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Natural

Arches, peaks, overlooks, fossils, caves, and places of scenic beauty

27 posts

Chaparrosa Peak

Chaparrosa Peak

There is nothing historical here, but this is a nice hike to a peak with great views just outside of Joshua Tree. Directions * Hike: Moderate hike, 5.7 miles Out and back, 1,400 ft gain round trip. 3 hours. The trailhead for this hike is at the visitor center

Stuck on Soda Lake

Stuck on Soda Lake

Oh, so one day, way back in the beginning of 1991, when I was just a young pup, my friend Jim and I were out off-roading in the sand dunes of the Devil’s Playground area out near Baker, California. We had been roaming around the desert all weekend, but

Garrett’s Arch

Garrett’s Arch

This trip is a nice cross-country hike into the granitic maze that is the Wonderland of Rocks to find its best arch. Finding it will be much simpler with a map and GPS, so don't attempt the hike without either. It is easy to get lost back there.

Johnny Lang Mine and Quail Mountain

Johnny Lang Mine and Quail Mountain

I’ve hiked to the top of Quail Mountain from Covington Flat, but I wanted to visit the Johnny Lang Mine. Johnny Lang, being noted for his involvement at the Lost Horse Mine, made me curious about his mine on the shoulder of Quail Mountain. He worked this small mine

Owlhead Mountains Slot Canyons

Owlhead Mountains Slot Canyons

Back in early 2019, I met up with Dale and Brian to explore some slot canyons in the southern reaches of Death Valley – namely in the Owlhead Mountains. I hadn’t spent much time out in the Owlheads. Like most people, I just overlooked the area. It does have some

Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap Overlook

High above the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is the Toroweap Overlook. It is the steepest cliff in the canyon, with a 3,000-foot drop to the river below. It is an incredible view and landscape. It is worth the journey to reach it. The overlook is a day-use-only

U2 Joshua Tree

U2 Joshua Tree

I found what I was looking for... The famous U2 Joshua Tree. It fell over many years ago and now is a shrine to the band and the album. It is surprisingly easy to reach and not in Joshua Tree National Park. Directions