Majestic and Shadow Arches

 When my friend Mitch invited me to join him on a hike to Majestic Arch, I was all in! It had been a while since I had visited, and it's always a challenging hike/climb to get up to the arch. Another big plus: Mitch's friend Kevin would be joining us. I had never met Kevin, but he is a local legend in Joshua Tree, and is one of the most accomplished hikers/climbers/photographers in the area. He's also authored one of the best hiking guidebooks out there (40 Classic Day Hikes of Joshua Tree National Park). 

I didn't take a single photo until after making the climb up to Majestic Arch. This is looking back at the route we had taken. It gives you a good feel for the ruggedness of the terrain. 

Majestic Arch, in all her glory!

 

You can crawl under the arch, and there's a shallow cave that goes back into the rocks. From here, the two openings under the arch remind me of eyes... as if I'm looking out through some prehistoric skull!

The views from Majestic Arch are excellent. About the only plant life up here are these little stunted green plants, barely clinging to life. Juniper, or Pinion Pine perhaps? They remind me of little Bonsai trees!

Kevin (on right) and I discussing matters of great importance!

Kevin & Mitch

 

We reluctantly decide it's time to leave Majestic Arch and agree to try climbing down the west facing rocks (we had come up on the east side). No photos here either. I personally was just focusing on getting down without killing myself! The west side is steeper but shorter. After a successful descent, we pass "Alien Arch" (below).

 

Mitch discovers this weird ground-level arch. From this angle, you can't even tell it's an arch. Note Mitch under the arch taking pictures (he blends in). 

 

From underneath, this arch has a very alien feel to it!

 

Rather than head straight back to the cars, we decide to take a small detour to visit Shadow Arch. On the way there, we come across this interesting arch (or double-arch).

  

We also happen upon this shell from a desert tortoise. Unfortunately, these are fairly common to find, but actual living tortoises are very rare. I can only surmise that their populations are on the decline.

 

After a bit more looking, we find Shadow Arch. This is the view of the arch looking south. I ask Kevin and Mitch if it might be possible for them to climb up there so I can take their picture. It was meant as a joke.
 

Kevin make the climb up with ease. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given his extensive background in rock climbing.

 

Mitch gets an "A" for effort, but quickly determines the risk outweighs the rewards. I can tell just by looking at it, it's beyond my abilities!

 

 

Late afternoon golden light on Shadow Arch, looking north.

 

Smoke Tree

 

Linking with Skywatch Friday.

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