A breathtaking array of ancient Pueblo structures and artifacts counterintuitively preserved by neglect.

Crystal clear lake with a shoreline of travertine located in a Colorado canyon.

The ancient dwellings of the Puebloans, located in the cliffs of majestic mesas.

Wondrous sandstone hoodoos where Native Americans collected clay for pottery, 9,000 years ago.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

Rusty industrial city full of oxidized distillation towers.

The taxidermied remains of the "last wild grizzly bear in California" and of the symbol of the state of California.

Crumbling pink walls and murder memorials preserve the pioneer history of Joshua Tree.

The rest of him lived another 61 years and was buried elsewhere.

The former Naval shipyard is open for exploring - mostly.

On a quiet suburban street stands a peculiarly decorated house covered in mosaics.

Before it was abandoned and left to rust alongside the road, this riverboat starred in a John Wayne movie.

This historic tower in the California desert promises visitors a "vortex of good vibes".

The hundreds of movies and television shows shot in this high desert town are commemorated in a unique museum.

An elaborate gift from Claus Spreckels is now a piece of San Francisco history.

Hopeless romantics will swoon over the sweet story behind this bright and colorful home.

Honoring the famed folktale author, this California museum looks like it belongs in the Black Forest.

Collective dedicated to restoring steam engines.

This little museum has an exhibit devoted to the elusive forest denizens.

A charming desert roadside bakery that produces 10 times more bread daily than it has residents in its town.

A glimpse into the lives of the the Miwok and Paiute people in Yosemite National Park.

Hidden among the multi-million dollar mansions in the Santa Cruz hills is a sanctuary for troubled birds.

Machinery left over from California's once thriving mercury industry now attracts artists and explorers.

A watering hole where the options for seating include a bar, patio, or subterranean cave.