California's Largest Lake Is One Of Its Most Unique, Desolate Destinations To Camp And Hike

If you like the phrase "apocalyptic beauty," you may consider a trip to the Salton Sea. In this remote corner of Southern California, treeless mountains are reflected in the sea's glassy waters. A near-constant sun beats down on the corrugated desert. The sea isn't just saltwater; the salinity is twice that of the ocean. On the southeastern edge, the Salton Buttes are otherworldly lava formations that are often shrouded in steam from volcanic fumaroles. This region is so open and underdeveloped that it's hard to believe the lake is only a little over two hours from Los Angeles.

The Salton Sea is mostly located in Imperial County, a vast rectangle of arid land on the Mexican border. The county has its towns and farmland, but much of the region is devoid of human life, with an average of 43 people per square mile. Far from the surf and palm trees that SoCal is known for, Imperial feels primal and untamed. The Salton Sea lies a few miles south of Joshua Tree National Park, whose trails also have stunning mountain views.

The Salton Sea is often described as an "accidental lake," because neither humans nor nature intended for it to exist. In 1905, the Colorado River broke through a half-finished canal, and waters poured into this arid valley. The depression had formerly been known as the "Salton Sink," and the unexpected gush of water created a lake nearly 35 miles in length. For over a century, the sea has been a boon for local fish and animals, and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge (yes, as in Sonny & Cher) is home to 400 different species. Not bad for a former wasteland that's 227 feet below sea level. This region is just one of many budget-friendly SoCal destinations to add to your next road trip.

As desolate as it looks in pictures, the Salton Sea offers a lot of open land to drive, hike, and explore. Roads encircle the entire lake, so you can theoretically drive its perimeter, although motorways aren't always within view of the water. There are several official hiking trails scattered throughout, which are especially popular with birders, thanks to 25 avian species that nest and migrate in the area. You'll also find several beaches, including the popular Bombay Beach on the eastern side. Swimming is technically permitted, although the briny water, pesticide runoff, and algal reek can make a dip less than ideal.

Amazingly, people do live around the Salton Sea. The community known as Salton Sea Beach has a population of 147, and around 242 scrappy folks eke out a living in Bombay Beach. Life isn't easy in these parts; summer temperatures can climb to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and many locals live off the grid in RVs and shacks. These shores have attracted a good number of artists — both visiting photographers looking for an unearthly muse and resident creators who build sculptures out of found objects.

Despite the obvious hardships of everyday life here, many visitors are drawn to the Salton Sea for its independent spirit and lack of modern technology. This area makes for a provocative pitstop between Los Angeles and Arizona, especially if you have a little extra time to poke around. You could also add it to your list of America's coolest desert towns. Just remember to prepare properly.