Desert Adventures Galleries

Kokoweef Peak / Mescal Mtn / Striped Mtn - Nov 7, 2009 : Joined Sooz and Joe in the Ivanpah Mountains (between Baker & Primm) for 3 peaks: Kokoweef Peak (6,088), Mescal Mtn (6,499), Striped Mtn (5,953). These were all short and steep. Gorgeous day, shorts would have been comfortable weatherwise... but not bushwise! We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset on Striped. Kokoweef - 2 mi RT, 800 ft elev; Mescal - 3 mi RT, 1300 ft elev; Striped - 1.5 mi RT, 800 ft elev.

Kokoweef Peak / Mescal Mtn / Striped Mtn - Nov 7, 2009

Joined Sooz and Joe in the Ivanpah Mountains (between Baker & Primm) f ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2009 8:47am PST

Lake Powell - Sept 29-Oct 3, 2009 : Joined Mona, Richard, Paul and Russell for 5 days of houseboating on Lake Powell. We had a luxurious houseboat with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 BBQs and plenty of space. We also had a speedboat to scout the narrow canyons and water ski. An absolutely fabulous time in a most magnificent setting.

Lake Powell - Sept 29-Oct 3, 2009

Joined Mona, Richard, Paul and Russell for 5 days of houseboating on L ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2009 9:45pm PST

Piute Mtn (12,564) / Mount Barcroft (13,040) - Aug 2, 2009 : Day 2 of a weekend in the White Mountains. Started with an early morning hike to Piute Mountain then drove to the White Mountain Research Station (WMRS) at Barcroft and hiked up to Mt. Barcroft. Returned just in time to sit in on the first lecture of the day... Peri-glacial Processes and Patterend Ground... a fascinating talk about research ongoing in the area about why there are polygons and mounds of rock amidst tundra. It's all about the ice! WMRS hosts an annual Open House (1st Sunday in August) in which the Barcroft gate is opened (woohoo... making the White Mountain TH 2 miles closer to the peak!) and the public can visit the research station. Lectures and tours are scheduled throughout the day. This year, they also had a tour of a super duper telescope (layperson speak for... whoa.... it can see really really far... like billions of light years away!) which is capable of detecting cosmic radiation (the oldest [known] thing in the universe). Great day of hiking, learning, and enjoying the lunar landscape of the White Mountains.

Piute Mtn (12,564) / Mount Barcroft (13,040) - Aug 2, 2009

Day 2 of a weekend in the White Mountains. Started with an early morn ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2009 12:07am PST

Sheep Mtn (12,497) / White Mtn Peak [(X3) 14,256] - Aug 1, 2009 : Day 1 of a weekend in the White Mountains. Started with a short jaunt up Sheep Mountain, followed by an afternoon hike to White Mountain Peak designed for an opportunity to view the sierra sunset and moonlight return across the plateau. Reached the summit at 6:22 pm in a record time of 3:27 from the gate. I decided to not watch the sierra sunset from the peak, but rather get a head start towards the TH and watch the sunset while hiking along the entire plateau. The last blaze of orange bedded down just before I reached the observatory. The 3/4 moon provided enough light that I used my headlamp only when descending the steep section to the WMRS. It was an absolute glorious hike.

Sheep Mtn (12,497) / White Mtn Peak [(X3) 14,256] - Aug 1, 2009

Day 1 of a weekend in the White Mountains. Started with a short jaunt ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2009 10:32pm PST

Fletcher Peak (10,319) - May 24, 2009 : Gorgeous day along the North Loop trail with Sooz.

Fletcher Peak (10,319) - May 24, 2009

Gorgeous day along the North Loop trail with Sooz.

