes Poppy Festival in April with live music, food courts, and an unprecedented view of the Valley and San Gabriel Mountains in the back.
Antelope Valley Winery has incredible vines and a perfect climate for grapes with an abundance of sun. Back in Lancaster, you can explore the Aerospace Walk of Honor. Located on the Boeing Plaza, the Walk honors pilots who risked their lives testing experimental aircraft.
Proximity with Hollywood made the Valley suitable as a filming location. You can visit The Sanctuary Adventist Church, where Tarantino filmed Kill Bill’s wedding scene.
You can also find Club Ed for the Eye of the Storm movie from 1990. Numerous other locations are scattered in the nearby desert landscape.
You can find cool museums like the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. You can find contemporary art and sculptures, but also dinosaurs and native artifacts.
If you want to know more about Native American history, visit Antelope Valley Indian Museum. You can find pieces of history from Navajo Indians of the Mojave Desert and other tribes from the Southwest, the Great Basin, and California.
Antelope Canyon attractions
When you’re finished with the Antelope Valley, on the other side of the Mojave desert, some 500 miles to the East, you can find a unique landscape of similar name Antelope Canyon. Water washed away sandstone and formed a slot canyon with irregular shapes and forms.
The incredible red color and the different angles light go through a narrow opening on top of the Canyon make this unique and extraordinary place.
You can only explore the slot Antelope Canyon with the guide. This is a sacred place for Navajo Indians. It is also a quite dangerous attraction because even a couple of miles of remote rain can cause the Canyon’s instant flooding.
In 1997 several visitors died in such an event, and there were more hurt people on a couple of more occasions. You will need to check the weather forecast and go only with the guide in this incredible nature artwork.
What to wear Antelope Canyon
The Canyon is open throughout the year, and there are several essential things to bring with you. It would help if you carried sturdy shoes meant for climbing or trekking.
Use sunscreen regardless of the season. Take some kind of protection from the sand and one bottle of water. There are no trash bins, so you’ll need to take them with you back.
Where to stay when visiting Antelope Canyon
Did you know that the most expensive photograph ever sold was taken in the Antelope Canyon? The Canyon is a massive challenge for photographers because of the numerous light reflections that only experienced photographers can handle.
If you want to find excellent accommodation you can go to nearby Lake Powell and Page. Some six miles from the Antelope Canyon is lake Powell with numerous hotels and other accommodation options.
LaQuinta Inn & Suites is near Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon tour meeting place, and a short drive to Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Canyon southern rim.
Hyatt Place, Page is a high-end hotel with spacious modern rooms and plenty of amenities. You can stay at Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, or Desert Canyon Inn.
Check esta account for approval, and when you get the travel authorization, you can start making bookings for your Mojave Desert tour. Whether you begin with Antelope Valley in California or Antelope Canyon in Arizona, you will have excellent attractions to explore.
Rare desert plants and other attractions in California attract huge crowds, just like a uniquely shaped slot canyon with vivid colors and world-class photo opportunities.
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