When the rain made the surface of the rocks reflective, the blue sky provided a blue sheen to the rocks.
Archive for the ‘Vasquez Rocks’ Tag
Vasquez Rocks in the Rain Leave a comment
Wand Buckwheat Leave a comment
A Wand Buckwheat bush against one of the many sandstone rocks in Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, Los Angeles County, CA.
California Buckwheat: Fall 2 comments
California Buckwheat has a pale flower in the spring that turns to an orange/russet color through the winter. Great fall color, seen here at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in northern Los Angeles County, CA.
Here Comes The Sun 1 comment
The sun rises over Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in northern Los Angeles County, CA.
Mistletoe: No Kissing 1 comment
The hot colors in the center of the photo are provided by Juniper Mistletoe, which is different from the white-berried, green-leafed variety that provides kissing motivation for many people. Shot at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, northern Los Angeles County, CA.
California Juniper 1 comment
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park 4 comments
Tiburcio Vasquez
25 million years ago, California was struck by an earthquake that sent the North American and Pacific Plates on a collision course. The resultant uplift, due to the Elkhorn fault, has weathered away from the top, revealing a unique sandstone formation.
The Gorn could not defeat Captain Kirk.
The Rocks were named for a desperado that used them as one of his hideouts back in the 1850s, Tiburcio Vasquez. He was a Californio bandit popular in the Mexican-American community, and styled himself a defendant of immigrants rights. He was caught by a sheriff’s posse near Newhall, CA and put in jail for horse rustling. After his release he continued to prey on travelers up and down California, and was finally of convicted of murder in 1875. He was hung in San Jose at age 39.
After law and order was restored, the geological formation has been a favorite of photographers. Given its location in LA County, it’s been featured in the movies since a 1905 Rudolph Valentino film was shot there. It’s been the setting of innumerable westerns and science fiction sets, from Bonanza to Wild, Wild West to Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure to The Flintstones. Star Trek shot there many times, including the episode that included perhaps the worst fight scene ever shot, with Captain Kirk conquering the Gorn.
My family has toured the Rocks many times; we’ve had Cub & Boy Scout camp outs there, and Michael’s Eagle Scout service project was there. My eldest, Christopher, met his bride there; they both frequently worked babysitting the film crews that did everything from commercials for Taco Bell and Budweiser to films to television series to music videos. I love Vasquez Rocks!
If you’re in LA, visit the Rocks. You’ll realize that you have seen them many, many times before!
The Rocks rise at a 45 degree angle from the desert.
You can follow the erosion in the seams of the sediment to climb to the top of the Rocks. Yes, you can get to the tip … but be careful! Search & Rescue teams are not infrequent visitors to the Rocks.
The 900-acre park has many smaller uplifts and other interesting formations.
Cool Links
Fun Blog post on the Rocks: Geek with Curves
Santa Clarita History: Vasquez Rocks
Wikipedia: Vasquez Rocks
