Petroglyphs, Waterfalls and Joshua Trees... oh my!

It was a day of terrestrial experiences, we visited an ancient Pueblo Indian site with "written" evidence from the peoples who lived on that ridge 1000 years ago; then we stopped into a state park with a waterfall that only flows when perfect weather conditions overflow the reservoir above; and on the way "home" went through a Joshua Tree "forest" highway.

At the Anasazi Ridge Petroglyphs we walked the ridge where the ancient tribe once made a home and the view went on forever.   Each were just  beyond description and the drop offs to the valley below were even more "breathtaking" but that did not stop Todd and Michael (our brother-in-law) from climbing and jumping rock turret to tower along the mountains edge.  With the help of the GoPro we got some great pictures of the stunning vista and a group photo on the top of the world.

Next stop was the rare waterfall at GunLock Reservoir. You see, the waterfalls only occur when the reservoir overflows, and that doesn't happen every year.  In fact it can be as far between as 10 years before the water flows out of the red rocks.  We were lucky that 2019 was a very good year.

The falls are gorgeous and it was even fun to climb alongside the water over, under and through the red rocks.  

The dam that must overflow for the falls to appear.

Last stop was actually a drive-through situation but we did stop to get a few photos.  Part of the Joshua Tree National Landmark is along a gravel road that parallels US 15 around the Utah/Arizona border.   It is notable for its high number of Joshua trees.  The trees in this area are only about 5 to 6 feet at max but they were abundant and so in fact, a forest.