5 Mistakes Visitors Make Near This Uncrowded Park Gateway + 5 Things To Do Instead

Nestled at the doorstep of some of America’s most stunning natural wonders, Baker, California often gets overlooked as just a pit stop. Many travelers zoom through this desert outpost without realizing the hidden gems they’re missing.

Whether you’re heading to nearby national parks or just passing through, avoiding these common mistakes and trying these alternatives will transform your experience.

1. Mistake: Bypassing The World’s Tallest Thermometer

Countless road-trippers cruise right past this quirky landmark without even slowing down. The 134-foot tall monument commemorates Death Valley’s record temperature of 134°F.

Baker’s famous thermometer isn’t just a photo opportunity—it’s a piece of roadside Americana with a fascinating story behind its creation and restoration.

2. Better Choice: Visit Alien Fresh Jerky’s Spaceship-Shaped Store

Fuel your adventure with a stop at this otherworldly snack shop. Alien Fresh Jerky offers dozens of unique flavors from sweet to spicy, plus quirky extraterrestrial décor that makes it a destination unto itself.

The store’s massive selection of beef jerky, nuts, and sauces provides perfect provisions for desert explorations.

3. Mistake: Rushing Through Without Refueling Properly

Many travelers underestimate desert distances and skip proper refueling in Baker. Gas stations can be scarce for the next 50+ miles, especially heading toward Death Valley.

Running low on fuel in the Mojave is more than inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Summer temperatures regularly soar above 110°F, making roadside breakdowns potentially life-threatening.

4. Better Choice: Explore The Mojave National Preserve

Just a short drive from town lies an underappreciated natural wonder. The Preserve offers surreal landscapes including the Kelso Dunes, where sand actually “sings” when you climb it.

Cinder cones, lava tubes, and Joshua tree forests await with far fewer crowds than nearby national parks. Bring plenty of water and a full tank when exploring this 1.6-million-acre wilderness.

5. Mistake: Eating Only At Fast Food Chains

Drive-thru lanes often overflow with travelers grabbing familiar meals. Meanwhile, local eateries serving memorable dishes sit nearly empty.

The Mad Greek Café, a Baker institution since 1991, offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine alongside classic American fare. Their fresh strawberry shakes and gyros provide welcome relief from typical road food.

6. Better Choice: Sample Baker’s Famous Bun Boy Restaurant

Local flavors await at this iconic roadside diner. Founded in 1926, Bun Boy serves up classic American comfort food with a desert twist.

Their legendary date shakes use locally grown dates, creating a refreshing treat perfect for hot desert days. The restaurant’s retro atmosphere and friendly service offer a genuine slice of Route 66 culture.

7. Mistake: Skipping Sunrise Or Sunset Views

Hurried travelers often miss Mother Nature’s daily light shows. Desert sunrises and sunsets transform the landscape into a painter’s palette of oranges, purples, and reds.

The surrounding mountains and wide-open spaces near Baker create perfect conditions for spectacular sky displays. Missing these natural performances means losing out on the desert’s most magical moments.

8. Better Choice: Hike The Salt Creek Hills ACEC

Just outside town, this Area of Critical Environmental Concern offers accessible trails through surprising wetlands. Desert pupfish, an endangered species, thrive in these unexpected springs.

Morning hikes reveal abundant wildlife including desert bighorn sheep coming to drink. The boardwalk trail requires minimal hiking experience while delivering maximum desert beauty.

9. Mistake: Missing The Baker Archaeological Site

Few travelers realize they’re passing by significant Native American history. This ancient site contains artifacts dating back thousands of years to when the Mojave Desert was much wetter.

Archaeological evidence shows how indigenous peoples thrived in this seemingly harsh environment. The site offers insights into sustainable desert living practices that remain relevant today.

10. Better Choice: Stargaze In Dark Sky Country

Minimal light pollution makes the area around Baker perfect for celestial observation. The Milky Way stretches across the night sky with clarity rarely seen near cities.

Summer meteor showers like the Perseids create natural fireworks displays. Bring a blanket, red-light flashlight, and star chart to identify constellations from this perfect vantage point.