Joshua Tree - Climbing San Jacinto Peak,
25-26 May 2013, California
Page 1 of 2 - >> Go to Page Two
First, climbing San Jacinto Peak. |
Lisa and I rode the tram, beginning at 2643 ft. in Palm Springs and ending ten minutes later at 8516 ft. in elevation. Built in 1961, the floor of the cars rotate, offering ever changing views as one ascends to the clouds. There are two trams, and here in this photo, you can see the other tram descending. |
For Los Angelenos coming from near sea level, hiking between 8500-10800 ft. is more challenging. When I'm in the Himalayas after a few days at high elevations, it's no problem. But being whisked to this elevation, I definitely felt shorter of breath (I think there is about 25% less oxygen at 10000 ft. than at sea level) but otherwise felt okay. Lisa felt a bit more gassed. |
 One of the views, looking back toward where the tram arrives, and beyond that, Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree National Park. |
 Me at the top of Mt. San Jacinto Peak, elevation 10,834 (3302m), one of the tallest peaks in Southern California. Two weeks later, I will travel to the Indian Himalayas, so this is just a quick mini-warm up, just a little pygmy hill to whet my appetite. |
 Corn lilies. Don't pick these or make a salad from them. They're poisonous. |
 Walking back toward the tram. |
 Riding the tram back down to the considerably hotter Coachella Valley. This particular day was quite pleasant, around 80 degrees F (27 C), and supposedly around 65 F (18 C )closer to the peak, although it felt more like 70 F. |
We drove to the town of Joshua Tree, just outside Joshua Tree National Park and ate at Pizza for the People. I was a bit tired and sore from hiking to the top of San Jacinto Peak (10834 ft/3302m elevation), a 12-mile round trip earlier in the day, but the allure of the full moon in Joshua Tree National Park was too strong!! I stayed up until 1:30 am taking star photos! I hope you enjoy the photo! Title: <can't think of one right now> |
Title: Night of the Living Space Pods |
Title: Space Pod Night Tree |
Title: The Wall of Silence |
Title: Memorial Day Night Sky |
Title: Space Beacon |
I thought this rock looked like a double fin, so consequently, the title is "Double-Finned Shark" in German. I thought the phrase sounded beautiful in German. Title: Doppel-Flossen-Hai Rock |
|
Ken's photos of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung
San Suu Kyi, as well as photos of Peru, Burma, India, Morocco, China, Thailand,
Ghana, Ecuador, and elsewhere, have appeared in many books, magazines,
websites, and galleries. Visit the
Ken Lee Photography Website. Some of Ken's select photos may be
purchased through his
Imagekind Store. Join the fun and participation on Ken's Facebook Page. |
Joshua Tree National Park, Climbing San Jacinto Peak, May 2013
Page 1 of 2
Eleven Shadows Travel Page
Contact photographer/musician Ken Lee
Beautiful Joshua Tree. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. 
Saturday 25 May 2013: 
