Mojave Desert-Last Chance Canyon photography...

 While meandering through the Last Chance Canyon, in the El Paso Mountains, I came across the remnants of an old mining camp.

The nearby trees and full water trough show that there is an ample water supply nearby.

Who lived and worked here?

Mojave Desert Oasis: Red Rock Canyon...

Another image from the interior of the El Paso Mountain range.  Again, this area of the El Paso Mountains is within the boundary of Red Rock Canyon State Park.

I was here on a very hot day, and there was no water flowing above ground.  However, these trees, along with the tall grass prove that there is water nearby.

I intend to return here in the coming months; perhaps I will see a running stream, then.

1/50th sec. @ f/20.

Mojave Desert Oasis: Red Rock State Park...

Another image from the area of Red Rock Canyon State Park that blends into the El Paso Mountains.

1/125th sec. at f/20.

Mojave Desert Photographs: Red Rocks in the El Paso Mountains...

..... except that I converted the image to black and white.

Another image from the El Paso Mountains.

1/30th sec. @ f/16.

www.elpasomountains.blogspot.com

Mojave Desert Photographs: Pink rocks of the El Paso Mountains.

A section of the El Paso Mountains Extends into Red Rock Canyon State Park.  These two images were taken on a very hot Saturday four days ago.  I placed the sun shield on the my Jeep's dashboard, tucked my water bottle in the pocket of my cargo pants, and off I went to take a closer look at these rocks.  

I have to emphasize that traveling to remote locations such as those described in this blog requires proper planning and preparation.  Death comes to those who don't respect the dangers here.  

     

1/50th sec. @ f/20.

1/30th sec. @ f/20.

Mojave Desert: Image from the heart of the El Paso Mountains..

Photograph by Scott Schwartz.  All rights reserved.

www.elpasomountains.blogspot.com

My trip to the El Paso Mountains took me to some newly-opened trails.  This image was taken along trail EP170.

The temperature was close to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

The desert is VERY unforgiving of those who are cavalier in their travels.

1/40th sec. @f/22.

Mojave Desert Photography: Mormon Flat...

The heart of California's El Paso Mountains holds Mormon Flat.

I imagine that the area is named for Mormon pioneers who probably passed through the area, and whose identities are lost to the mists of time.

The photograph was taken with a Nikon D70.

1/200th sec. @ f/16.