Cleghorn Lakes Arches

I posted last week about a recent hike into the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area, but I ran out of time and didn't get a chance to share photos I took of the arches and rock formations (which, in my opinion, are the best part!).

This was my second visit to the area. My first visit was over two years ago, when my wife took this shot of me trying to get up close to an arch. Not an easy angle, and the whole time I felt like I was going to slide off the rocks at any moment!

Fast forward to a couple months ago (thanks for the photo, Mitch!). I'm still trying to find a way to get closer to that same arch. With a fair amount of effort and a few nicks and scratches to my person and my camera, I'm able to climb all the way up to the arch.

The hard work climbing up to the arch payed off, as it allowed me to get shots from multiple angles in relative comfort. I even managed a couple shot underneath the arch. 

Not far from this arch are more "arches".

Arches in quotes because I'm not sure this qualifies as an arch. More like an opening or window in the rocks. Either way, it's a beautiful formation and you can see my hiking partner Mitch taking a photo.

There are actually two arches or openings. In the photo above, we are looking through the first opening into the second opening. I would bet that this area was likely full of Native American rock art. Unfortunately, it's been used a lot in more recent times by campers and hikes. Whatever rock art was here appears to be gone forever. Notice the large fire ring up against the rocks in the lower right portion of the photo above.

It's an amazingly photogenic area.

One of my favorite shots of the day: The "double-arch". You need a wide angle lens (16mm for this shot), sit on your butt, push your body back as far as it will go against the rock wall, and "click"... a double arch! I've never seen a photo with this same perspective before.

Shortly after taking this photo I heard my friend Mitch calling me. Let's go check out what he's found...

Wow, what a find! In the wash just west of the arches, Mitch has found a small section of flowing water. Something I have rarely seen in the desert. I think the area received rain about a week ago, and perhaps the water table bubbles up to the surface at this spot.

Imagine what this area must have looked like hundreds of years ago when rainfall was more plentiful. Perhaps a beautiful little stream that flowed for most of the year, and used by Native Americans as a seasonal location for food and shelter.

We were losing daylight quickly, but I couldn't resist climbing up into this alcove for the last shot of the day. What a beautiful view north into the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness area!

We covered 4.4 miles, so not a super-long hike, but open desert/no trail over very challenging terrain. Add to that the hot temperatures and an ascent of 733' and descent of 789', and you have a challenging workout! And perhaps more importantly, a total and complete escape from the craziness going on in the world around us.

Linking with Skywatch Friday.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Stay safe. Stay healthy.