Desert Center, CA Map
Desert Center is a US city in Riverside County in the state of California. Located at the longitude and latitude of -115.401000, 33.713300 and situated at an elevation of 656 meters. In the 2020 United States Census, Desert Center, CA had a population of 256 people. Desert Center is in the Pacific Standard Time timezone at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -8. Find directions to Desert Center, CA, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more.
Desert Center, California, is a small, unincorporated community that serves as a historical waypoint in the vast arid landscape of the Colorado Desert. Known primarily for its unique position along Interstate 10, it was originally established in 1921 by a homesteader named Stephen A. Ragsdale, also known as "Desert Steve." The town's history is rooted in its role as a pit stop for travelers crossing the desert, offering much-needed respite in the form of gas and food. Today, remnants of its past can still be seen in the form of old service stations and the abandoned structures that give Desert Center a ghost town feel, attracting urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
While Desert Center may not boast a wide array of tourist attractions, its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park and the Chuckwalla Mountains makes it a point of interest for those seeking outdoor adventure. Additionally, the Desert Center Airport, although no longer in operation, is a site of historical significance due to its use during World War II as a training base for the Army Air Forces. Visitors to Desert Center can also explore the nearby ghost town of Eagle Mountain, a once-thriving mining town that adds to the area's historical allure. Overall, Desert Center is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West.
Nearby cities include: Niland, CA, Mesa Verde, CA, Mecca, CA, Calipatria, CA, Thermal, CA, Salton City, CA, Palo Verde, CA, Coachella, CA, Oasis, CA, Blythe, CA.