More Mojave

October/November 2021  |  Mojave Desert, California & Arizona

In late October and early November, my wife and I hit the road for two weeks of warmth, camping, and hiking in the Mojave Desert of western Arizona and southeast California. During this trip we returned to the Black Mountains, camped at Kelso and Cadiz Dunes, spent a few days exploring The Needles along the Colorado River, and returned to the Turtle Mountains. Here are some photo highlights from the trip!

Wild clouds and sunbeams over the Mojave Valley as seen from the Black Mountains in western Arizona.

Wild clouds and sunbeams over the Mojave Valley as seen from the Black Mountains in western Arizona.

Looking out from a giant alcove cave in a remote canyon of the Mount Nutt Wilderness.

Looking out from a giant alcove cave in a remote canyon of the Mount Nutt Wilderness.

Kelso Dunes glow under a colorful post-sunset sky in the Mojave Desert.

Kelso Dunes glow under a colorful post-sunset sky in the Mojave Desert.

Vibrant sunset light in the Cadiz Dunes.

Vibrant sunset light in the Cadiz Dunes.

Dawn light illuminates the Cadiz Dunes with a soft glow, accentuated by the camera's long exposure.

Dawn light illuminates the Cadiz Dunes with a soft glow, accentuated by the camera's long exposure.

The ultra rugged Coxcomb Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park in the distance beyond the Cadiz Dunes.

The ultra rugged Coxcomb Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park in the distance beyond the Cadiz Dunes.

Convoluted topography of the Chemehuevi Mountains.

Convoluted topography of the Chemehuevi Mountains.

This lagoon along the Colorado River is a paradise for coots and other wetland birds; this photo can't convey the cacophony of...

This lagoon along the Colorado River is a paradise for coots and other wetland birds; this photo can't convey the cacophony of sound from their chatter as they dive around feeding on small insects, fish, and vegetation.

A spectacular sunset above a lagoon along the Colorado River.

A spectacular sunset above a lagoon along the Colorado River.

Sunset in The Needles. Some old mining remnants and roads are visible below the peak.

Sunset in The Needles. Some old mining remnants and roads are visible below the peak.

Dusk light in the The Needles, high above the Colorado River. Lake Havasu is barely visible in the far distance to the south.

Dusk light in the The Needles, high above the Colorado River. Lake Havasu is barely visible in the far distance to the south.

An American Robin perched on a rock.

An American Robin perched on a rock.

Morning at our campsite high in the Turtle Mountains above the Mojave Desert.

Morning at our campsite high in the Turtle Mountains above the Mojave Desert.

Last light on some jagged volcanic pinnacles in the Turtle Mountains.

Last light on some jagged volcanic pinnacles in the Turtle Mountains.

Dawn light illuminates the Turtle Mountains, as seen from a summit high above the Mojave Desert.

Dawn light illuminates the Turtle Mountains, as seen from a summit high above the Mojave Desert.

Sunrise light on the Turtle Mountains.

Sunrise light on the Turtle Mountains.

Queen butterfly (Danaus eresimus) in the Mojave Desert. Queen butterflies are very similar to Monarch butterflies but have a...

Queen butterfly (Danaus eresimus) in the Mojave Desert. Queen butterflies are very similar to Monarch butterflies but have a smaller range and a few physical differences as explained here and here.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Sand dune ripples.

Every time I visit the Mojave I see more mountains I want to explore, and this trip was no exception. I'm already eagerly planning our next visit!