Mojave Desert, Pacific Crest

The Mojave Desert is full of surprises.  Beyond the endless stretches of dusty earth, it’s home to a fascinating variety of plants.  The landscape is dotted with iconic Joshua trees, yucca, and creosote bushes.

But it’s during the California poppy superbloom that the desert truly comes alive, with vibrant orange fields carpeting the terrain after a rare heavy rain.  While cacti might be expected in arid conditions, seeing them burst into bloom with stunning pink, yellow, or red flowers softens the prickly nature of the plant.

Hidden within the desert’s vastness is the lava tube cave, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering a cool and dark escape from the desert heat.  And through it all, the long, lonely road cuts across the flat desert, a stark reminder of the isolation and vastness of this landscape.