Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are at the northern end of the valley floor and are nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides. The primary source of the dune sands is probably the Cottonwood Mountains which lie to the north and northwest. The tiny grains of quartz and feldspar that form the sinuous sculptures that make up this dune field began as much larger pieces of solid rock. In between many of the dunes are stands of creosote bush on the sand and on dried mud, which used to cover this part of the valley before the dunes intruded.
Desert Flora on Tabeau Peak Ridge
Teig and I were hiking up Tabeau Peak above Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in southwest Utah and we came upon this beautiful view on a ridge off the trail. The flora here was so quaint with the views of the valley far below and the mountains in the distance that I was compelled to take a photograph.
Mormon Tea on Tabeau Peak Ridge
Teig and I were hiking up Tabeau Peak above Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in southwest Utah and we came upon this beautiful view on a ridge off the trail. mormon Tea can be found all over the desert southwest and is one of my favorite desert plants. to have this small specimen on a ridge above the desert floor seemed to be perfect composition for a photograph.