Red Rock Canyon State Park, California

After being away from the desert for several months I almost couldn't bear it anymore. I planned a trip to Mojave but the idiots in Washington DC were threatening another government shutdown which would essentially shut down the Mojave Preserve.  

After kvetching about this online my friend and Desert Expert Extraordinaire, Lori Carey said, "just get up to Red Rock Canyon".  So, I did.  The above photo shows the spot that I was able to secure for several days of desert bliss.  Red Rock Canyon is only two hours north of Los Angeles but it certainly seems as if you're in another state, or another planet.  It is about 80 miles from Bakersfield and 25 miles from the town of Mojave.  The State Park link is here. 

There is not a lot of civilization nearby this piece of unusual rock formation.  As a result, it's uncrowded and provides solitude despite its proximity to Los Angeles.  Many old Westerns have used this as a filming locale and it does have it's own unique charm.  One day I jumped in the truck and decided to check out the local towns.  The highway and the railroad tracks were lonesome on a late autumn afternoon.  Just the way I like them.   Have you ever felt "in your element" too? I

The weather was terrific. Highs during the day reached the upper 60s.  It did get chilly at night but I was nestled in my little home away from home.

There are multiple hiking trails in the area. A highlight of the trip is the short Hagen Canyon Loop Trail.  It's only a little over a mile but every bend leads off to another scenic spot which will tempt you into exploring. I spent an entire afternoon out there walking, wandering, resting, and making photographs. The geology is quite spectacular and there are some species of wildflowers that are only found here.  It feels unique because it is...certainly no other place like it in California.  At times, I found myself marveling at how much it looked like southern Utah.

My annual Death Valley Trip has been altered due to the Mesquite Spring Campground being closed from storm damage and I'm meeting my dear Bay Area family right back here in February.  It certainly has on "Old West" feel.  On the next trip I'll spend more time in the nearby El Paso Mountains and the Trona Pinnacles are just an hour away.  

Thanks for joining me on this little Western getaway.  We'll be back soon.