Desert Trip to the Pinnacles

[rufrdr]

The Pinnacles are a very courious geological formation located near Trona CA on BLM land. Because of the unique and weird rock formations the area has been the location of many science fiction movies and TV shows including the 2001 Planet of the Apes. A couple and I took a drive out there today. The weather was sunny in the high 80s and perfectly calm. The silence was stunning. Not a sound but us to be heard. Visitors can walk and drive throughout the area although the typical passenger sedan will be able to get to the main area and park only. Any other driving around will have to be done in a high clearance vehicle. The area is best visited between October and May, the summer can be pretty darn hot in this part of the world!

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest/trona.html






To give a scale to this picture, those are two people in the foreground near the pit toilet building.














Rufrdr himself






We thought this one looked like an eagle


Rufrdr's ride (the Jeep of course)

[20series]

now that is some awsome scenery :goodjob: :cheers:

Alan

[johngarnett]

You've done it again - stunning! :goodjob:

Keep them coming please.

JohnG :cornwall:

[meles meles]

*Grabs map, compass and Land Rover keys*

[Watcher]

Rufdr,

That looks like the sort of place that would have become a sacred place for the native Americans? Is that the case? Almost looks like Stonehenge.

What's 'BLM land'?

W

[rufrdr]

Native Americans apparently frequented the area because there is a sign cautioning against disturbing any relics found. BLM land is federal land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management which manages all federal land not controlled by another agency. Most of the land in the west is owned by the government and much of if is BLM. BLM is good because they have a pretty open attitude to the land and permit off roading, exploring, shooting, hunting, camping, grazing, mining, etc. They are under a lot of pressure from the environmental groups to pretty much lock everyone but the greenies out but so far have done a good job resisting them. It has to be a thankless job.

Rufdr,

That looks like the sort of place that would have become a sacred place for the native Americans? Is that the case? Almost looks like Stonehenge.

What's 'BLM land'?

W

[Chuck]

Awesome photos and scenery for sure....how hot was it?
Chuck

[Burner]

Great Photos!.
I was out there when I was very young on a family trip. I want to return one day.

[ovenpaa]

You've done it again - stunning! :goodjob:

Keep them coming please.

Just what I was thinking. If it was me 20 years ago I would have been up every single pinnacle in sight.

[rufrdr]

Awesome photos and scenery for sure....how hot was it?
Chuck

Chuck,

It was a fantastic day for the desrt: no wind, sunny, high 80s. it couldn't have been better!