Fun experience that's a test for your balance and vertigo tolerance!…read more We bought our tickets from a very nice older lady at the counter. The tour was very affordable at around $4.50/ person. It was a quick tour through the mystery shack with a quick talking young man who was our guide. He was very funny and did a great job. Worth the visit if you're in Calico.

So basically it was something to do on out Califas trip with fam. Mostly teenagers. Its cheesey,…read morebad dad joke type eye roll stuff but cute and endearing. A fun house. Everyone had fun and that was what we hoped to get out of it.

Great group of people always ready to help the community. President is an upstanding, hardworking,…read morehonorable man. Good food served too.

The moose has been a fixture on highway 247 through Lucerne Valley for many years. Formerly…read moreimprisoned in a cage, over the years this majestic mammal has moved out of the cage and toward the road. His coat has seen better days but one definitely gets the feeling that the moose is happy to be in this desert climate. What twists of fate brought him to this lonely desert road, surrounded by cacti and tumbleweed, one doesn't really know, but I for one am glad that he is here.

Great little hike with some shade for the family. Park by the Metate Trailhead sign and cross the…read moreroad to where trail begins. According to AllTrails the hike is called Metate Trail and is approximately 2 miles of fairly flat trails. There are many different trails that links to this so you can extend your hike and go a totally different way. The Indian Rock Camp is only about 1/4 mile into the trail if you take the entrance on the left that says "interpretative." Once you get to the sign you will need to explore the hill for the Rock Camp. Our kids had a blast exploring and looking for acorns to play with. There is also a small hut for the kids to explore. Further down the trail is a small creek and lots more trail to explore. We saw signs of a large herd of deer so if you are quiet you maybe in for a surprise.

Starting at the Rock Camp Forest Service Station a very short trail (maybe a mile) winds through a…read morebeautiful grove of ponderosa pines and soon you will see a sign for the centuries (and maybe millennium) old Serrano Indian rocks that were used to grind acorns into meal for use as food. I love this place because it brings everyone back to reality, letting us know that we were not the first ones here, and we will not be the last. Its a really neat little piece of history in a secluded patch of woods. The trail head is located at 34.287955, -117.212582, just walk east and you'll run into it. I'm pretty sure there is a map and sign there as well.

I love the lake and it's great for family time and relaxing. I wish the was more things to do at…read morethe lake like jet skiing, but I haven't seen that.

What a beautiful little gem of a place far off the beaten path up in the high desert of CA…read more This is a man-made lake is located in the Mojave Desert about 1-1/2 hours drive from Los Angeles and just 40 minutes from San Bernardino, Ontario and Inland Empire areas, the Club is just a 10 minute drive from the 15 Freeway. Here's some history of the lake: Boise Cascade Corporation acquired the land and projected the layout of Spring Valley Lake, and in March 1969 the company broke ground. The Spring Valley Lake project was built upon Kalin Ranch, a former cattle ranch that was being utilized for alfalfa farming and lay serene and quiet on both sides of the Mojave River. The whole area was at one time called Rancho Verde Co., which was purchased in 1877. Lake construction began in June 1969, and was officially filled and completed in February 1970. The lake is one mile long and reaches a depth of 22 feet. The lake is surrounded by a community filled with homes with both modern, funky and vintage architecture. No two homes are alike. There are plenty of houses that I would love to call mine one day, especially those right on the lake. There is also a golf course, a country club, tennis courts and various other amenities. Its a great place to drive around to get out of the hustle and bustle of LA and get a nice cozy small town feeling.

Rough road to get there, even in hard, dry conditions. Rock was pretty cool, but not much to do…read moreonce you've walked around it. Quick 15-minute visit and back to the Integratron.

Love to go to trippy places and this checks all the boxes. Go low and slow on road and land with…read moreall your teeth. Damn, that rock is crazy big. We walked around for a while to take it in. Be sure to get the scoop on the history before going. Should have brought my tin foil hat, next time.

It's expensive, crowded and the people are rude. Don't waste your time. The yell at you and heard…read moreyou around like animals.

My 6 year daughter loves this diamond in the rough Gem store. Lots of things for kids and adults…read morealike to enjoy. If your kids are into minerals, rocks, or gold panning this place is for you! We got the $35 bucket of gem and 3 pounds of paydirt. My daughter had a blast for hours looking for gems and gold. I highly recommend this place.

