Desert Southwest Part Five
- balzaccom
- Apr 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Day Nine
Today dawned clear and gently breezy, and the sunrise was spectacular.
We were going to start for home today, but first we wanted to revisit Corkscrew Canyon--where we had hiked back in January and seen amazingly diverse rocks on the ground.And there was supposed to be a mine up there somewhere. By 8:30 we were hiking up the canyon, with stunning views of the Desert Gold flowers blooming across the valley floor.
And then, just when we thought we were going to be unsuccessful at finding the mine, we noted some ancient timbers that had come down the canyon. From where? Our guess was the old mine, and we were right. Within a few minutes we found more, and soon found the mine itself. And we are alway amazed as the rocks up here--wild colors, small sheets of mica, flagstones better than any you can buy, and other weird things as well.
We got back to Texas Springs in time to eat lunch there, and then started the long drive home. The Panamint Valley was wall to wall with the Desert Gold flowers, and cars were pulling over right and left just to take in the view.
That night we camped at Red Rock State Park, which was cold, but gave us a beautiful sunset and sunrise, after rain showers in the night.
Day Ten
We were up early, in time to enjoy the fabulous sunrise, and the on the road well before 8. We drove straight through, only stopping to change drivers and eat a good Mexican lunch in Newman at Tacos El Naranjo.
Back home in Napa, we cleaned up, washed clothes, and recovered from another memorable trip.
For the full photo log of the trip, go here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZPSUFGfZwiDndDhJ7
What an amazing journey! I love how you captured the subtle beauty of the desert especially the Desert Gold flowers carpeting the Panamint Valley. It’s incredible how even a familiar place like Corkscrew Canyon can reveal hidden treasures, like that old mine and the scattered timbers.
I really appreciate how you highlight the details that make the desert feel alive: the wild colors of the rocks, the mica sheets, and even the small surprises along the trail.
Reading this made me think about experiences like those offered by Desert Sahara Life Agency back in Morocco. Just like your exploration of the Southwest, they create trips that combine breathtaking landscapes, local history, and authentic adventure. Having knowledgeable guides and well-planned stops makes…