Caves & Alcoves

Today we're heading east on Highway 62 to check out some of the weird rock formations in the NE section of Joshua Tree National Park. I should qualify my statement... one little tiny speck of this section of the Park. It's huge, and we're just seeing a little tiny piece. A rice grain. I've posted in the past about this area here and here.

We will zip past the "Next Service" sign (yes, the tank is full!) and head east through mostly open, uninhabited desert for just under 40 miles. It's a beautiful drive if you like desert scenery!

Here's our destination: Remote, rugged, beautiful... it's a jumble of rocks and boulders of every size and shape imaginable.

I love the way the boulder formations have weathered over geologic time. It's not unusual to find alcoves and small caves in rocky areas of JTNP, but in this area they seem to be even more abundant.

Many of these alcoves and caves are high up in the rocks and difficult or impossible to get to. Especially true since I am hiking alone today and it could be weeks or months before anyone finds my dessicated body! (not true, since my wife knows exactly where I'm hiking ☺).

 Multiple alcoves at the base of this rock formation.

Sharp-tooth rock? I wasn't able to climb up to this alcove.

Can you spot the alcove? This one looks like I might be able to climb up and take a closer look.

Definitely a good-sized alcove.

Here's the view from inside, looking out. Nice!!!

 Interesting rock formation, with a sharp-looking "beak rock" on the left and an alcove on the right.

 Close up of "bird's beak rock".

Close up of the rocky alcove. Another one that was too high to explore, but I lugged this dang telephoto lens with me on my hike today so I might as well use it!!

View looking out from a small cave.

Weird pointy rocks.

These rocks all seem to be wearing necklaces!!

  

Arrowhead-shaped opening.

  

Talk about weird? Hood-shaped rock sticking out of the ground. Can't even imagine how this was formed. Do the gremlins come out at night and play stick ball here??

I'll leave you with one final shot from inside yet another rocky alcove in the area.

No, wait, scratch that. Passed this arrow-straight dirt road on my drive home on Highway 62. Couldn't resist turning the Jeep around to take this photo. Sheep Hole Mountains in the background. Yet another mysterious desert road leading to who knows where?!!

Super-thankful to be able to explore and photograph these remote, interesting locations!

Linking with Thankful Thursday and Skywatch Friday.

Thanks for stopping by!!