Updated: May 25, 2009 8:29pm PST

Griffith Peak (11,072) / Charleston Peak (11,915) - May 23, 2009 : Big mountain, big day! Our route: South Loop trail, out n back. A spectacular day with Sooz, Chip, and Joe. Helpful hint: park at the LOWER Cathedral Rock day use lot along Hwy 157. The TH is inside the Upper CR picnic area and 1) there is an $8/car entry fee, 2) the gate is open only 8a-8p and 3) Mr. Fee collector was less than helpful. The hike from the lower parking area to TH is 0.4 mi. I was amazed at the lack of folks going to the summit; we saw only 3 other parties going to or coming from the summit. The climb to the saddle north of Griffith was the steepest section and we met some snow, but easily crossable and a fun glissade on the descent. Once at the saddle, Joe & Chip headed towards the summit and the 1955 C54 airplane crash site. Sooz and I scooted on up Griffith, which was a fun and short little detour. Once back at the saddle, we began our l-o-n-g whooped dee doo's toward's the summit. We met up with the boys at the crash site, then headed for the barren summit. The long traverse to the summit is amazing, with great views and gorgeous wise bristlecones watching over us. Weather was gorgeous, although a thunderhead settled in to the east and provoked a little concern, but our route was rainfree. About 19 mi RT. Fabu!!!

Griffith Peak (11,072) / Charleston Peak (11,915) - May 23, 2009

Big mountain, big day! Our route: South Loop trail, out n back. A ...

Updated: May 25, 2009 4:49pm PST

Turtlehead Peak (6,323) & Sooz's BD Celebration - May 22, 2009 : Spent Memorial Day weekend 2009 in the Spring Mountains with Sooz, Chip, and Joe. Turtlehead was the perfect warm-up hike for Charleston the following day. We followed the usual route: north in the wash, then up the west gully to a saddle north of the summit. We crossed over to the east side of the peak, traversed southward, then gained to top. Views of the Spring Mountain range were spectacular. We descended via the first steep gully off the summit (southern most gully on west side). Weather was warm, but there was a cool breeze most of the time.

Turtlehead Peak (6,323) & Sooz's BD Celebration - May 22, 2009

Spent Memorial Day weekend 2009 in the Spring Mountains with Sooz, Chi ...

Updated: May 25, 2009 4:12pm PST

East Ord (6,168) / Ord (6,309) - Mar 28-29, 2009 : This was my first hike since returning from Vietnam. Sooz, Chip, Joe and I all met up in Victorville Friday night, then caravand to Johnson Valley where we camped. We had a little difficulty deciding on route for East Ord, so took my route on the ascent and Sooz's route on the descent. We then drove out to the north of Ord Mountain, where we drove up the 4x4 road to see how far we could get. We decided to climb Ord on Sunday, so we returned down the hill and set up camp. We finished Sunday by going to some nearby petroglyphs.

East Ord (6,168) / Ord (6,309) - Mar 28-29, 2009

This was my first hike since returning from Vietnam. Sooz, Chip, Joe ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2009 8:08pm PST

Pinyon (4,492) / Borrego West Butte (1,207) - Apr 4, 2009 :

Pinyon (4,492) / Borrego West Butte (1,207) - Apr 4, 2009

Updated: Apr 05, 2009 11:51pm PST

Red Mountain (5,251) / Fremont Peak (4,584) - Feb 14, 2009 : I took advantage of a break in storms and headed out to the Lava Mountains. I started with Red Mountain, which had a lovely layer of fresh powder that melted as the time went on. Wildflowers are beginning to bloom! After Red, I drove to Fremont Peak and had a fun time scrambling up to its summit.

Red Mountain (5,251) / Fremont Peak (4,584) - Feb 14, 2009

I took advantage of a break in storms and headed out to the Lava Mount ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 7:15am PST

Coso Snow Hike - Feb 7, 2009 : I joined the KRVHC for a hike in the Cosos. Although it was a short day, due to snow, had a fun time. Snow on Joshua Trees and Yuccas is such a pretty sight!

Coso Snow Hike - Feb 7, 2009

I joined the KRVHC for a hike in the Cosos. Although it was a short d ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2009 9:57pm PST

Eagle Point / Red and Crater Mtns - Jan 19, 2009 : I spent the night in Lone Pine and leisurely made my way up to Mammoth for my annual winter holiday. I grabbed 3 peaks today: Eagle Point (5,161), Red Mountain (5,187), and Crater Mountain (6,040). The latter two are the two big volcanic domes just south of Big Pine, on the west side of the 395.

