Some Favorite Spots and Shots

Our travels have taken us across the western States, Canada, and Alaska. We’ve stayed at/near, or driven/hiked past, everything from breathtaking-gorgeous to b-o-r-i-n-g. Here are a few of our favorites.

SPOT — LUNAR CRATER, NEVADA

This place is quite unique, in that it was not formed by “conventional” actions. Not an impact crater, and not ‘volcanic’ in the ordinary sense, this big hole in the ground was made by a steam explosion, energized by magma. Its name came simply from its resemblance to craters on the moon — perhaps a bit imaginative, but it stuck.

Lunar Crater is truly in the middle of nowhere, about 70 miles northeast of Tonopah, Nevada — which is itself pretty much the middle of nowhere. Being desert aficionados, we love being out in the vastness just for its own sake. An extra visual treat is so much the better.

A few small, rugged spots are available to camp right on the edge of the Crater.

More about this area HERE.

SPOT — ROGUE RIVER, OREGON

Gorgeous, wild, rocky river, with camps literally right at the water’s edge. Miles and miles of hikes and scenery. Only an hour or so from Crater Lake along highway 62.

SPOT — MANN LAKE, OREGON

So many nice things about this area. Many, many diverse things to do exploring and sightseeing; great cell-phone coverage; grand views; wildlife. And of course, empty, vast remoteness.

Lots more about this area HERE.

SPOT — BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Artist Ricardo Breceda has produced a truly spectacular array of over 135 metal sculptures, all scattered across miles of the outlying streets of this tiny desert town. Always worth a stop, no fees.

SHOT — BLOSSOM, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA

We found this strange flower in the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens at Palm Desert.

SPOT — VERY LARGE ARRAY, NEW MEXICO

This extraordinary astronomical radio-telescope must be seen to be believed. To avoid light and RF interference, it’s situated WAY out in the remoteness of the western part of the state, about halfway (as the crow flies) between Gallup and Truth or Consequences.

SHOT — THE COXCOMBS, GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

From the north rim, an outstanding batch of campsites are available, literally right on the rim of the Canyon. This shot is about 50 yards from our campsite.