Absolutely love Integratron and I've been here a handful of times now. If you are staying anywhere…read morein the desert down here this is worth adding to your list of places to visit. From La Quinta it's a good one hour + drive but definitely worth it! If your staying in Palm Springs proper or Joshua Tree much closer, regardless though worth it! Integratron essentially is a sound bath experience but in one of the coolest and best acoustic domes. I'll let the staff give you the history but it was very cool about learning how this place came to be and the intention behind it and land the dome sits on. This is a family owned business which makes it even more special. Three sisters own it and all of the family helps to run this space one way or another. On the day we came different cousins were sharing the duties. Love a local family run and operated space! Before starting the sound bath it's nice to explore the grounds, relax and they even have a gift shop. Nice bathrooms and plenty of parking. The system here is organized and seamless. Very great communication and guidance here. Make sure to pay attention to your emails before you come because they give great tips - like to bring blankets, dress in layers etc. As others have shared. The first 15-30 minutes is essentially going over rules, tips and history before they get started with the meditation/sound bath. I appreciate that they take everyone safety seriously and want everyone to have a joyful experience so they make sure to talk you through the do's and donts. The sound bath itself was relaxing and very soothing. The cushioned mats were premium and much nicer than I had remembered in the past. Very comfortable and nice temperature inside the dome. My only wish is that the sound bath piece was slightly longer but all in all it's a relaxing and unique experience. Would highly recommend that everyone come at least once.

I went to the integratron about a year and a half ago. I haven't been writing reviews as much but…read moreoften think back on my two experiences there and feel compelled to share. A) I booked a doing bath for my family: me, sci Fi lover husband and two daughters. B) I was told no kids which somehow I missed on the site when booking tickets. It was innocent and I often miss such things. I asked for a refund. Ticket sales asked us to promise to be on best behavior and let us in. C) The staff who led us into the tron gave us a lot of passive aggressive grief about the kids and accused us of purposefully neglecting the rules as to smuggle our kids in. I was offended and asked to leave after a list of promises we wouldn't even sneeze or cough during the sound bath. What if we did sneeze or cough? Am I supposed to relax during this bath? I asked for a refund. D) It took a follow up email a week later to get the sound bath. E) I enjoy the best sound baths of my life at a spiritual center in Washington State. The one I paid for at the Integration in 2015 or 16 was expensive, stiff, awkward and performative. Take this information and do with it as you will. The novelty may be worth the exorbitant cost but not the unhinged customer service.

Unlike other white, powdery magical substances, Boric Acid is actually good for you…read more It preserves food, makes fireworks, cleans jewelry. Boric acid mixed with water is an acne treatment. Used in the ear it helps with ear infections. It kills fungus and athlete's foot (just apply the powder straight). It is antibacterial and can be used as an aseptic. And (my personal favorite) stick a gel cap full in your yoni a few nights in a row and you will be yeast infection free. Don't be thrown by it's labeling as a rat/bug killer. Boric Acid is an amazing thing.

Boric Acid. Obliterates pests, gives mule teams a thing to drag across the desert, and finally…read moregives even Yelpers lost in the desert something to click into while resting after four hours of enfevered driving. Thanks, Boric Acid!

