Travel writer Denise Morrison spent time exploring quirky towns, dry & dusty places, elegant art galleries and soothing spas throughout Southern California's desert communities. One special image that captured her attention was a rainbow suddenly appearing in Joshua Tree National Park.

Morrison says: "A long, windy road – Hwy 62 – leads past wind turbines, cacti, desert scrub, unusual rocks, Kitsch-y collectible and Western-type stores. I make my way to the Joshua Tree Inn, a ten-room hotel owned by devotees of country rock pioneer Gram Parsons."