Southern Nevada - February 2026 - Part Two

 

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Please click here for Part One

 

Continuing Our Search

 

“Let’s look at the map,” I answered when the Lady asked if there was another way into the hidden valley we had seen from a high point we’d climbed. “We can try this,” I pointed out on the map, “If we can get over the pass on this road, that will put us closer.”

 

The road over was better than expected and we located our possible starting point. Mid morning we were ready to hike.

 

 

 

 

 

The ridge we needed to climb to reach this valley hidden away was always in sight ahead of us as we hiked. Wildflowers were starting here also.

 

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

 

 

 

 

 

An abandoned closed road led steeply over the ridge.

 

 

 

 

 

The view at the top revealed the hidden valley below.

 

 

 

 

 

The view north along the ridgeline.

 

 

 

 

 

The ridgeline is also the boundary of the Muddy Mountains Wilderness. Motor vehicle use is illegal inside Wilderness. We started down into the valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We investigated the spectacular outcrops of sandstone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were looking for a natural arch hidden away somewhere out in this valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We both looked for a possible way to climb - without protection - up under the arch. There was no way up we'd attempt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a long relaxing break, we resumed weaving in and out of these outcrops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made a wide loop through the south end of the valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The colorful sandstone was, again, the star of the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned to the ridge top and then back to the truck where we made camp for the night.

 

 

 

 

 

We continued out the primitive road, driving to the south. Climbing a steep rocky grade we needed to lock the rear differential. It was a long slow drive out to pavement. We did not encounter another vehicle.

 

We returned to favorite campsite high up in a wash. With the camper’s top raised and all made cozy, we hiked up the wash reentering the Wilderness Area.

 

 

 

 

 

We hiked under the walls of silt and mudstone we had returned to look for what we consider to be treasure.

 

 

 

 

 

Blocks of rock layers fall from these walls. Layers of rock that hold fossil tracks from ancient mammals that once roamed here.

 

Ancient horses

 

 

 

 

 

Ancient horses and possibly bison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse

 

 

 

 

 

And birds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further up is a marvelous canyon to climb through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our wanderings the next morning we came upon a new flower for us, not quite in bloom - Silverleaf Sunray (Enceliopsis argophylla)

 

 

 

 

 

We ended our short adventure in southern Nevada the same way we started, with our chairs out to take in the changing light and the end of another day - alone in our place of refuge.

 

 

 

 

We returned to Death Valley.