Chuckwalla National Monument offers endless opportunities for discovery with its sweeping desert vistas. This month, we spoke with Ashley Lee, an off-road vehicle enthusiast and educator, about what draws her to this landscape and why she believes off-roading can inspire a deeper connection to the desert. In this Q&A, she shares how curiosity can lead to more meaningful adventures and stronger stewardship of public lands.

How did you first become interested in exploring the desert landscapes around Chuckwalla?

Over the last decade, I’ve spent countless days exploring the deserts of California and Nevada. Along the way, I’ve learned that places like the Chuckwalla National Monument are much more than destinations on a map. They are transition zones where the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts meet, creating a remarkable blend of plants, wildlife, geology, and cultural history.

What makes Chuckwalla National Monument unique to explore?

Every trail seems to reveal something new: an unusual rock formation, evidence of military history, a rare plant, or a breathtaking vista that reminds you just how vast these landscapes really are.

How do you share your passion for the desert with others?

Today, I lead trail rides and educational programs throughout the region, sharing the stories behind the landscapes that first captured my imagination. Whether we’re discussing geology, history, navigation, wildlife, or responsible recreation, my goal is always the same: to help others become curious. Because curiosity is what transforms a visitor into a steward.

How has off-roading shaped the way you experience the desert?

For me, off-roading has never been about going fast or simply reaching a destination. It’s about slowing down enough to ask questions. It’s about exploring not just the landscape around you, but your place within it. The desert has a way of making you feel both small and connected to something much larger than yourself.

What do you hope people experience when they visit Chuckwalla?

So the next time you’re traveling through Chuckwalla, take a moment to look up, look around, and wonder. Curiosity might just become the most valuable tool in your own adventure kit.

Even from afar, there’s a lot to learn and enjoy about Chuckwalla National Monument. Please remember that summer is in full swing now, and learn more about how to visit safely and responsibly.