Lake Dolores waterpark: a forgotten dream in the Mojave desert
Photos by Raf, taken on the Mamiya 7ii with a CineStill 800T
Lake Dolores Waterpark is an abandoned waterpark off Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert in the community of Newberry Springs, California. The waterpark had operated under numerous names in the past, including Lake Dolores, Rock–A–Hoola Waterpark, and Discovery Waterpark.
During my last trip of the year (2025), I drove from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, and knowing about that place, I stopped to make some photos of this incredible abandoned waterpark in the middle of the desert.
All photos taken on the Mamiya 7ii with CineStill 800T and a warm filter. The above is what I assume once was the main entrance.
In this post, you will find a mix of medium format photos and information about the place. If you are driving from Nevada to LA, I strongly suggesting researching about what exit to take in order to make some photos.
It is hard to imagine this place full of life, with water in the middle of the desert, and people having a good time.
Visitors today encounter rusting slides, broken attractions, and overgrown vegetation, which gives the park an eerie charm. Photographers like myself flock to this unique site, drawn by its colorful past and striking visuals. The remnants of Lake Dolores tell a story of excitement and adventure, contrasting sharply with its silent, deserted state.
The idea of building a waterpark in the middle of the desert is bold, and I can imagine why it didn't work.
Stay tuned for more photos from this trip, as there are some surprises along the way.
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