Echo T Hike

 This is another of my summer hikes where I'm looking to hike at higher (and cooler) elevations, relatively short and flat (3-4 miles or less), and something fun to see. Parking at the Echo T lot in Joshua Tree National Park checked all the boxes. A friend of mine had told me about some historic trash in the area that I had never seen (barbed wire, old bed frame, etc), so I wanted to check that out as well as some pictograph sites (one site that would be new to me, if I could find it). So let's go take a look!

 

First stop: The "Brunette Lady" pictograph site. I've seen her before, but it's been a while, so wanted to stop by and say "hi". I find her to be very mysterious!
 

Near the Brunette Lady is another picto called "The Twins". Almost impossible to see with the naked eye due to years of weathering. I had looked before and couldn't find this picto, so it was fun to see it today (and use dStretch on the photo to really see it)!
 

Joshua Tree seed pods.

This area of the Park is full of Joshua Trees and beautiful rock formations. I'm on my way to find some historical "trash". Shouldn't be too much further.
 

I'm always intrigued by Manzanita bark!

 

Ah, here we go. Right where my friend said it would be! Lots of old rusty barbed wire in the area. This spot must have been used for cattle ranching.
 

LOTS of historic trash in this area. It's really fascinating. Look closely at the photo above and you can see old soot marks on the large rock (upper left). These rocks were likely part of someones fireplace.

 

Another common site: Lots of nails but no wood. Wood was a very valuable commodity in old time Joshua Tree, and had to be shipped significant distances and at considerable cost. Old miner and rancher cabins and outhouses that were abandoned would be taken apart board by board and later repurposed. Much of the wood that was here probably ended up at Bill Keys' ranch!

 

A nice mix of old and "new", including a newer piece of pottery and a Native American pottery sherd. I should mention that ALL items found during this hike were placed back exactly as I found them (no exceptions). 
 

Joshua tree arch

 

I came across this really interesting opening in the top of this boulder formation. Reminds my of a horizontal arch, and the nickname "sunroof arch" comes to mind. It's pretty good size, as you can tell in the photo above where my legs are dangling through.
 

To reach my next destination (a small picto site I've not seen before) requires some bushwhacking. Turns out that's not such a bad thing on a hot summer day in the desert, as it provides some much needed shade!

 

A view rarely seen in the desert!

 

Near where I think the picto might be, I notice this small object on the ground. It doesn't look like it was made by nature, and my guess is a Native American bead. I've never seen anything like it, and I'm torn between taking it so I can share it with someone from the Park Service vs. leaving it. I opt to leave it where I found it, although it's unlikely I can relocate it. 
 

I finally locate the picto I've been searching for. It's an interesting one, and reminds me of a human figure, with two arms and two legs (but no head). I've seen this style before on other pictos in this area, where it looks like there are too many fingers and toes. Makes me wonder if the same person is responsible for all the pictos done in this style.

 

The sun dropping low on the horizon reminds me it's time to start the hike back to my car. It's been a great summer hike, and I've not seen another person all afternoon. I guess there are not too many people crazy enough to hike in the desert in the summer.

 

A final photo of the Joshua Tree seed pods. 

 

Until next time...

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.