Los Angeles to Borrego Springs.

Via the Coachella Valley. I-10 east to Indio, CA-86 south along the Salton Sea side of the valley, then west on the Borrego Salton Seaway (S-22) into town. Mostly highway, easy at night.

Via Temecula and the Montezuma Grade. I-15 south to Temecula, CA-79 through Aguanga and Warner Springs, then Montezuma Valley Road (S-22) down the Grade. Slower, prettier, and a dramatic first view of the valley.

Borrego Springs is a small, no-stoplight town surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park at 650,000 acres. It's an International Dark Sky Community, so the night sky here is the main event — not the nightlife.

Palm Springs is about an hour away if you want a day trip for dinner or shopping.

• Leave Friday before 2 PM or after 7 PM to dodge the worst of LA traffic.
• Cell signal can be spotty on the last stretch — download maps offline.
• Fill up and grab groceries before you arrive; options in town are limited.
• Check-in at Moonlight Oasis is 4 PM with self check-in by keypad.