Hesperia sits on the edge of the Mojave Desert, where the San Bernardino Mountains rise to the south and the desert floor stretches toward the horizon. Hesperia Lake Park gives the city a fishing lake, picnic areas, and a green gathering place in dry country, and the Mojave River, often flowing underground, shapes the valley's history. The city also hosts Cal Earth, an institute known for SuperAdobe building, where earth and hands shape homes from the desert itself. Hesperia grew as a railroad and ranching town before becoming a high desert suburb.