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Crystal Spring
Crystal Spring is tucked away high in a quiet canyon in the Providence Mountains, part of California’s eastern Mojave Desert. It’s a small spring, but the water is cold, clean, and crystal clear—just as the name suggests. The spring seeps out from under a rock and forms a little pool, a rare and refreshing sight in such a dry landscape.
This peaceful spot sits behind Mitchell Caverns in the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, which has been around since 1972. The whole area is a blend of rugged desert beauty and surprising pockets of life—juniper and piñon pines grow on the slopes, and you might spot badgers, antelope squirrels, or hear the chatter of birds in the trees. Springtime brings out wildflowers that color the rocky hillsides.
There’s a self-guided walk called the Mary Beale Nature Trail that takes you through some of this scenery, and if you time it right, you can join a tour of Mitchell Caverns to see the amazing underground formations and learn a bit about the area's history.
If you're heading out that way, it’s smart to check in with the park first. Desert weather can be extreme, and the hours and tours can change. Just bring plenty of water, dress for the conditions, and be ready for the kind of quiet that only a place like this can offer. Crystal Spring is one of those hidden desert gems—small, simple, and full of life.
