Curiosities of the California Desert: Historic, Offbeat & Forgotten Attractions

One might not expect to find much in the middle of California's hot, dry deserts. But to the curious explorer, they're scattered with strange and extraordinary sights. On old Route 66, the desert traveler can find quirky roadside art and mementos left by motorists. In the El Paso Mountains of the Mojave, the daring adventurer can crawl through a tunnel that was hand dug by an old prospector named Burro Schmidt. In Landers, the weary wanderer can enjoy a rejuvenating "sound bath" in an acoustically perfect dome supposedly designed by aliens. From astounding natural wonders to remnants of ancient civilizations and the Wild West, discover treasures of history, puzzling mystery and uncommon eccentricity alongside seasoned road trippers Alan and Claudia Heller.

Claudia Heller grew up in Hollywood, California, and graduated from Los Angeles City College with a degree in journalism. She has served as president of the Duarte Historical Society and Museum and writes a bimonthly column for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group in the Pasadena Star News. Her columns cover people, events and history of the Duarte area. She is the author of two previous books by the History Press, Life on Route 66 and Duarte Chronicles.

Alan Heller is past president of Duarte's Public Access Channel and a former commissioner of the Duarte Parks and Recreation, Planning and Community Service Commissions. He is a member of the L.A. Westerners Corral of History Writers and the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. He was co-author and photographer of Life on Route 66, published by The History Press. His photography has appeared in Westways Magazine, Skin Diver Magazine, Route 66 Magazine and various other publications.