Thursday, June 4, 2026

Camp Coxcomb (Part 2)

 This was a very memorable day for me! A fun day exploring an area that is rarely visited, with lots of photo opportunities, fascinating history, and a pretty and constantly changing sky. I even discovered what I think was an old underground food storage shelter. Oh, and I accomplished my main objective, which was to see if Camp Coxcomb really does have an altar (it does!). If you want to see part one of this post, click here.
 
 
I wondered if the Camp Coxcomb alter was still around. Perhaps time and erosion had destroyed it? When researching it on the internet, there wasn't much information and few photos. But it still exists, and my photos are proof! It's a little hard to find and to get to (4WD recommended). It's beautifully framed by two large Ocotillo trees. The altar at Camp Iron Mountain (here) is larger and better known, but something about the solitude of the Camp Coxcomb altar appeals to me more. 
A small flag blows in the wind at the Camp Coxcomb altar.
 
Ocotillo under swooping clouds!
 
What a beautiful evening to be out in the desert! The sky really started going off, which was nice because it kept me busy taking pictures as I waited for the stars to come out.

 
 
The altar with with my LED lights and tripod set up.
Blue hour.
Camp Coxcomb altar under the stars!
 
Thanks for stopping by!!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.

43 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos - The desert skies are intriguing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovely place. Beautiful photos. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow Peter ~ Wonderful photos of the Camp Coxcomb ~ especially at night with the creative altar and sky shots are delightful ~ such wonderful colors ~
    Thanks ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  4. I guess this was your altar ego speaking. lol

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a mystical scene you captured here. Somehow this place has an open spiritual feel you sometimes don't find within the walls of ornate churches.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You got everything on this and your last post. History, beautiful countryside, wonderful skies and a dramatic shot of the altar. And you didn't get rattlesnake bit.
    I bet that altar meant a lot to a lot of the soldiers who were out there in the middle of nowhere training to go off to war.
    I had an uncle who was in the army in north Africa and later in Italy and up into Germany as the war progressed. He was a pharmacist so I doubt he trained very much.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful photos of this place that played a unique part of history! The fading orange blades of the sunset and the star sparkling sky over the remains of the altar give it an other-worldly appearance.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cool sunset and great star photos!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ...I see that we are enjoying the summer landscape now! You are a much hardier soul than I am!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wonder if the trees had been there all along, or if they just sprung up after the camp was disbanded. They seem too well placed to be an accident.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your determination to venture off the beaten path truly paid off with these stunning photographs of the hidden Camp Coxcomb altar framed by the desert Ocotillos. Capturing everything from the colorful, swooping clouds of the evening sky to the solitude of the altar under the stars makes for an unforgettable visual journey.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Loved the last one. Stellar photography. Literally.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing pictures. You always manage to capture. the best.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's the 4th from last that really got me. The desert preserves the past. Things may eventually dissolve, blow away, or get carried off by pickers, but surprises are always there.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Remarkable sky colors, and those starry night shots were well worth the wait. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great photos. Oh my goodness those skies :-D

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stunning views, skies looks amazing. Last night pics awesome.
    Enjoying your post.

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a great bunch of photo's again. Those skies unbelievable. As always top.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice to see your set up for the starry shot with the Altar!
    I love sunsets and sunrises...doesn't everyone? Your desert views are to cherish.
    You must have dark skies in that area. Wonderful.
    I'm looking forward to some night excursions as well!

    ReplyDelete
  20. These photos are spectacular, the last two in particular, but also the sunset streaked sky with the mountains in the distance. I am always astounded at your photography skills and the places you show us.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Worth the wait to see the photos of the altar, I see what you mean about the larger one. The sunset was stunning

    ReplyDelete
  22. OMG some amazing sky photos
    Thanks for dropping by my blog

    Much love

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful sky shots and I really like the night scenes.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your sunset sky is just perfect. Another great set of photos. I also like the isolation of that altar. It's like it was just dropped there.

    ReplyDelete
  25. The desert has such a way of holding secrets.
    Your photos of the altar under the glowing sunset and starry sky feel almost sacred, like stepping into another realm.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Marvelous captures of the sky in its various avatàrs!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I can well imagine that this was a fantastic day for you. Finding the altar is one thing; doing it in those conditions with such a beautiful sky is another. It has resulted in another beautiful series of photos.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The evenings there in the desert are special... the sky shows fantastisc colours.
    Greetings by Heidrun

    ReplyDelete
  29. You and nature are in sync.
    Fabulous shots. As usual... : )

    ReplyDelete
  30. I like your night shot the best, you could really get lost in a place like this, it seems to go on, have a nice weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the altar's stone work and it look marvelous under the skies. Just a big "wow" under the stars.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lovely sky.. the colors are so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a finale to an excellent day! The clouds danced for you perfectly. The Milky Way and altar shots fill me with awe!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Schöne Bilder vom Himmel und vom Altar in der Nacht.
    Gruß
    Noke

    ReplyDelete
  35. So much beauty, both man-made and in nature.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow, those pics of the desert and the sky are very impressive. Thanks for your kind visit to my blog.
    All the best
    Violetta

    ReplyDelete
  37. Interesting, beautiful altar and skies!!! Thank you again for sharing all the desert-beauty. Like a dessert ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  38. What glorious skies! You are very lucky to have the opportunity to explore all these distant sites, and also you are very brave heading out on your own. I would only go out there if I was with someone who knew what they were doing.... like you! I think it's time we saw a photo of your trusty old Jeep.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The Desert Baby !!! Amazing Shots As Always There Brother Parts - And Love That Last Capture

    Well Done ,
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  40. A wonderful find. Picturesque, specially with the two trees. You also got gorgeous skies for your photos. Can't ask for more in the desert.

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  41. Fantastic photos! The skies are breathtaking.

    ReplyDelete
  42. These photos are beautiful. Finding that hidden altar still standing after all these years out in the elements is such an incredible achievement, especially when internet info is so scarce.

    ReplyDelete