Joshua Trees and Quartz Monzonite

Taken near the head of the Boy Scout Trail, this shows a stand of joshua trees in front of the typical bouldery profile of the quartz monzonite. Quartz monzonite is similar to granite, chemically just a little different.

Print No. A99-49-1

Joshua Trees and Mount San Gorgonio

Looking west from the west side of the park, the snow-capped peak behind the Little San Bernardino Mountains is Mount San Gorgonio, the highest point in Southern California at 11,499 feet (3,506 meters). Mount San Gorgonio is on the southern end of the San Bernardino Mountains, a range wedged up a mile above the Mojave Desert in just the last 2 million years, thanks to the San Andreas Fault.

Print No. A99-49-3

Weathered Feldspar Crystals

Erosion of the quartz monzonite monoliths around the park locally result in the scattering of feldspar crystals on the surface. Though feldspar is common, particularly in granitic rocks, many of the ones found here are unusual as they retain their original angular crystal faces and can be as large as a fist.

Print No. A99-48-10

Here is a close up of the feldspar crystals.

Joshua Tree Morning Light

Looking south from near the head of the Boy Scout Trail, this is a close-up of a joshua tree as it receives the first light of day from behind the quartz monzonite hill.

Print No. A99-48-11