Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

And again... more desert fun

Headed to Joshua Tree these past 2 days for a little peakbagging adventure. We hiked Ryan, scrambled up Joshua, then spent a whole day in the Coxcombs trying to find "Aqua Peak", or whatever. It's supposed to be the high point, but I've read some things saying that's actually not the real peak. So we followed "Aqua Peak" on the JT park map, and found ourselves in a tight situation...

First of all, as we approached our peak, we noticed two peaks that seemed higher than the one we were currently climbing. These two peaks required a steep descent then another steep ascent up some pretty gnarly looking rock spires. Then, it was getting dark and we were in the middle of this cluster f*ck, while our camp was still hanging out somewhere in the main wash. And finally, I was basically out of water at that point and didn't have more 'til we reached the car, so we had to swallow our pride and turn around. We could not even make it up the peak we had been climbing simply because the rock climbing there is AWFUL! On multiple occasions, hand and foot holds would just crumble under us, and sometimes right in the middle of a class 4 segment.

Definitely got my heart pumping on that one... good times. I'm actually excited we didn't find the high point.. It's just an excuse to go back to those creepy, dangerous, amazing mountains!

Here's some visual stimulation...
https://picasaweb.google.com/1086639589 ... Mountains#

This is probably my best shot ever... https://picasaweb.google.com/1086639589 ... 0369785874

Does anyone know what kind of lizard this is? And also, what kind of flower is in picture #22?

Wow! Yet another great TR and pics! I've got to get out there. It looks like the place is crawling with reptiles! Nice rocks and flowers, too. I think the flower may be a "Desert Bell." I'm not really sure because I couldn't see the leaves.

I'm glad you made it back OK!

The three peaks are Aqua, Tensor and Spector if I remember correctly. Very rugged, I ran out of daylight on my visit and only got 2 of the three. A definite grudge trip on my list.

neverwashasbeen wrote:The three peaks are Aqua, Tensor and Spector if I remember correctly. Very rugged, I ran out of daylight on my visit and only got 2 of the three. A definite grudge trip on my list.

I hear ya! That place is wicked man..

Sally, hi there! Thanks for the support
Yes, you do have to get out there... it's beautiful! That lizard is all the same one by the way... I managed to stalk him silently and get some good shots, then after a while he knew I was there and seriously started posing for me! He climbed up the rock and stood proudly on the peak and all... He was a good sport.

I think you're right, it could be a desert bell indeed! Thanks!

Pretty cool lizard.

This critter has a fearsome beauty all it's own.



HJ

Hey Wild,
Thanks for the TR & photos, that area looks foreboding indeed!
I think Sally is right on the plant being a Desert Bell.
The lizard is a Desert Spiny, probably a male in mating colors, and the buzz-tail a speckled, which, as you saw by it's posture can be some aggressive. There's some much hand work & places where you can't see where your feet are always landing, it's gotta be a bit tense at times.

Happy hiking,

Scott

HJ, absolutely! As spooky as they can be, they are really wonderful creatures.

Scott, thanks a lot sir, that information is right on point. He was definitely marking his territory.. he kept doing that "push-up" motion when he climbed on top of rocks. He looked like he was showing everybody his prowess. Really cool little guy..

And yes, that area was definitely tense. We saw four rattlers in the coxcombs and two of those were within a minute, near 11 PM; barely 400 feet from the car. Imagine ending a whole trip by getting bit by a rattler! hehehe

Sweet snake pic! I see those reddish colord rattlesnakes (red diamonds i think theyre called) all the time from mid april to early june out on the Art Smith trail. Never gotten a good pic though cause i dont usually take my camera with me.

Hey ludegirl, yeah it was definitely a red diamond. He wore a mighty fine red diamond coat and it's too bad that we can't see it too well in the picture. Art Smith trail? Never heard of it, but I'd like to!