Eagle Point / Red and Crater Mtns - Jan 19, 2009

I spent the night in Lone Pine and leisurely made my way up to Mammoth ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2009 10:10pm PST

Haiwee Ridge (5,952) / Scattered Bones Peak (5,737) - Jan 24, 2009 : I ended my winter holiday with a fantastic hike with Sooz and Chip. It was another Plan B outing, as were had planned to hike Nelson Peak, but Saline Valley Rd was closed. Instead, Sooz agreed to a repeat for her, and we did Haiwee Ridge (aka Jurasic Peak) and Scattered Bones Peak. Both summits lie along the same ridge line. The drive in via Cactus Flat gets a high score for scenery, and it is a good road, passable with 2WD. As we were driving across the flats, we spotted a mountain lion running up the ridge. Fantastic sighting. We were sure he was hiding behind the ridge boulders snickering as we later walked by him. Gorgeous scenery. RT mileage ~3.63, total ascent 1,433 ft.

Haiwee Ridge (5,952) / Scattered Bones Peak (5,737) - Jan 24, 2009

I ended my winter holiday with a fantastic hike with Sooz and Chip. I ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2009 9:33pm PST

Malpais Mesa [Rosa Peak] (7,731) - Jan 18, 2009 : I was going to join Cori and Scott for Thimble Peak, but Titus Canyon was closed. We opted for Malpais Mesa instead. I really enjoyed this hike. It was rather short at 4.8 mi RT, but walking amidst the Joshua Tree forest on top of the ridge with the snow capped sierras to the west was inspiring!

Malpais Mesa [Rosa Peak] (7,731) - Jan 18, 2009

I was going to join Cori and Scott for Thimble Peak, but Titus Canyon ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2009 7:26pm PST

Black (3,941) / Opal (3,950) Mountains (Black Mtns) - Jan 10-11, 2009 : Joe, Sooz, Chip, and myself spent the weekend in the Black Mountains near Barstow. On Saturday we hiked to the summit of Black Mountain and visited the petroglyphs of Black Canyon and Inscription Canyon. Sooz and I got up before the guys and hiked up to Opal Mountain (which is driveable, if vehicle and driver are capable).

Black (3,941) / Opal (3,950) Mountains (Black Mtns) - Jan 10-11, 2009

Joe, Sooz, Chip, and myself spent the weekend in the Black Mountains n ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2009 10:18pm PST

Black Mountain [El Pasos (5,244]) - New Year's Day, 2009 : New Year's Day, 2009! Joined members of the Kern River Valley Hiking Club (Tom, Lisa, Alice) for my first peak in the El Pasos. We started at Sheep Spring, perused some of the petroglyphs near the spring, then headed towards the long north-south ridge to the west. After gaining the ridge, we headed south, mostly on the west side of the ridge to the summit. We came across at least one Indian rock ring, some chippings, and snow. Although there was frost on the desert, it was a warm sunny day.

Black Mountain [El Pasos (5,244]) - New Year's Day, 2009

New Year's Day, 2009! Joined members of the Kern River Valley Hiking ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2009 8:51pm PST

Schwaub Peak Attempt (6,119) - Jan 2, 2009 : Had a great day with Sooz on an attempt at Schwaub Peak. Although we had TomB's track, we couldn't quite navigate the last rocky bump before the summit so turned around about 500 feet from the top. Still, it was a wonderful day, good exercise, and spectacular views... oh yeah, and lots of fossils.

Schwaub Peak Attempt (6,119) - Jan 2, 2009

Had a great day with Sooz on an attempt at Schwaub Peak. Although we ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2009 8:48pm PST

Corkscrew (5,804) / Little Corkscrew [aka Bottlecap (4,414)] - Jan 3, 2009 : Sooz, Chip, Joe, and I camped along the 4WD Chloride Cliff Rd Fri night. It was very windy all night long, as well as Saturday morning. We drove the short distance to the TH where we met up with Cori, Tom, Rachel, Jim, and Christine. Although temperature was comfortable, the wind chill required us to bundle up pretty good. Joe started with us, then decided to spend the day doing some other things. The rest of us completed a fun loop trip that gave us two peaks, lots of laughs, and a spectacular day in the desert.

