Parks 39 & 40: Walnut Canyon and Mojave National Preserve

8/17/13. On our last day of touring national parks, we set off early to arrive at Walnut Canyon National Monument when it opened. We opted for the easier trail around the rim of the canyon since we were getting tired! 

Overlooking Walnut Canyon

The canyon was physically beautiful and so incredibly quiet and peaceful. This site was designated as a national monument, however, due to the ancient pueblo ruins. According to the National Parks website: "Walnut Canyon has a long human history. Artifacts show that Archaic peoples, who traveled throughout the Southwest thousands of years ago, occupied the canyon at times

Cliff dwellings found throughout all the walls at Walnut Canyon

Later came the first permanent inhabitants, who flourished in the region from about A.D. 600 until 1400. Archeologists labeled this prehistoric culture Sinagua, from the old Spanish name for the region, Sierra de Sin Agua, or “mountains without water.” Scattered families farmed the canyon rims for centuries, growing small gardens of corn, squash, and beans. During the 1100s, many moved into limestone alcoves below the canyon rim, where they constructed the cliff dwellings we see today. The Walnut Canyon community thrived for another 150 years before the people moved on."

Views from I40 driving west though Arizona

After walking the trail, we decided to get back on the road to continue our journey into California.

118 degrees - Yikes!

I 40 goes west through the mountain ranges and valleys that are part of the Basin and Range province. I never realized how big Arizona is until I drove across the state!
















As we entered the Mojave Desert and the Mojave National Preserve in California, the temperature soared to 118 at its highest on the car thermometer. Driving through this area was so desolate and frightening. I kept hoping the car engine would hold up and thankfully, it did! We made sure our gas tank was never less than a half full since I didn't want to test
AAA's commitment to getting us help in the desert! We decided to stop for park stamps at the Headquarters Information Center in Barstow but it was closed on the weekend.

I40 West across the California border

Mojave Desert Cacti

Mojave National Preserve

We finally made it  out of the mountains and it felt so good to see the San Bernadino Valley with the lush green terrain.  After so many days at high altitude, it also felt good to be able to breathe again at sea level. We headed to Anaheim, arriving about 6 pm, with enough time to have dinner at Downtown Disney and fall into bed exhausted. Tomorrow we will spend our first full day in California at the Happiest Place on Earth - a terrific start to Catherine's journey here!