Overview
Cabazon is a small unincorporated community in Riverside County, California, sitting along Interstate 10 at the western edge of the Coachella Valley. With a population of around 2,500, it functions primarily as a transit point between the Los Angeles Basin and the desert resorts of Palm Springs and beyond.
The town sits at roughly 1,800 feet elevation and is flanked by the San Gorgonio Pass to the north and the San Jacinto Mountains to the south. Wind turbines are a defining feature of the landscape here — the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Resource Area is one of the oldest and most productive wind energy corridors in the United States.
Cabazon's two main draws for travelers are its famous roadside dinosaur sculptures — Dinny the Apatosaurus and Mr. Rex the Tyrannosaurus — and the Desert Hills Premium Outlets mall. Neither attraction requires more than a few hours, making Cabazon a natural stopping point rather than a standalone destination.
Before You Go
Visas
Cabazon is in the United States. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for guidance specific to your country.
Climate
Cabazon sits in a high desert corridor. Summers (June–September) are hot, regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild during the day but can drop to near freezing at night. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. The San Gorgonio Pass channels persistent and sometimes strong winds year-round, which is worth bearing in mind if you are traveling by motorcycle or towing a trailer.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and a hat are essential in warmer months
- Water — carry more than you think you need if you plan to spend time outdoors
- Layers for winter evenings
- Cash and cards are both widely accepted in the area
Getting There
By Car
Cabazon is directly accessible from Interstate 10, approximately 90 miles (145 km) east of downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles (24 km) west of Palm Springs. Exit at Fields Road or Apache Trail for the main points of interest. This is by far the most practical way to visit.
By Bus
Greyhound and Flixbus operate intercity routes along the I-10 corridor with stops in the broader Palm Springs area. Verify current schedules and stop locations directly with those operators, as rural stop availability can change.
By Train
Amtrak's Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle services stop at Palm Springs/North Palm Springs station, which is the closest Amtrak point to Cabazon. From there, you would need a rental car or rideshare to reach Cabazon. Verify current Amtrak schedules before travel.
Nearest Airports
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) — approximately 20 miles (32 km) east; the most convenient option
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) — approximately 50 miles (80 km) west
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — approximately 95 miles (153 km) west
Getting Around
Cabazon is a car-dependent community. The main attractions — the dinosaurs and the outlet mall — are within a short drive of each other along or near Seminole Drive and the I-10 frontage roads. There is no meaningful local public transit. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) are available but coverage can be inconsistent in this small community; verify availability before relying on them.
Parking is generally plentiful and free at the major visitor stops. If you are continuing onward to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree, plan your route along I-10, which is the primary artery through the area.
Where to Stay
Cabazon has very limited dedicated accommodation within the community. A small number of budget motels operate near the I-10 interchange; verify availability and current listings through booking platforms before your trip.
Most travelers use Cabazon as a stopping point rather than an overnight base. Palm Springs, about 20 miles east, offers a wide spectrum of accommodation from budget motels to boutique resorts and is the more practical choice for anyone spending multiple nights in the region. Banning, the next town west along I-10, also has basic motel options at generally lower price points than Palm Springs.
Things to See & Do
Cabazon Dinosaurs
The two giant concrete dinosaur sculptures — commonly called Dinny and Mr. Rex — are a classic piece of American roadside Americana, constructed beginning in the 1960s by sculptor Claude Bell. They sit adjacent to a small creationist museum operated by the current owners. Visitors who simply want to see and photograph the exterior dinosaurs from the roadside or parking area can do so at any time. Entry fees and hours for the museum and interior access to Dinny apply; verify current details on-site or via the attraction's official website before visiting.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
One of the larger outlet shopping centers in Southern California, Desert Hills Premium Outlets hosts a wide range of retail brands. It draws significant traffic from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Verify current hours and brand availability on the Simon Property Group website.
Wind Turbine Viewing
The San Gorgonio Pass is lined with hundreds of wind turbines and offers a dramatic industrial landscape that is unique to this corridor. Viewing is simply done from the roadside or designated pull-offs along I-10 and local roads.
Day Trips
Cabazon's location makes it an efficient base or stopping point for day trips to Palm Springs (about 20 minutes east), Joshua Tree National Park (roughly 40 minutes northeast), and Big Bear Lake (about an hour and a half north via CA-62 and CA-18).
Food & Drink
Cabazon has a limited local dining scene, consisting largely of fast-food chains and casual eateries clustered near the I-10 interchange and the outlet mall. Options for sit-down dining are sparse within the community itself.
For a broader selection of restaurants — including mid-range and upscale options, especially if you are interested in cuisine tied to the desert resort culture — Palm Springs is the most practical choice and is only about 20 minutes by car. Travelers with dietary restrictions or specific cuisine preferences are strongly advised to plan accordingly before arriving in Cabazon.
Convenience stores and a few small markets are present in the area for basic supplies and snacks.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Riverside County Sheriff's Department serves the Cabazon area for law enforcement. The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are in the Banning and Palm Springs areas; verify the closest facility and its current services before your visit.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is generally available along I-10 and in commercial areas. Wi-Fi is available at the outlet mall and most chain food establishments.
Fuel and Services
Gas stations are available near the freeway interchange. Fuel prices in California are generally higher than the national average; fill up if you are heading into more remote areas such as Joshua Tree.
Accessibility
The outlet mall and major commercial areas are ADA accessible. The dinosaur attraction's accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors should be confirmed directly with the site.
Safety
Cabazon is a generally low-key community and most visitors pass through without incident. Standard travel precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles, stay hydrated in hot weather, and be aware that summer heat can become dangerous quickly if you are outdoors without adequate water.
Driving on I-10 through the San Gorgonio Pass can be challenging during periods of high wind, particularly for vehicles with large profiles such as RVs or trucks towing trailers. Check Caltrans road conditions (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) before travel, especially in winter or during wind advisories.