Corkscrew (5,804) / Little Corkscrew [aka Bottlecap (4,414)] - Jan 3, 2009

Sooz, Chip, Joe, and I camped along the 4WD Chloride Cliff Rd Fri nigh ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2009 8:22pm PST

Thanxgiving / Ibex Peak (4,752) - Nov 27-28, 2008 : Spent a fabulous Thanxgiving weekend in SE Death Valley with friends from SoCal and NorCal. We enjoyed a scrumptous traditional turkey meal on Thursday and climbed Ibex Peak on Friday. Couldn't believe how warm it was this year compared with last year.

Thanxgiving / Ibex Peak (4,752) - Nov 27-28, 2008

Spent a fabulous Thanxgiving weekend in SE Death Valley with friends f ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2008 9:15pm PST

Warm Springs Canyon - Nov 29, 2008 : I'd been wanting to explore Warm Springs Canyon for quite sometime. Ive been over Mengel Pass to Anvil Springs, but never exited via Warm Springs. The road to Warm Springs was quite nice, washboardey at the west end. It gets a bit rocky near Warm Springs Camp, and then there is one slightly technical section about 2 miles east. The road to Arrastre Springs is very slow going; steep and rocky. A 2WD Nissan Nismo and 4WD Chevy Blazer made it just fine, along with the other 4WD vehicles.

Warm Springs Canyon - Nov 29, 2008

I'd been wanting to explore Warm Springs Canyon for quite sometime. I ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2008 9:02pm PST

Pyramid Peak & Triple Birthday (6,703) - Oct 25, 2008 : In celebration of birtdays for Cori, Kathy, and TomB, several of us met up at the Trailer Park and climbed Pyramid Peak, just across the street. The usual 4.5 hour drive took a painful 7 hours on a Friday mid afternoon. aarrrgghhhh. Weather was warm, and thankfully, Cori had a Misty Mate and gifted one to Kathy, so between the two of them, they kept the rest of us spritzed. It was a godsend! Pyramid Peak is the highest peak in the funeral mountains, has great views, and was a hearty hike. 3,600 ft gain in 9 mi RT. Took us just shy of 10 hours RT.

Pyramid Peak & Triple Birthday (6,703) - Oct 25, 2008

In celebration of birtdays for Cori, Kathy, and TomB, several of us me ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2008 6:29pm PST

Black Mountain Peak (9,083) - Oct 12, 2008 : Plan D of the weekend had us in the White Mountains with TomB and sans Ridgeline (Dave). We took the fun dirt road shortly passed the kiosk at the turnoff to the Bristlecones. We were all surprised to see a miner's camp at the end of the road. Although still quite cold, there was no snow today and it was a nice short hike. Took us 2 hours to get to the west summit (high point) and 1:15 to return. From the miner's camp we humped right up the hill to the east summit. On the return, we bypassed the east summit for a quicker trip. Prospector Pat, and his buddies Brett and Jim, welcomed us into their camp at hike's end, fixed us some hot tea, and showed us some fruits of their labor. Great day!

Black Mountain Peak (9,083) - Oct 12, 2008

Plan D of the weekend had us in the White Mountains with TomB and sans ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2008 5:55pm PST

Towne Peak (7,287) & 40th Anniversary Gossett Hike : On Sept 2, 1968, Tom Gossett set out with his dad, two brothers, and a friends to hike to the crash of an SA-16 Albatross. Dad got dehydrated and very sick after they reached the Albatross. While one of his brothers and his friend walked out to go get help, Tom and Bill stayed with their dad overnight on Towne Peak. They were rescued the next day by the Death Valley Rangers. Before I knew Tom, I saw his register entry when I climbed Towne Peak a few years ago. I also visited the Albatross at that time. Since then, Ive met Tom and a crew of other great hiking buddies and today we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the rescue hike. I was very leary of the hike because, afterall, it IS September and it IS Death Valley. The morning was warm, but we were kept comfortable with a slight breeze. At the summit, I decided to join Sooz, Chip, Laura, and Joe and turn around - a decision I am very glad I made. I was getting close to overheating the last hour or so of the hike out. We got back to the cars around 2:30 and drove to Panamint Springs Resort where we hung out until the others joined us later that evening.

