

We decided to go to the left of that bouldery hill in the middle.

Approaching the gully to the left of the big bouldery hill, just to make the trip harder than it had to be. :)


Shawn looking down into the wash leading to the true Johnson Spring Canyon.


From within the wash looking toward our canyon.

Starting up into Johnson Spring Canyon.

Looking back into the wash.

Lots of fun talus caves along the way to explore.



A really big hole just behind Shawn, the canyon continuing ahead of him. It goes without saying to avoid falling into the gaping holes.


The first opening in the canyon. Continue up the obvious one, heading southwest.

A dam in a talus cave within the first opening, before continuing up to Johnson Spring.

Looking back the way we came.

Approaching Johnson Spring.

Johnson Spring.


Continuing up the canyon for a bit longer.


Some water along the way closer to the top.

Look like a long way to go? Yes. Yes it is. Boulders make moving very, very, very slow.


Finally, a short section of wash with no boulders.



Me looking back into a big bowl as we continued to ascend to the southeast.

Looking back into the bowl.

A really frustrating section filled with cacti to avoid.

A wide-open view of the Wonderland of Rocks in the distance.

Heading down a side canyon toward Rattlesnake Canyon.

Looking back up the way we came.

Rattlesnake Canyon is just below.

Right after getting into Rattlesnake Canyon, we found lots more talus caves.




Continuing down Rattlesnake Canyon.


We noticed lots of water coming from Rattlesnake Spring, so we went up to my favorite spot in Joshua Tree National Park (see my write-up for Rattlesnake Canyon to Willow Hole for more pictures).

Heading up the flooded side canyon.


My favorite secret spot. :)


Continuing to the end of Rattlesnake Canyon.

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