At OC Designworks, our designs are more than just graphics on a tee—they are a map of our experiences. Our brand was born from a love for the Southern California lifestyle, a Surf. Summit. Soul.™ philosophy that carries us from the tides of Laguna Beach to the rugged, sun-scorched trails of the Mojave.
Today, we’re kicking off a new series: Hidden Places Revealed. We’re taking you off the paved path and into the backcountry to explore the places that fuel our creativity. First up? The legendary Old Dale Road.
Traversing Old Dale Road: A Journey Through Time
If you’re looking for a Sunday drive, this isn’t it. Old Dale Road is a 26-mile backcountry traverse that cuts through the heart of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts within Joshua Tree National Park. Starting from Pinto Basin, the road begins as a sandy washboard but quickly transforms into a technical 4WD challenge as it climbs into the Pinto Mountains.
As you ascend, the landscape shifts. You’ll leave the creosote and chollas of the lower desert behind and enter a rugged world of steep shelf roads, embedded boulders, and expansive panoramic views. This is off-road territory in its truest form—the kind of place where cell service disappears and self-reliance is the only way forward.
The Inspiration: The Sunset Mine & The Flag Building
The history of this road is etched in the remains of the Dale Mining District. Scattered throughout the mountains are the rusted relics of the 1880s gold rush, but one landmark stands out among the ruins: The Sunset Mine.
Nestled in a remote wash just outside the park boundary, the Sunset Mine is home to what locals and explorers call 'The Flag Building'. This weathered, corrugated metal structure features a bold, hand-painted American flag and California Republic bear, standing as a gritty symbol of desert independence and heritage.
It’s this exact spirit of adventure and heritage that inspired one of our favorite pieces: The Sunset Mine Flag Building Tee. When you wear it, you’re carrying a piece of that backcountry silence and the resilient history of the California desert.
Joshua Tree Shirts for Every Kind of Explorer
Whether you are a hardcore overlander or a casual weekend hiker, we believe your gear should tell a story. We have designed a collection of unique Joshua Tree shirts for explorers of all kinds. From minimalist designs that capture the silhouette of the iconic Joshua tree to rugged, vintage-inspired graphics that pay homage to the mining trails, there is a piece for everyone who feels the pull of the high desert.
More to Discover in Joshua Tree
While Old Dale Road is a playground for high-clearance rigs, Joshua Tree National Park is full of other hidden gems for every type of explorer:
- Cholla Cactus Garden: A surreal forest of jumping chollas that glows during the golden hour.
- Hall of Horrors: A favorite for climbers and those looking to explore narrow slot canyons hidden between massive boulder piles.
- Forty-Nine Palms Oasis: A challenging hike that leads to a lush, hidden spring of fan palms tucked into a rocky canyon.
We have unique Joshua Tree
From the Trails to Your Wardrobe
At OC Designworks, we believe in authentic origin stories. Whether we are navigating the double-track trails of the backcountry, riding horseback through the golden hills, or catching a swell at Newport, we are constantly absorbing the world around us.
Moving forward, we’ll be sprinkling these places we love directly into our designs. From the coast to the urban streets and deep into the wilderness, our goal is to share these discoveries with you. We hope our apparel inspires you to get out there, find your own hidden places, and love them just as much as we do.
Ready for the road? [Shop the Desert Collection] | [Explore the Off Road Collection]
Designed in SoCal. From the Tides to the Trails.