Towne Peak (7,287) & 40th Anniversary Gossett Hike

On Sept 2, 1968, Tom Gossett set out with his dad, two brothers, and a ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 9:40pm PST

The Tree of Joshua : On my way home from a snowy Memorial Day weekend in western Nevada, I took a small detour in search of the U2 Joshua Tree. I had kindly been given information on its general location, but I did have to do a bit of searching. After about an hour or so, I "found what I was looking for". Although Im not a fan of U2, I do appreciate their influence on global music, and it was so cool to find this memorialized place in the desert.

The Tree of Joshua

On my way home from a snowy Memorial Day weekend in western Nevada, I ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2008 8:49pm PST

Red Mountain (8,957) May 23, 2008 : I met Sooz, Chip, and Joe at Red Mountain Pass Thursday night. I enjoyed the drive thru the old mining town of Silver Peak, and the dirt road to Red Mountain Pass was excellent. We awoke to clouds on Friday. It started snowing within 30 minutes of our start time. By the time we summitted (2.5 hr) the snow was blowing sideways and there was 3" on the ground. We used our GPSrs to get back to camp. Fun time in the summertime!

Red Mountain (8,957) May 23, 2008

I met Sooz, Chip, and Joe at Red Mountain Pass Thursday night. I enjo ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2008 2:32pm PST

Blue Dick Peak (9,286) - May 25, 2008 : Day 3 of the Memorial Day Weekend extravaganza in the Silver Peak Range of western Nevada... and day 3 of snow. Cori rolled into camp in the morning and after we all warmed up and waited for a break in the clouds we drove to the saddle between Blue Dick Peak and Palmetto Peak. The hike started off a bit cloudy, became blizzardy and cold on the summit, and then cleared up as we finished. Nice ridge walk.

Blue Dick Peak (9,286) - May 25, 2008

Day 3 of the Memorial Day Weekend extravaganza in the Silver Peak Rang ...

Updated: Jun 06, 2008 7:32pm PST

Rhyolite Ridge (8,550) May 24, 2008 : TomG rolled into camp at 0300. We drove from Red Mountain Pass to North Spring where we started our hike to Rhyollite Ridge. A storm front hit us as we ascended the face of the ridge, and brought wind and a few snow flurries. It blew out as fast as it blew in. Great views all around.

Rhyolite Ridge (8,550) May 24, 2008

TomG rolled into camp at 0300. We drove from Red Mountain Pass to Nor ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2008 8:30pm PST

Porter (9,101) / Mormon (8,270) Peaks - Apr 12, 2008 : Porter Peak has amazing 360 degree views. Hiked with Sooz and Chip from the Porter Mine Rd saddle. The route to Porter is mostly straight forward, although we should have stayed in the large bowl instead of the rocky ridge to get to the first saddle. The route from Porter to Mormon was tedious, requiring a maze of weaving in, around, and on pinyons and rocks. Trip stats: ~5.5 mi; 1,965 ft ascent.

Porter (9,101) / Mormon (8,270) Peaks - Apr 12, 2008

Porter Peak has amazing 360 degree views. Hiked with Sooz and Chip fr ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 5:37pm PST

Darwin - April 6, 2008 :

Darwin - April 6, 2008

Updated: Apr 11, 2008 1:25pm PST

Goler Wash / Mengel Pass - April 4, 2008 :

Goler Wash / Mengel Pass - April 4, 2008

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 10:06pm PST

Pleasant Canyon / South Park Loop - April 7, 2008 : I rode shotgun with Ben to scout out Chicken Rock. Pleasant Canyon had been recently trimmed, minimizing the PC pinstriping. Views of Butte Valley and Middle/South Park from the Ridge are fabulous.