Bears play a pivotal role in my life: they are one of my spirit animals, my name means "Little…read moreBear" in Latin which is also a pet name moniker, I have a tattoo with a bear and another of the Ursa Minor constellation, my deceased father was obsessed with bears, etc. When I was a teenager before evening living in the state of California (which obviously has its own bear connection); I was obsessed with MTV just like every other hot-blooded teenage girl. One year, MTV production went to Big Bear for a winter skiing getaway. I was instantly drawn to Big Bear per the name and somehow felt my soul tugged (the same as to the entire state which is why I moved here nearly two decades ago). I vowed to someday visit Big Bear. I am also one of the proud members of the 'Eagle Fam' who is faithfully devoted to the world-famous bald eagle couple Jackie & Shadow watching their nest cam every day. My adult vow, added to the teen one regarding visiting, was to see Jackie and Shadow's nest in real life sans camera. Well, the day has come and Little Bear has finally visited Big Bear! If those of us living in Los Angeles aren't spoiled enough; we have the amazing San Bernadino Mountain range village of Big Bear just a two-hour drive away where we can escape the hustle-bustle of stressful LA and enjoy the alpine splendor that is Big Bear. Big Bear is known for its skiing season but is also a summer retreat with cabin life, hiking, boating, fishing, zip lines, shopping, etc; 7000+ feet above sea level surrounded by pine trees and mountains that kiss the sky. Even the drive to Big Bear is glorious on the winding road up the mountain that famously reveals Big Bear and its centerpiece model the lake in the distance glittering blue surrounded by mountains. Big Bear is breath-taking even before you formally arrive. As an Angelino, the energy and vibe of Big Bear can't be ignored. Not only is the air clean and devoid of smog, but it is peaceful, slow-paced and calming: a genuine retreat that feels worlds away from the LA proper. At the center of it all is the main showpiece: Big Bear Lake, itself. The lake is 7 miles in circumference but manages to appear sweepingly larger and is surrounded by cabins, boat docks, shopping, skiing, hiking trails, Big Bear Village (the central mountain tourist-y district) and the commercialized village center with everything from Vons, Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Marshalls and Grocery Bargain Outlet to nearby Big Bear Courthouse, post office and library. The lake is the prom queen of Big Bear. If you're thinking that it is probably just any old lake; you are sorely mistaken as it is a thing of beauty. As a Jackie and Shadow fan club member; I went to the Captain John's Marina/Dana Point Park shoreline Fawnskin section of Big Bear Lake which is the official, legal viewing point of the bald eagle nest (the land directly surrounding the nest and their famous roost trees is federally protected especially during nesting season and is a criminal act to trespass). Bring binoculars because looking up from the ground is further optically then from the nest cam in reverse. While I was there, Jackie was on the nest with the two babies but I was hoping to catch Shadow, the King of Big Bear either fishing or flying-in. I had waited and just when I literally verbally stated, "Shadow show yourself!"; I kid you not that he flew right over from the other side of the lake and soared above in circles only approximately 60 feet above for a minute in duration. I cried and this was one of the most magical moments of my life and a true spiritual encounter with the celebrity Shad Daddy. Big Bear is also magical in that even in the skiing off-season of April when I visited; a snowstorm hit and the pine trees and lake turned into a Christmas Card. Even I, this Los Angeles sun girl who loves heat and hates the cold; had snowflakes in my eyes and felt like a child surrounded by magic dust has I haven't truly been in snowfall in 17 years. A very dire and controversial topic effecting Big Bear at the time of this review is the fight against land developers who purchased the 'Moon Camp' parcel of land very close to the nest and want to bulldoze over 2k trees, create 50 boat slips and luxury housing even though there is NO housing shortage in Big Bear. The developers have agreed to sell Moon Camp to the Friends of Big Bear nonprofit/San Bernadino Trust for the hefty sum of $10 mil by July 31st to save Moon Camp and forever protect Jackie and Shadow's home area. The cause has gone worldwide viral and at the time of this review is up to $3 mil in donations (failure is not an option and financing will be the next step is $10 mil isn't reached). Big Bear Lake and the entire mountainous retreat city now hold a piece of my heart and I am chomping at the bit to return. This peaceful and heavenly mountaintop lake and city is the must-see of all Angelinos whether for skiing, boating or visiting the King and Queen, Jackie and Shadow.

Year round fun and beauty - not just the winter! Big Bear offers so many different activities that…read moreis sure to please. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone who enjoys shopping, eating, or enjoying a slower pace vacation with your family pet, Big Bear offers it. Some activities our family makes sure to enjoy for our Big Bear visits have been: Holloway's Marina to rent a dog friendly pontoon boat to enjoy lunch on the lake (they also offer Pirate Ship Charters), popping over to The Village to stroll with our dog and do a little shopping and eat some good foods (there's also many good food places outside of The Village - like the Grizzly Manor Cafe and Blanca and Pierres!), visiting the Big Bear Discovery Center, strolling along the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, and horseback riding at Baldwin Lake Stables. In July, Big Bear puts on their "Fireworks Spectacular" which explodes over Big Bear Lake every July 4th and is FREE to spectators. A helpful tip: always check for road closures and road conditions before visiting/leaving and on the day of your travels. CalTrans has not been reliable, but Big Bear's website (Big Bear Mountain Resort dot com) has been. Just click on the "Road Conditions" tab and it'll take you to a page listing real time road updates and conditions. Enjoy beautiful Big Bear!

Strawberry peak fire lookout tower what a wonderful place to visit. They are open daily; keep in…read moremind no smoking and no dogs. There are a few spaces for parking and the gates were opened when I arrived. There are a few flights of stairs so I got to it and I was met upstairs by a volunteer. He gave me a run down of the history (ex: it was named after a strawberry farm owned by a man named Bart) and he even pointed out popular spots off in the distance. Impressive mountainous views on top of the 30 ft tower built in 1934. There are multiple other peak tower lookouts around and best of all it's free--donations are accepted. All in all this was a nice visit and one way to quiet all the noise in nature.

Such an incredible view and fun hike!…read more The hike itself is easy/moderate walking up the road. Definitely a hike that you can do with people of any experience level. There aren't too many cars that go by, but it is good to be mindful of cars that could be going down or driving up in the parts of the street that overlap with some of the residential houses. The hike itself is maybe a mile depending on if you start all the way at the bottom of the road or park a little bit up. When you get to the strawberry Peak fire lookout, you get to go up into the lookout tower. If you are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, this might be a little uncomfortable since you are going up into the little metal lookout and you can feel the wind move the building and see-through the metal slats to the ground. If you can handle it, the views are so worth it! You get to learn about the history of the lookout tower and you get a full 360 view around the mountain. For nature lovers this is a really cool experience. If you are with any small kids, the Rangers also give out little cards and tend to have a fun pin or something for kids. Just make sure to go during hours that they are open. If the tower is closed, you will not be able to go up in it, but you can still see some of the nice view.