JTNP

I visit Joshua Tree National Park once or twice every year on my way to and from Arizona.  It's one of my favorite spots...has been since my first visit in 1973 when it was still a National Monument.  In late fall and winter the low sun brings the rockpiles to life...the soft light and long shadows are fine.

A staghorn cholla blazes.

Massive rockpiles.

Boulders and pinyon pines.

Classic JTNP.

The park was fairly well settled until the mid 20th century.  This is the remnant of an old well.

The Wall Street Stamp Mill, an old gold mine that was worked off and on til the mid 1960s.

This vehicle has been parked a looong time.  For some reason it was abandoned at the mine.

The moon rises over the rocks.

Going into the Golden Hour...the last hour of light before sunset in this case.  It can also be the first hour after sunrise.

A massive, hearty Joshua tree.

Rocks in the Golden Hour.  And when you get out into the desert, at times there is...absolute silence.  JTNP is a peaceful place.