White Tank Campground and Peak 4097

 It's a Saturday in Joshua Tree National Park. It's peak season, and White Tank Campground is a popular destination. All good reasons why I would normally avoid this place. But I have a plan. There's an unnamed peak behind White Tank (peak 4097) that, if I'm physically able to make the climb, will definitely get me away from the crowds and should also provide impressive views. I've researched it on Google Earth and planned a route for what looks like the "easiest" way to the top of the peak. Let's get started and see if my plan works!

Going up!

 

As usual, the higher I climb, the better the views!

 

Near the top of the peak, you get to enjoy this impressive view of the campground below that not many have seen. You can tell it's a crowded day by all the cars along Pinto Basin Road. The Park Services discourage parking along the road (it can be dangerous and people run over plants) but it's hard to control, and there's not nearly enough parking for all the tourists who visit the park. Quite a dilemma.
 

The road coming in from the upper right of the photo leads into the campground from the main road. Camping among the huge boulders is something everyone wants to experience, and the campground is usually full.

 

View north towards 29 Palms

 

Peak 4097, cell phone pano.

I take a different route down peak 4097, and come across this rock formation that reminds me of Skull Rock!

 

 

 

Cracked rock. I wonder how many years/centuries/millennia before it all comes crashing down?

 

One of the most scenic locations in White Tank. I'll spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening here.
 

 

Turns out I wasn't the only photographer!

 

I need to sign off now, but come back next week for sunset photos taken from this location. The sky really put on a show!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.