Comments on: Joshua Tree/SoCal Trip – Part V – Cholla Cactus Garden, Geology Tour Road

By: Jessie

Jessie — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:15:02 +0000

I am a student and was wondering if I could use some of these photos for my presentation project. Thanks!

By: Tim Beaumont

Tim Beaumont — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Yes, S2921 seeks to prohibit the building of solar and wind projects in the new monument, which suits me, especially since there are places near developed areas that are suitable. The bill includes provisions for dirt road designation on the official map (one of the best ways to protect them–but not bullet-proof as in the case of Joshua Tree’s Pinkham Canyon Road which is treatened with closure) as well as recognizing motorized recreation as a sanctioned use for the monument. This is the first time I know of that this has been included in a national monument, and I think Senator Feinstein needs to hear that it is appreciated. Go to my site here
http://friendsofmojavetrailsgroup.wordpress.com/ to send a message to her office, if you are so inclined.
I also agree that there are plenty of roads in the desert, something that makes it all the more frustrating that some want to close singlular roads like geology tour or pinkham canyon, to name just two. If a few roads in any given area were left open, many could be closed, even covered up, but there are folks who arn’t satisfied with such a plan.

By: Adam R. Paul

Adam R. Paul — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:38:21 +0000

Right, but that bill is more concerned with protecting land from development and will protect existing roads’ use (right?)? If so, I’m all for it. There no need to make any new roads in the desert, IMO, but the existing ones don’t bother me.

By: Tim Beaumont

Tim Beaumont — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:18:50 +0000

actually, the untimely dimise of most desert roads is due to a certain type of enviromentalist who puts preservation above all else. i beleive we’re all smart enough and concerned enough to visit these awesome areas (even in motor vehicles) and still preserve them. the desert in particular is a tough nut to crack without motorized transportation. i’ve driven to josua tree for the sole purpose of following geology tour road to the mouth of Pushawalla Canyon, where i’ve sat and looked north-east toward the scene in your photo marked “Dark volcanic(?) formation with light eroded rocks”. a truely stark, naked place. i suppose i could walk out there from the pavement, but many such places are beyond my reach on foot. one advantage of S2921 is that it includes dirt roads in the law.

By: Adam R. Paul

Adam R. Paul — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:18:06 +0000

Thanks, Tim! I assume the closure threats come from the proposed sale & development of large parcels for solar farms? Good article in the WSJ on the bill: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126144129302900923.html

By: Tim Beaumont

Tim Beaumont — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:21:21 +0000

terrific photos of a beautifull area. Glad you’ve posted them. In case you folks arn’t aware, many dirt roads in the mojave desert are in danger of being closed. i’ve followed geology tour road around the loop many times. a left turn will take you over the rougher berdoo canyon road, all the way to dillon road and back to the freeway. come to Friends of Mojave Trails Group at WordPress to check out the new Mojave Trails National Monument bill and communicate with elected officials. we all may someday be cut-off from access to these wonderfull dort roads and the incredible places they go.

By: Adam R. Paul

Adam R. Paul — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:07:18 +0000

Welcome, and thanks for commenting, Joy! I love early morning light, but don’t usually love being up that early

By: Joy Slezak

Joy Slezak — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:47:24 +0000

Beautiful photos. The cholla pictures turned out great! I actually prefer early morning or late afternoon for lighting. Enjoyed your commentary and info on the photos.

By: Adam R. Paul

Adam R. Paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:04:39 +0000

Thanks, Thomas!

By: Adam R. Paul

Adam R. Paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:04:17 +0000

Thanks – it’s a pretty pastel place