Ryan Mountain is near the center of the park. It is a 1.2-mile long trail, rated moderate-strenuous due to gaining 1,000 feet in elevation over that short distance.






Looks easy enough.


We are only 18 minutes into it and I've already stopped, a few times, to catch my breath (I'm on day 17 of a cold...)






Looking back toward the area named Hall of Horrors.


More northerly.








This Nikon-shooter and I exchanged "take my picture" duties at the top a bit later.


This is the first available view to the south, just over an hour into it.


This is the summit, after 1 hour and 10 minutes. The rock-pile was no doubt added for drama :-)


The view to the northwest.






Hung around for 15 minutes, then went down - which took only 35 minutes.

There is this exhibit in the parking lot.


I believe this is called Indian Cave, though today it was Japanese Tourist cave.

[.a.t.]

Excellent essay!

Having lived in the verdant Pacific Northwest my whole life, desert landscape is utterly alien to me. But, your pictures almost make me feel that I was there with you.

I think I need a drink of water.

[Bob Harris]

You're a great tour guide Kyle and the photos do a great job of showing us the area. Great views of a beautiful place to visit.

[SpecialK]

Excellent essay!

Having lived in the verdant Pacific Northwest my whole life, desert landscape is utterly alien to me. But, your pictures almost make me feel that I was there with you.

I think I need a drink of water.

You should come on down sometime. There is a lot in the area for a vacation centered in Palm Springs.

You're a great tour guide Kyle and the photos do a great job of showing us the area. Great views of a beautiful place to visit.

Thanks. If I had your set up I would love camping out for a few days for some evening shots.

[scratchpaddy]

Nice series! If you replaced all the yuccas with cholla and put some city around it, it would look a lot like South Mountain Park here in Phoenix. Our views are somewhat limited by smog, though.

I think the third picture is my favorite. Those rocks look so smooth, and the trees in the middle of them give a good sense of scale. Looks like a nice, shady place to rest. Shade comes at a premium out there.

[.a.t.]

You should come on down sometime. There is a lot in the area for a vacation centered in Palm Springs..

That would be fun. Someday...

[slowpez]

This turned out to be one of our favorite parks although it took years to convince my husband to put it on our itinerary. Thanks for taking me back.

[jkwhawk]

Excellent series! Thanks for posting. You've given me another destination for my list.

[SpecialK]

This turned out to be one of our favorite parks although it took years to convince my husband to put it on our itinerary. Thanks for taking me back.

If you like big rocks and the desert, this is the place :-)

Excellent series! Thanks for posting. You've given me another destination for my list.

There are easier trails (mostly flat, 1-mile +-), which are also nice, plus the formations near the road. I posted some other threads with them. Lots to do and see...