Starbuck's Exploring

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Guy Starbuck

Guy has explored the deserts and mountains of the southwestern US for more than thirty-five years. In that time, he has found a couple of hidden and remote locations that don't see many visitors.

503 posts

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

In a far corner of the Little San Bernardino Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park lie Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks, two seldom-visited summits with incredible views. This adventurous cross-country ramble climbs up rugged canyons and rocky ridges to reach these two peaks. The views are the reason to be

May 2024 News

May 2024 News

It's been a mostly quiet two months since the last update. I've been out and around in Death Valley and working on Joshua Tree posts. New Trips 1834 RocksThere are still some enduring mysteries in Death Valley. One of them is the 1834 Rocks. These puzzling

1834 Rocks

1834 Rocks

There are still some enduring mysteries in Death Valley. One of them is the 1834 Rocks. These puzzling inscriptions, found at three sites and separated by a wide distance, each bear a unique combination of symbols: a date, a cross, and a chalice, with an enigmatic "SP" monogram

California Riding and Hiking Trail

California Riding and Hiking Trail

The California Riding and Hiking Trail was part of an ambitious 1940s California State Parks project to create a statewide trail network. Due to land ownership issues, it was never completed. However, the sections within Joshua Tree are complete and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the

Covington Crest

Covington Crest

The Covington Crest trail offers a short but rewarding trek into seldom-visited Covington Flat. It is an easy 3-mile round trip hike that rambles through some of the park's largest Joshua trees. The trail culminates at a dramatic precipice overlooking the canyons of the Little San Bernardino Mountains,

Warren Peak

Warren Peak

Warren Peak is an unassuming peak in the quiet northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. At 5,103 feet, it is only the 10th highest peak in the park, but from its summit the extraordinary panoramic view takes in Mount San Gorgonio, the Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto, as

Lost Rhodes Mine

Lost Rhodes Mine

Albert G. Rhodes is nearly forgotten in desert lore, but he and his partner discovered a rich silver deposit in 1886 at the remote southeastern end of the Black Mountains of Death Valley. They hauled 1,200 pounds of silver ore on the backs of mules over eighty desolate miles