Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
The Hole in the Wall Ring Trail
The Hole in the Wall Ring Trail is a short is a 1.5 miles loop trail around a hill top and through a slot canyon in the Mojave National Preserve. The trail it self is well marked and very easy going, with the exception of 1/4 mile at the north end, through a slot canyon. Rings are bolted into the rock to serve as hand holds and give the trail its name.
The Ring Trail is a short fun little hike in the Mojave National Preserve.
California Juniper ( Juniperus californica )
The California Juniper ( Juniperus californica ) is a common tree found in California, western Arizona and southern Nevada at medium elevations between 2,460 – 5,250 ft. Commonly growing 10 and 26 feet in height, the grayish shredded bark Juniper may reach a maximum height or about 33 feet, although this height is rare. Growing up in California and frequently camping in the Mojave and High Sierra, the California Juniper has frequents my memory and photographs.
Mid Hills Campground, Mojave National Preserve
Located in deep in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve there is an abundance of campsites to suit everyone. The Mid Hills campground was an after thought on a recent trip in March, 2018, however the location and charm of this spot make it a new favorite destination.
Mid Hills Campsite in the Mojave National Preserve March 2018 after a rainstorm.
In March 2018, I decided to take my son on our first father and son camping trip, just the boys. We scoured maps and picked destinations and points of interest. He was very excited to hike the Ring Trail and we opted over-night at Hole in the Wall campground.
I picked him up from school with the Jeep loaded and we drove down Nipton Road deep into the isolated areas of the Mojave. We arrived at Hole in the Wall campground and with the sun starting to set discovered that the campground was full of motor homes and jeepers. No place to camp. We opted for ‘Plan B’ and headed north.
Speckled Rattlesnake ( Crotalus mitchellii )
The Speckled Rattlesnake is fairly common pit viper found in southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and south-western Utah and down the Pacific coast into Baja California. A moderate size snake, this animal typically does not exceed 39 inches in length. As with most animals, the Speckled Rattlesnake is a master of disguise and commonly are colored to compliment the surrounding rock. This viper can range from pink, cream, tan or pale blues and grays. This feature I can personally attest to as I witnessed and entire Cub Scout Pack literally step over the specimen photographed below while hiking on a camping trip in the Valley of Fire State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.
A Juvenile Speckled Rattle Snake found in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)
The Joshua Tree was named for the biblical character by the Mormon Setters as they crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid 19th century. It is told that the tree reminded the early Mormon’s of Joshua who, much like the tree, held his hands up in prayer. From these humble beginnings, the Joshua Tree and their undulating shadows have become of an icon of the desert southwest.
Joshua Tree