The deepest lake in the United States, and once the site of epic destruction that lives on in legends.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

Bits and pieces from the ill-fated Donner Party's winter cabins.

Trails through lava-carved tube-caves display sparkling bacteria and a rich history.

An eatery for UFO seekers on the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Experience a charming 1930's version of "infotainment."

Dyed by iron oxide over centuries, these sandstone rocks rise thousands of feet into the sky.

This dormant volcanic crater has been converted from a roiling pit of magma to a pleasant hiking spot.

Mysterious meeting place for UFO hunters near Area 51.

In the middle of an extremely unforgiving and desolate high desert is the most secret military facility in the world.

One of the ghostly stops along Route 66.

The world’s largest concentrated solar plant generates as many problems as megawatts.

The most isolated mailbox in America lets desert travelers record their passing.

Towering basalt columns, a creation of fire and ice.

A former utopian healing center created by a huckster and built by derelicts.

Finally the worlds of UFO enthusiasts and beef jerky lovers have come together in this roadside shop.

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

The "Fun Spot of the Desert" is now a haunting ruin, and a reminder that putting a water park in a desert is a bad idea.

A desert ghost town—occupied for only 12 years—was once home to more than 500 silver mines.

Thousands of turbines whir at at the origin of North American wind power.

Abandoned hotel with adjacent lake and golf course.

The "3rd largest" city in California is an empty mirage of suburbia in the middle of nowhere.

The liveliest ghost town in the state.

This impressive tunnel was dug entirely by hand over the course of 36 years.