Warning: You will have to wake up around 2 am for this day trip!

Yes, you read that right, 2 am! Since the first stop on the trip is almost 3.5 hours away from Orange County, you will have to wake up pretty early if you want to catch the sunrise over the Mojave Desert mountain range. For us, we knew we had to be at the top of the peak by 5:30 am, so plan accordingly because this sets time frames for the rest of the day.

On this trip it was myself and my brother Justin. Before we head out on long trips like this, we always make sure that we map everything out and set time frames for each stop. We knew we wanted to be on the top of the sand dunes for the sunrise, so we had to push ourselves to make sure we got their on time.

The Kelso Sand Dunes are part of the Mojave Desert Preserve and its about 210 miles from Orange County. The elevation of the highest peak is 650 ft and 45 miles in length. The first time we did this hike, it was about 80 degrees Fahrenheit with absolutely no wind. I wish it was that way for our second trip out to the dunes because on our second trip out there, it was about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but 20-30 knot winds at the top of the peak. Lets just say a drone went missing for about 30 minutes.

I would definitely recommend doing this hike early in the morning and check to make sure the winds will be manageable. Also, brings lots of water because its roughly a 3-4 mile round trip hike through deep sand. The dunes should take you about 3-4 hours depending on if you want to hangout at the top and relax, or just go straight up and down.

We recommend you take a few minutes to sit down and look around while you're at the top. From the top, you can see for 20+ miles in every direction and it truly is breathtaking. You can see campsites, mountains, Kelso Depot, mirages, etc. from the top. Also, keep an ear out for the sand dunes to make farting noises when you walk or sit on them.

Below are some of the amazing views the Kelso Dunes provide.

We left the dunes around 10:00 am and headed North toward the infamous Mojave Desert Lava Tubes. The lava tubes are a 32 mile / 45-50 minute drive. Please know though, the last 4-5 miles are on a very sandy and rocky road! A good off-road vehicle is recommended!

Along the way, its good to get out and stretch the legs, and take in the 5 mile straight away roads. Just look out for traffic.

We arrived at the Lava Tubes around 11:00 am which was perfect timing!

The lava tubes are exactly what they sound like, big caverns that have been created by lava flow over thousands of years. What makes this tube so special, is that in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest, it creates something magical. Luckily for us, the first time we went, we arrived early so we were able to see it go from a normal cave, to a full blown mind trip.

Getting into the cave turns a lot of people away, especially if you are claustrophobic, but it really isn't that bad. Once you climb down the ladder, you will see you have to climb through a 3 x 3 hole, which is definitely pretty nerve racking. Its about a 5 ft crawl then opens up into the beautiful cave you will see below.

When the sun first starts to peep through the holes at the top of the cave, you will see a very thin light beam and at a steep diagonal. As the sun starts to get higher, the beam will not only get thicker but will start to change angles! The beam doesn't last long, so timing is key for this stop.

Don't breathe in to hard as the cave is filled with bat poop and apparently can cause some sickness. Its also recommended to not throw sand into the air to help the beam of light.

Below are photos of what you would find once you enter the tubes.

Once the light show is done, its time to head out and start heading towards Route 66.

To get back to the main highway, its a 25 mile / 36 min drive.

One you reach Highway 15 at about 12:40, you come up on a small town in which the World Famous Alien Beef Jerky is waiting. There are many restaurants to eat at in the town, but we highly recommend at least picky up one bag of beef jerky for the car ride.

Don't forget the worlds biggest thermometer is in the town too!

They are currently building a hotel behind the store, but the actual store was just renovated to look like a giant UFO! Its a must to stop.

After leaving to get food or Alien Jerky at around 1:00, the next stop is the abandoned water park formally known as Lake Dolores, Rock–A–Hoola Waterpark, or Discovery Waterpark.

The drive is 43 mile / 40 min drive. Keep in mind these stops are all going in one direction and not out of the way!

There is not much to say about the water park besides it closed is 2004 and is just a cool place to see. Its very apocalyptic and rad to walk around on. Most of the property has been damaged or covered in spray paint but you can still get a feeling of how booming this place once was.

Enjoy the photos and on to the next stop!

After walking around the water park for about 30 minutes, its time to head to Calico Ghost Town. The Ghost Town is approximately a 18 miles / 20 min drive.

Calico is one of the few stops on our day trip that cost money. Calico was once a booming mining town but after many years of no one living there, it was turned into a tourist attraction. You don't really get the feeling of a ghost town but you do get the feeling of a mining town.

Their is a good restaurant inside the town and a few gift shops here and there. This is probably a good place to take a bathroom break!

You can take tours through some of the old mine shafts and old houses that people once lived in. Calico should really only take about an hour to do. Its not a must see, but a really cool place to see that most people haven't heard about.

After leaving Calico Ghost Town, you will have to head back to the highway and head towards Route 66. A quick stop to make if you have time is, Peggy Sues 50's Diner. By this time its already 3:30 in the afternoon, so if you want a little afternoon snack, here is the place to get it!

The last and final stop is Elmers Bottle Tree Ranch and to get there, you will have to take Route 66. If you can spot some of the old school Route 66 markers on the ground, its a cool site to see! Please just look out for cars if you are trying to take photos.

Bottle Tree Ranch is approximetly a 33 mile / 35 min drive from Peggy Sues Diner.

We have arrived at our last stop on the trip at about 4:10 in the afternoon, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch!

This glass bottle tree forest is something everyone needs to see. Once entering the ranch, you will shortly realize how much effort and creativity went into building it. Every corner you turn there is something new and different. Almost every tree or object is different and i think that is why so many people are drawn to it.

I recommend sitting in the middle of a group of glass trees and soaking it in and listening to the wind blow through the bottles and chimes. With all the driving and walking around, its nice to take a second to relax.

You can stay here as long as you want because there are some many things to see and touch. We highly recommend leaving a donation because this place is completely free! Even bring some unique objects if you want. I am sure they would love to get new and unique items everyday.

Get here when you can, but if you cant, enjoy the photos!

After a 12+ hour day we are ready to head home. This is definitely one of the best day trips myself and brother have done and we recommend it to everyone. We started at 2:00 am and ended at home around 7:00 pm. Don't let the long drives intimidate you because the views and memories you get from this trip will last a lifetime.

If you decide to do this trip, just remember to soak in all the locations and views you see for a good 10 minutes before you whip out your phone or camera. They are all breathtaking and you won't want to miss anything.

Here is a breakdown of what this trip costs:

2 tanks of gas $80 ( depending on gas mileage )
Waters & Snacks - $20
Kelso Dunes - FREE
Lava Tube - FREE
**Lunch or Beef Jerky - $15
Water park - FREE
Route 66 - FREE
Calico Ghost Town - $12
**Peggy Sues - $12
Bottle Tree Ranch - FREE
Day of fun - PRICELESS

TOTAL - $139 for a day long adventure

** OPTIONAL