I've always wanted to go out there, and wondered if it was worth the trouble. On my one trip out to the desert, I got as far as Indio, which for someone raised in the East and now living in LA is a pretty weird place, visually. (No, I did not go for Coachella.)
If anyone in the SoCal area wants to take a photo expedition out to the desert, let me know, I'd be willing to tag along.
I would like to check out the place,but not till it cools down a little. Let me know when you head out there, I live close by Pasadena, and there are a couple of other local phototogs that would join in also.