i've always found the established hikes-except the shortish one to barker dam-kinda boring and have always
enjoyed parking and just going where the senses beckon. climbing a fun granite rock grouping or two or three is almost irresistable.
if you're into photography, you'll wanna be there at sunrise and/or sunset. there is the aforementioned stargazing. riding on the route
i described earlier is like doing a longer ride since the scenery always looks different on the way back up there.
there is that side ride/trip to nearby pioneertown and perhaps a stop at pappy & harriets.
Pappy + Harriet's
they are closed tues/wed. fun backcountry diner/bar. some solid musical acts roll thru there if that's your thing.
some guy nicknamed "macca" rolled thru there last year...
'This can't be real': Fans shed tears to see Paul McCartney at the tiny Pappy and Harriet's - LA Times
this is also semi-nearby:
https://integratron.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...tegratron.html
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/integratron
you could incorporate a little sampler ride in the de luz/fallbrook area or the forest falls area of the san bernardino mtns on the way back
-legs and time willing-since both areas are along the 15/215 freeway corridor.