Pleasant Canyon / South Park Loop - April 7, 2008

I rode shotgun with Ben to scout out Chicken Rock. Pleasant Canyon ha ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 1:11pm PST

Rhyolite : I took the long way home from Las Vegas; heading north to Beatty and Rhyolite, and then thru Titus Canyon (separate album). It was a most gorgeous day.

Rhyolite

I took the long way home from Las Vegas; heading north to Beatty and R ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2008 12:39pm PST

Manly Pass / Panamint Valley - March 15, 2008 : Alan, Tom and I drove from Trona to Panamint Valley via Manly Pass and Fish Canyon. We started from the Trona Wildrose Rd and headed east to the low point in the Slate Range. Upon descending Fish Canyon and the alluvial fan, we turned north on the dirt road on the west side of PV Lake, instead of crossing the dry lake bed to Wingate Rd. It was a most enjoyable day and the road was comfortable for me. There's a few steep sections, and about a mile long rocky section on the alluvial fan of the east side, which is more annoying than technical. Mileage: Trona Wildrose Rd - jeep track on west side of PV Lake: 10.48 mi It took us 2 hours 15 minutes; we stopped frequently for photos. It's another 13.63 mi to Ballarat.

Manly Pass / Panamint Valley - March 15, 2008

Alan, Tom and I drove from Trona to Panamint Valley via Manly Pass and ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2008 8:22am PST

Smith Mtn (5,913 ft) / Gold Valley - March 22, 2008 : I joined some friends to celebrate Tom G's birthday. I met everyone at the Gold Valley/Furnace Creek Rd junction, where we camped Friday night. We drove into the lovely Gold Valley on Saturday, stopping at the site of a mid-1940s crash of a FG-1. Wildflowers were in bloom and the valley had a magical feel to it. We spent Saturday night at Willow Springs. Smith Mountain / Smith Mountain Azimuth Marker stats: 6.86 mi; 3,223 total ascent; 5:50.

Smith Mtn (5,913 ft) / Gold Valley - March 22, 2008

I joined some friends to celebrate Tom G's birthday. I met everyone a ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2008 10:59am PST

Ashford Peak (3,547 ft) - March 23, 2008 : We got a late start (10:54) which provided a very warm walk in the wash. The drivable road ends 2.5 mi from pavement, making the summit hike about 2 mi longer than most published routes. We took a challenging (ie, steep, loose) route up the north face, and followed the traditional route down, along the east ridge to the Desert Hound - Ashford saddle. Good views of the Confidence Hills. Took a side trip to the Ashford mining camp on the way back. Trip stats: 3,067 ft total ascent; 6:40.

Ashford Peak (3,547 ft) - March 23, 2008

We got a late start (10:54) which provided a very warm walk in the was ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2008 9:14am PST

Titus Canyon - March 9, 2008 : Titus Canyon Rd is a 27 mile one way road that winds its way through land mired with fascinating geological formations. The road today was in tip top shape, most likely having been recently graded. There was a Rav4 and other baby-SUVs on the road. The colors and formations were specatacular. I used Bryan and Tucker-Bryan's "The Explorer's Guide to Death Valley National Park" to tour me. The mileage listed in the captions in parenthesis refer to mileages as stated in the book and sights thereabout. Trip time: 2 hours 50 minutes.

Titus Canyon - March 9, 2008

Titus Canyon Rd is a 27 mile one way road that winds its way through l ...

Updated: Mar 10, 2008 9:52pm PST

Dale Mining District March 1, 2008 : I joined some fellow geocachers for a fun day in the Dale Mining District, followed by lessons, laughs, and fun with the Wheeler Dealers. It was a warm morning, but an afternoon breeze and high clouds brought a more comfortable climate. It was great to see the desert in bloom. Cache count for the day: 64.

Dale Mining District March 1, 2008

I joined some fellow geocachers for a fun day in the Dale Mining Distr ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2008 10:03pm PST

The Dunes at Stovepipe - Feb 2-3, 2008 : Lewis and I camped at Stovepipe Wells and grabbed some photos at sunset and then sunrise. After leaving the dunes, I went up the nice 2.3 mile dirt road from hwy 190 to Mosaic Canyon and hiked up the canyon a short distance.

