Post #208404 by Gigantalope on Wed, Jan 18, 2006 6:49 AM

I know that area well, I think it's salts, deposits from standing water, and gypsum.

There are some cool mines out that way that you can still tour, along RT 666. (Avoid Roy's at Amboy...cool looking but it sucks)

There are several stories of there once being an inland sea stretching from that area down to Mexico. Not like a billion years ago, but in the time of human habitation. (it's one of those things native americans chat about at the swap meet)

Whilst you are there, drive thru the remote parts of Joshua Tree Park. It's locate where two vastly different types of deserted (Colorado and Mojave) meet. There are some high points where it's fun to look down and see the San Andreas Fault like a spine down the Coachella Valley, or note routes to moraines by the big peaks, where gems are most likely to be.

Also...take a few minutes while passing thru Yucca Valley and go north to Pioneer Town. (It's only about 4 miles) The place is truly bizarre. "Counting Crows" are around there quite alot.

People are always saying they see the ghost of Gram Parker (I think that's the rockabilly guy) around Pappy and Harriet's Palace.

There is also a Tiki Coffee shop(Spunky Monkey it's called to my horror)in Morongo...it's kind of cheesey, but better than starbucks.