Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, visible from Keys View within Joshua Tree National Park, lies directly on the San Andreas Fault.
Plan Around Salton Sea
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Salton Sea Details
The Salton Sea, visible from Keys View within Joshua Tree National Park, lies directly on the San Andreas Fault, mostly within the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. The surface of the lake lies 234 feet below sea level; the deepest point is five feet higher than the lowest point of Death Valley. Not a natural lake, the Salton Sea was formed accidentally by engineers from the California Development Company in 1905 in an effort to increase water for farming. A cut was made in the bank of the Colorado River to further increase the flow, and the result overwhelmed the engineered canal. The river flowed into the Salton Basin for two years before the canal was repaired, filling the historic dry lake bed and creating the modern sea. Although size varies, the sea averages 15 by 35 miles, and has a surface area of up to 350 square miles. A state recreation area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore.
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Low
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Nearby Parks Around Salton Sea
Compare nearby parks around Salton Sea when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Salton Sea
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Salton Sea while the map context is still fresh.
11.7 mi away
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Surrounding the landlocked Salton Sea, this recreation area is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring this fascinating saltwater pool.
17.0 mi away
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Enjoy over 85,000-acres of desert, dunes, and even bubbling mud pools as you explore this park by ATV, motorbike, or dune buggy.
17.4 mi away
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is 227 feet below sea level, making it one of the hottest areas in the United States.
21.9 mi away
Route 78--Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Road
This 19-mile road runs east to west through the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California.
23.3 mi away
Painted Canyon
Famous for its jagged peaks and colored layered walls, this canyon is the crown gem of the Mecca Hills Recreation Area.
