California's deserts -- the high desert in the north and the low desert in the south-are lands of extremes: heat and cold, bright light and deep shadows. You'll find soft sand dunes and deeply eroded cliffs, golden poppies and spiny cacti, creeping tortoises and soaring golden eagles-viewed against the backdrop of jagged mountains. With the area's silent and austere beauty studded with glittering yet relaxing resort cities, the deserts offer the ideal spot for re-energizing your senses. Come and give yourself over to this perfect antidote to a too-busy life.