Destination: Mojave Desert
Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5-Step Guide to Solo Travel for women like you who need a little extra support as they travel the world (slowly), one woman at a time.
I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself in the Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. Yes, it has been a best seller in its category for some time!
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In this episode: Mojave Desert
FAQ: loneliness on the road and how to pause when it happens.
Today’s Mistake- Dropping off at the Navajo Reservation
Travel Advice: Have multiple backups when traveling in the desert.
FAQ: How do I handle moments when loneliness or vulnerability hits unexpectedly on the road?
Loneliness can show up even on a dream trip — and it doesn’t mean you made a mistake.
When it happens, I don’t fight it or judge it. I pause, rest, and reconnect — whether that’s through a familiar routine, a call home, or simply being around other people in a café or public space. Solo travel builds confidence, but it also requires emotional honesty. Feeling vulnerable doesn’t make you weak; it reminds you that you’re human — and capable of navigating it.
Today’s destination: Mojave Desert, including Joshua Tree
The Mojave Desert is a desert in the rain shadow of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and Transverse Ranges in the Southwestern United States. It is named for the indigenous Mojave people.
Let’s dig deeper into this desert.
The Mojave Desert is a North American desert spanning California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, known for its iconic Joshua trees, stark beauty, and extreme temperatures, including those in Death Valley. It features diverse landscapes, including sand dunes (Kelso), lava tubes, salt flats, and unique wildlife. Major attractions include Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, and Mojave National Preserve, offering activities such as hiking, stargazing, and exploring ghost towns.
Key Figures & Details:
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Area: Around 47,000 to 50,000 sq mi (or 120,000 to 130,000 sq km).
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Location: Southeastern California, southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southwestern Utah.
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Elevation: Extreme range, from 282 ft below sea level (Death Valley) to over 11,000 ft at Telescope Peak.
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Borders: Bounded by the Sierra Nevada, San Gabriel/San Bernardino Mountains, Great Basin Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Colorado Plateau.
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Nickname: Often called the "high desert" due to its significant elevation.
You can listen to two podcasts about my Death Valley adventures. Episodes 310 and 311 from 2025.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/mojave-desert/
Inside the desert is:
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Joshua Tree National Park: Home to dense Joshua tree forests, hiking, and stargazing.
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Death Valley National Park: North America's hottest, driest, and lowest point (Badwater Basin).
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Mojave National Preserve: Features Kelso Dunes, lava tubes (like Hole-in-the-Wall), Cima Ghost Town, and Zzyzx.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park & Valley of Fire State Park: Known for colorful cliffs and hiking.
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Stargazing: Excellent dark skies for astronomy.
Today’s Mistake- Dropping off at the Navajo Reservation
I was driving from Chicago to San Diego, and one of my riders wanted to be dropped off at the Navajo Reservation. This was a several-day trip, and I was happy to have the company in the car. I’ve not seen this friend since, and I think she’s ok. I wonder whether it was a mistake to do that.
Travel Advice: Have multiple backups when traveling in the desert.
Have more than enough of the key items, food, water, blankets, and gas when you travel in the desert. Sometimes, you can’t find things you need here. Be prepared.
Where are you going? Please let me know if I helped you with your travel. The show notes have ways to connect.
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