The Dunes at Stovepipe - Feb 2-3, 2008

Lewis and I camped at Stovepipe Wells and grabbed some photos at sunse ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 6:32pm PST

Panamint Valley - Jan 25, 2008 :

Panamint Valley - Jan 25, 2008

Updated: Jan 26, 2008 3:47pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part III - Plane Wrecks : During my week in DV, I visited the site of 3 plane wrecks. #1 - An F9F-6D drone which crashed in the Panamint Valley. I don't know much about this crash. I have an undocumented account that the plane went amuck and was blown up. #2 - A Cessna 150 that crashed near Towne's Pass. #3 - On 8/1/44 two B-24s crashed in mid-air near Furnace Creek. The 2 bombers were among 6 planes flying in two 3-ship elements in V formation. The number-one engine and propeller of the B-24J (plane I visited) collided with a B-24D fuselage from underneath near the waist windows severing the tail of the B-24D and sending it plummeting to earth where it exploded into flames upon impact. Although remnants of the B-24J and B-24D are near each other, I had time to visit only the larger site, the B-24J.

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part III - Plane Wrecks

During my week in DV, I visited the site of 3 plane wrecks. #1 - An F9 ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 6:27pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part II - Dante's View, Coffin and Ryan Peaks : After exploring the Greenwater petroglyphs on Sunday 12/30, Lewis, Joe, Sooz and I drove up to Dante's view and hiked up to Dante's View Peak (

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part II - Dante's View, Coffin and Ryan Peaks

After exploring the Greenwater petroglyphs on Sunday 12/30, Lewis, Joe ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 6:25pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part I - General Exploration : I spent the last 6 days of 2007 with Lewis, Tom G, Sooz and Joe in and around Death Valley. This album depicts some of the general exploration we did. Highlights are mining camps, artifacts from the 1800s, petroglyphs, and an inscription from a Jayhawker.

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part I - General Exploration

I spent the last 6 days of 2007 with Lewis, Tom G, Sooz and Joe in and ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 2:10pm PST

Stone Sentinel - Dec 2, 2007 : In the middle of La Quinta cove stands an unnamed, unmarked rocky monolith. Known by some as Stone Sentinel, this easily accessible desert blemish would seem hardly worth the 2 hour drive. Ah, but it's final 100 feet give this peaklet the honor of being the Bad Boy of the Cove. It's steep, crumbly desert rock, and scary airy. I made a previous attempt about 2 years ago, only to turn around less than 80 feet from the top. Thanx to a good man, my friend Kevin, who gave me company and courage I finally tamed this Bad Boy.

Stone Sentinel - Dec 2, 2007

In the middle of La Quinta cove stands an unnamed, unmarked rocky mono ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2007 5:47pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 3) Desert Hiking - Nov 24, 2007 : Eight of us wandered some canyons along the southeast border of Death Valley in search of 300 year old pictographs. After 3 1/2 hours, we found them!

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 3) Desert Hiking - Nov 24, 2007

Eight of us wandered some canyons along the southeast border of Death ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2007 10:03pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 2) Funeral Peak (6,384) - Nov 23, 2007 : Tom B, Tom G, Lewis, Sooz, Rebecca, Dave, Gary and I did a hike to Funeral Peak. We started to the peak's east, on the Greenwater Rd. By happpenstance we found a nice set of petroglyphs not mentioned in any DV publication. It was cold, windy and clear skies.

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 2) Funeral Peak (6,384) - Nov 23, 2007

Tom B, Tom G, Lewis, Sooz, Rebecca, Dave, Gary and I did a hike to Fun ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 9:41pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 1) - Nov 22, 2007 : Day 1 of a Thanksgiving holiday in Death Valley. Joe, Sooz and I coincidentally arrived at the Trailer Park simulataneously. After a quick meet n greet we set off for Artists Palette 2nd Dip Canyon and then Golden Canyon. Colors in the late afternoon were nice.

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 1) - Nov 22, 2007

Day 1 of a Thanksgiving holiday in Death Valley. Joe, Sooz and I coin ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 6:58pm PST