These large Feldspar crystals are common in the rocks at Joshua Tree NP. The ancient history of the park can be read in these rocks. Large crystals in igneous rock indicates that it cooled slowly underground. The area under the park was a huge batholith, a lava dome that cooled beneath the surface. Over the eons the surface rock and soil eroded away leaving the granite behind.
was an interesting hike to a fascinating oasis in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park. It was hot and dry, it is important to take lots of water on a hike like this. I always feel like the moisture is being pulled from my body when I'm in the desert!
Joint-Fir Family
