Where is Rattlesnake Canyon? I have been to JT a couple times and never heard of it and it sounds great. I did not get back to Michigan till late March and missed this thread completely. I sure had a good time despite the weather.
Mike C, I was the Jim from Michigan next site over.
Duh, I googled Rattlesnake Canyon. Lots of stuff. Makes me wonder what else I miss just looking at the Gov. handouts. I will try to take a look at it the next time I'm there. Thanks All
Just so you all know, getting to the bottom of Rattlesnake Canyon is not all that tough - some boulder scrambling to do, but not all that long of a hike. Rattlesnake Canyon is supposedly the only slot canyon in Joshua Tree Park. The little creek has carved out the slot in the rocks - difficult to shoot with a view camera, but not impossible. Getting to the top of the canyon is rewarding for shooting, but very difficult if you're carrying an 8 x 10 in a backpack along with a tripod. The guide books say to stay on the right side of the canyon to get to the top (the way I went up), and it is possible, but a lot steeper climb up. It's also harder to climb down than it was to go up, so be prepared for a very strenous hike if you're going to the top.
Here's a shot I took up at the top (cyanotype over platinum).
Dan, yes this is a very nice canyon. Don't like the name?? The hike is not that bad and you do need some help getting gear up but will be rewarded. I need to shoot here on the next visit with the 14x17. Now that will be tough, so i may just use the 8x10.
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