Pioneer Mountain Preserve and Red Dome

The last time I hiked this trail was in the spring of 2006 with Linda.  We hiked up through the Joshua trees into the pinion pine forest and later that year a forest fire swept the area.  A portion was reopened in 2010 and I finally have gotten back into the area to enjoy the rebirth of a forest and ecosystem.  Hopefully it will be many years before lightning does this sort of damage again.

The rugged mountains off to the left look very rugged for any kind of traveler.

There is a lot of regeneration happening but the pinion pines will probably be the slowest to come back.

Hikers weave their way among the boulders.

This Desert Bell was growing under the protective shade of a boulder.

Larry and I enjoying a billy goat moment.

This one of many cinder cones along the hike. Definite volcanic activity.

Black and white view of the contrast between lava and hard granite trails.

Great views all the way up the trail.  We are a little more than halfway at this point.

Sawtooth mountain range, good name!

This is why they call it Pipes Canyon. The columns of rock were pushed up to look like a pipe organ.

Lots of yellow flowers, not sure of this one's name.

A Joshua Tree standing as a monument to the fires destruction.

The second hike was to the Red Dome.  This geological feature sits right in the middle of the Whitewater River flood plain and it is amazing that it is still sticking out.  When it floods here boulders, rocks, mud and trees are swept by and it has survived all these intrusions.  

The water usually flows right by this rock but we are in drought conditions so had to go to the other side of the flood plain to find the river.

Red Dome

Picture from river bottom 

Hiking is dry and thirsty work. Right, Darby?

Red Dome can be conquered though.

Cholla, not sure which type.  Very prickly!

Another type of yellow flower.

Darby on a short leash with all the ducks and fish to chase.

Male Ring-necked Duck

Can't I grab just one fish, Dad?