Colorful fluted folds of white, pink, red and brown cliffs are the result of wind and rain eroding soft materials from beneath hard lava flow layers. This dramatic scenery has been viewed over thousands of years by Native Americans on trade routes, famous settler families such as the survivors of the Death Valley trek and the Illinois Jayhawkers, then gold miners, and in more recent times, in hundreds of movies and commercials.
After wet winters, the park’s floral displays are stunning. Camp beneath the cliffs, or explore the visitor center after a picnic. Miles of primitive roads can be explored by foot, off-highway vehicle, horse, and bike. Call (661) 946-6092 for park regulations and more information, or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631.
