This place is desolate. I am certain the brass/minds behind choosing this place had this conversation:

"Where is the most uninhabitable,harshest terrain and boring place in the continental United States?" Brass number 1

"One of our deserts, I guess" Brass number 2.

"True, but I am thinking about a desert with mountains I can make Marines run up. I want them tired, dehydrated and hating me?" Brass 1

"Well, the most hikers die in 29 Palms," Brass 2

"That's the place!" Brass 1