Attractions and Places To See around Desert View Highlands - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Desert View Highlands, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, California, situated near Palmdale. The area is primarily residential but offers access to various local attractions and natural features. Its location provides a desert landscape experience, with opportunities to explore preserves and recreational facilities. The region serves as a gateway to outdoor activities and points of interest within the Antelope Valley.
Best attractions and places to see around Desert View Highlands
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Last updated: September 28, 2026
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Highlight • Forest
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Rawley Duntley Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Antelope Valley College
Highlight • Settlement
Baseball, softball, football
Men's: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
Women's: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
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Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center
Highlight • Rest Area
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Lamont Odette Vista Point — CA Aqueduct East Branch
Highlight • Viewpoint
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While only open on the weekends the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center, is an excellent resource for those visiting the preserve. Named after a local environmentalist, this interpretive center has many hand on displays for kids and adults alike to learn about the local geology, biology, and human history of the area.
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WIthin this 120-acre park you'll find three miles of well maintained trails, taking you through a microcosm of desert landscapes. Though small, this nature preserve is home a wide array of plants and animals that are well adapted to the desert climate. As you hike around the park keep your eyes open for jack rabbits, and cottontails darting between Juniper and Joshua Trees. Or find a lizard sunbathing on a rock or one of the many bird species that circle in the skies above. The city of Lancaster has an excellent video with a few of their Park Rangers walking and talking you through the park so you know what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDSlaCE1pyo
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Sweeping Overlook of Lake Palmdale and the California Aqueduct snaking its blue water through the barren desert landscape
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The local sports team - the Marauders - offer the following sports: Baseball, softball, football Men's: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball Women's: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
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Rawley Duntley, "The Barbecue King", born in Lancaster, was known in the Antelope Valley and far beyond for his barbecues - he always prepared them in pits to give the meat the right smoky flavor. He usually invited between 200-300 guests to his barbecues. The largest barbecue Rawley attended had 5,000 guests from Kern and Los Angeles counties, from Death Valley to Newhall. He was always a good neighbor, always close to the people's hearts, provided the meat for countless events free of charge and also looked after the needy.
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Founded in 1929 as part of Antelope High School, it was a junior college for many years. It continued to develop as an aircraft industry began to develop in Antelope Valley
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Perfect for children and parents - playgrounds, sports fields and picnic tables. Open from 6AM - 10PM
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural preserves or outdoor spaces can I explore near Desert View Highlands?
You can explore the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, which features three miles of trails through desert landscapes. This preserve is home to various plants and animals adapted to the desert climate. Other nearby parks in Palmdale include Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, Marie Kerr Park, and Tierra Bonita Park, offering additional outdoor spaces.
Are there hiking opportunities suitable for different skill levels?
The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve offers well-maintained trails that are generally accessible and suitable for a range of visitors, providing a microcosm of desert landscapes. While specific difficulty levels for all trails aren't detailed, the preserve's trails are known for being manageable for casual exploration.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Desert View Highlands?
Several family-friendly options are available. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve and the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center offer educational and outdoor experiences. Rawley Duntley Park provides playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic tables. For more active fun, DryTown Water Park and Courson Park Pool in Palmdale are popular choices, along with Bowlero Palmdale for entertainment.
Where can I learn about the local history and environment?
The Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center is an excellent resource. It features hands-on displays that educate visitors about the local geology, biology, and human history of the area. It's located within the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve.
Are there any scenic viewpoints in the area?
Yes, the Lamont Odette Vista Point — CA Aqueduct East Branch offers sweeping overlooks of Lake Palmdale and the California Aqueduct as it traverses the desert landscape. It's a great spot for scenic views.
What is the best time of year to visit Desert View Highlands for outdoor activities?
Given the desert climate, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring preserves. Summers can be very hot, making early mornings or late afternoons more suitable for outdoor excursions. Winters are typically mild.
Can I bring my dog to trails in the area?
While specific regulations for every trail vary, many outdoor spaces in the region, including parts of the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, are often dog-friendly, usually requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or park websites for the most current pet policies before your visit.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the natural areas?
In natural preserves like the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, you can observe various plants and animals adapted to the desert climate. Keep an eye out for jack rabbits, cottontails, lizards, and diverse bird species that frequent the Juniper and Joshua Trees.
Are there any sports facilities or recreational centers nearby?
Yes, Palmdale offers several recreational facilities. The Best Of The West Softball Complex caters to sports enthusiasts, and Antelope Valley College has a sports program with teams like the Marauders. Rawley Duntley Park also provides sports fields.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Desert View Highlands?
Visitors appreciate the unique desert landscape experience, the educational opportunities at the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center, and the scenic overlooks from spots like Lamont Odette Vista Point. The well-maintained trails at the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve are also highly regarded for their accessibility and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Are there any places to relax or have a picnic?
Yes, Rawley Duntley Park is an excellent option, offering picnic tables in addition to playgrounds and sports fields. Other parks in Palmdale, such as Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, Marie Kerr Park, and Tierra Bonita Park, also provide spaces for relaxation and picnics.
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