This is of the famous Trona Pinnacles in San Bernardino County just about 50
miles or so south of Death Valley National Park. The site is often used for
commercials, science fiction movies and more. If you do not have 4 wheel
drive, I recommend you go during the dry season and take plenty of water
with you as it is a long trip back to the main road if you get yourself
stuck in the sandy riverbed as many people do. The real trick to crossing
the river bed is to keep your speed up so not to sink in to the sand. Once
you are trapped your trapped and cell phones didn't work last time I
checked. Fortunately I grew up in the desert and learned to drive there and
have not yet been stuck in the sand.
The Trona Pinnacles are the same type of tufa formations as you see at Mono
Lake only a many thousands of years older as Searles Lake dried up. Some of
these tufas are much larger soaring to over 140 ft high. You can mountain
bike or motorcycle though the area but the best thing to do is get out and
hike. Keep and eye out for rattle snakes and scorpions especially when
picking up the rocks. Probably best if you leave them alone as there has
been much damage since I first saw them as a kid.
-Darv
LiquidMoonlight.com
© Darvin Atkeson
California Photographer
