Desert Lighthouse

The Desert Lighthouse is an art installation in the Mojave Desert that rises about 50 feet tall with an octagonal steel frame covered in translucent polycarbonate panels. These panels allow light to penetrate across the barren landscape, creating an unusual beacon in one of the driest regions.

Artist Daniel Hawkins built this working installation in 2017 near Hinkley, California, after spending about a decade planning and preparing. The project overcame multiple construction challenges to become a functioning beacon in this remote desert location.

The lighthouse draws photographers and artists to document its striking appearance against the harsh desert landscape. This creates a fresh take on what a beacon can mean in places far from water.

The site sits in a remote desert area and requires preparation for extreme heat and limited shade. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection, and research conditions before traveling to this isolated location.

The installation uses a specialized lens that projects light across the desert for roughly 12 miles, an unusual function for a land-based artwork. This technical feature transforms a maritime navigation tool into a visual art experience in the middle of nowhere.