I’m a huge fan of the desert. The other-worldly formations of sand and rock. The earthy hues. The struggle for the living to survive in the harsh environment. The archaeological remnants of those who settled in the area or just simply traveled through. The solitude that is so easily found. I love it all. So much so, that I made it a resolution to visit it every weekend in April (I ended up going three of the four weekends). All in all I visited the Mojave Desert seven times before it got too hot (and before I started this 100 hikes resolution). My favorite spots are Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.
Lava tubes found in the Mojave Desert
I’ve been chomping on the bit to get back out there and explore new areas. I’m already planning a few trips into the desert, but I’m waiting for the temperatures to drop below those found on the surface of the sun.
I was introduced to the Mojave Desert in 2000, when a few friends and I headed out to Death Valley National Park in May. Despite our ignorance of the incredible heat during that time of year, I was hooked on the desert environment. I’ve since been back to Death Valley nine times, each time I find something new and completely unique to the desert.
So what is there to see other than a lot of dust and sand you ask? Well the fine people of the Death Valley Natural History Association have commissioned a video to show you. The non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational, interpretive, and scientific activities of Death Valley National Park hired two extraordinary documentarians to capture the essence of the park in all seasons. If Living Death Valley is anything like its trailer, I’m most likely going to gain weight on all the eye candy.
The DVD costs $19.95 plus shipping & handling. All sales of the DVD benefit the Park. It can be ordered from bristleconemedia.com.
#1 by Ingunn on September 30, 2009 - 9:43 pm
That photo of you in the lava tube is amazing!
I've fallen in love with the red rock desert of Utah and Arizona, but haven't had a chance to explore the Mojave yet – another thing to add to my life list. LDefinitely looking forward to seeing more photos.
#2 by Dadz on October 1, 2009 - 2:14 pm
What a great photo of you in the lave tube. I've never had the chance to visit that part of the country. Wyoming and Eastern Montana are sparse, but nothing like Mohave and Death Valley. Thanks for sharing.
#3 by jimstek on October 2, 2009 - 10:01 pm
Go for New Zealand! Airfare is $900, but you aren't going anywhere good on $500. Put the extra $400 on the Visa and pay it when you get home!
Runner up: check the weather for Peru that time of year – should be a cheapish flight from LAX.
#4 by Kolby on October 2, 2009 - 11:37 pm
Thanks for the ideas, Jim. Funny enough, Peru & Bolivia are top on my list right now. I was there in 2004 and I think it's time for a trip back!
#5 by Daria on October 4, 2009 - 10:57 am
I love it out there, too. So unique and special. If you are looking for a hike around LA, I just went to O'Melveny in Granada Hills http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=78 and the trails are newly cleared and looking really good, even though the area suffered from a bad fire last fall. It's a great local spot.
#6 by rgrandall on October 12, 2009 - 6:50 pm
Love the lava tube shot — it's like 'Beam my up, scotty…' and the heroic pose is just right too.
BTW, was the dust in the air like that or did you 'supplement' it?
#7 by Kolby on October 12, 2009 - 7:06 pm
Thanks, Bob!
Fine particles of sand – as fine as baking powder – has gathered in the tube. Walking through it easily kicks up the sand into the air, especially to get into place for a timed self portrait.
#8 by distancer500 on October 28, 2009 - 12:59 pm
I used to live in the area and these are my favorite places as well. There are many many great weekend naturalist courses offered through the Desert Institute with the Joshua Tree National Park Association (http://www.joshuatree.org)
#9 by distancer500 on October 28, 2009 - 7:59 pm
I used to live in the area and these are my favorite places as well. There are many many great weekend naturalist courses offered through the Desert Institute with the Joshua Tree National Park Association (http://www.joshuatree.org)