11/15 Red Rock Canyon Nevada

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

They only had availability for camping one night, that turned out to be ok, but the area is kind of interesting- there is one hyper popular loop, that requires a timed reservation to drive into the loop, and one way, when you're done, you're done. No go backs. The landscape is an interesting one with Yucca plants, desert tortoises, and lots of rock climbers. The sandstone formations are super inviting for climbers from all over- that and the sunshine is really nice, even if it's cold.

Some of the conversations I heard between the climber and belay made me want to keep moving, so I wouln’t see the crash.

There are other roads/ areas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area that are less restricted, but that takes a bit of sleuthing.

It was a little frustrating to be within 10 miles of Las Vegas, but have no cell service. We’ve been largely without effective cell coverage for quite a while, but in far more remote places. expectations- adjusted!

Red Rock Canyon Nevada

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Ginger exploring the boulders of Red Rock Canyon

Susan exploring the Calico Tanks trail, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada- Las Vegas in the background.

Yucca plants, Red Rock Canyon

Death Valley 11/13

Move camp to Mesquite Springs,

Water top off,

Hiked Titus Canyon,

There used to be a road here- that's tight! It was washed out, but is still technically a road, so Ginger can hike here too :). She seemed to like that. No pictures, it was beautiful, but not picturesque.

It's warm and sunny- that feels great.

Ubehube Crater hike at sunset. Interesting crater- felt a lot like we were on Mt. St. Helens.

Ubehebe crater, Death Valley N.P.

Death Valley from Ubehebe Crater

Closing out our chapter on Death Valley- it's a bit superlative, but the pictures just don't do it justice.

Maybe that's why I didn't take photos of Titus canyon?

Geology on a grand scale-uplift of mountains past 11,000 feet next to valleys that are -282 feet. Cosmic erosion patterns and colors, salt crystals that form hexagons on the desert floor. I enjoyed the sand dunes, and the clues that they revealed of the hidden life that comes out when we can't see it, in the form of footsteps and tracks in the sand.