Are you looking for a mysterious and spooky place to visit this Halloween? If so, Joshua Tree National Park is the place to be. While many curiosities decorate this famous destination, only one landmark has the honor of being the desert’s spookiest attraction. Here’s what you should know about Skull Rock and why it’s the perfect Halloween sightseeing opportunity.
Joshua Tree visitors will find Skull Rock along the park’s main east-west road. This massive chunk of granite gets its name from the skull-like indentations on the front of the rock. While this spot is no hidden gem, it is popular for a reason. This round-up of Skull Rock info and travel tips will show you why this sight is so beloved.
Photo by Grae Gleason / Outdoors Wire
What is Skull Rock?
Ages ago, raindrops began the slow process of wearing away at a massive slab of granite within Joshua Tree. Over time, the water shaped the rock and created the indentations that give Skull Rock its unique look. Today, the landmark is characterized by two hollow sections that form the skull’s eyes and a third hole creating the illusion of a nasal cavity.
Where can you find it?
As previously mentioned, Skull Rock rests along Joshua Tree National Park’s main east-west road. For the fastest trip possible, enter the park through the North Entrance Station and follow the main road’s signs past Split Rock to reach Skull Rock. If you want to stay the night, you can set up your tent nearby at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Photo by NPS / Robb Hannawacker
What can you do there?
At Skull Rock, visitors can navigate around the desert brush and up the rocks for a closer view of this spooky sight. Expect to run into other tourists, though. During busy seasons, you’ll probably have to wait your turn for a picture in front of this magnificent rock.
If you want to get a little more out of your visit, go for a hike along Skull Rock Trail. Keep an eye out for cool cacti along the 1.8-mile loop trail.
Less than half an hour outside Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City rests upon Georgia’s Lookout Mountain. Advertised across American highways through bright red barns painted to read “See Rock City,” this destination houses a treasure trove of unforgettable landscapes. Here’s what curious tourists and prospective visitors need to know.
What is Rock City? Described as a “unique geological and botanical wonder,” Rock City blends art and nature to create a one-of-a-kind walking trail. Sightseers can traverse this 4,100-foot path through caves, gardens, rock formations, waterfalls, and more. It’s a novel way to interact with nature that appeals to tourists worldwide.
During a recent press trip with Chattanooga Tourism Co., I got to experience Rock City up close. Discover which attractions Outdoors Wire recommends with this handy Rock City visitor’s guide.
Photo by Grae Gleason
Who should visit Rock City?
Anyone who can appreciate natural beauty and art should consider visiting this destination. Rock City will especially engage outdoorsy folks and families looking for a serene yet captivating adventure.
The main route through Rock City branches into areas that best suit people who can navigate narrow walking paths, stairs, and tight squeezes. For visitors seeking a more accessible route, Rock City provides a ramp entrance that leads guests through part of the Enchanted Trail. From there, groups can reach the Lover’s Leap and Seven States Flag Court overlook.
Waterfalls, gardens, overlooks, and art
Speaking of the Lover’s Leap overlook, this part of Rock City showcases some of the spot’s most attention-grabbing sights. Lover’s Leap itself is a rock formation that sticks out from Lookout Mountain. According to Rock City’s trailside information panels, Lover’s Leap gets its name from a “Cherokee legend of two young lovers.”
As visitors approach Lover’s Leap, they’ll enjoy a lovely view of High Falls. At 140 feet tall, this waterfall is the gem of Rock City. Bring a camera to capture family pictures in front of the falls, but be prepared to wait your turn on busy summer days.
Photo by Grae Gleason
Other top attractions include Rock City’s lush gardens and scenic overlooks. Greenery thrives in the spaces between curious rock formations. During your visit, look for the little plaques labeling different vines, flowers, and trees. Labels throughout Rock City help orient visitors and inform them about the site’s most interesting landmarks.
Look out for those labels and carefully placed art installations throughout the area. Each piece builds upon Rock City’s whimsical beauty. Go on a scavenger hunt during your visit to find artworks like “Ibsen the Troll,” “Villa Aviana,” and “Perched Raptor.” Families familiar with Disney World’s “hidden Mickeys” can also keep an eye out for Rock City’s hidden gnomes.
Photo by Grae Gleason
Fairyland Caverns
Rock City is for everyone, but Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village are perfect for kids (and adults with an eye for camp aesthetics). Step into this quirky and fantastical passageway to tour a collection of glow-in-the-dark fairytale scenes woven into the rocks. In 1964, sculptor Jessie Sanders completed the Mother Goose Village dioramas. Today, guests can admire their details on a trip through a dark cave.
Each display depicts either a story from European folklore or a classic nursery rhyme. Parents can challenge their kids to find their favorite figures from different fairy tales. Search for everyone from Humpty Dumpty to the Three Little Pigs.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Rock City seasonal events
In November and December, visitors can witness a magical holiday spectacle. For almost 30 years, the Enchanted Garden of Lights has turned Rock City into a winter wonderland. Travel through the trails to see twinkling lights, the Yule Village, and other charming holiday sights.
Rock City’s seasonal offerings don’t stop after Christmas. For St. Patrick’s Day, the destination transforms into Shamrock City. Expect Irish music, food, and beer offerings. Plus, stop by High Falls to see the water flow green. October brings Rocktoberfest, complete with fall color and German cultural celebrations. October brings Rocktoberfest, complete with fall color and German cultural celebrations. In May, nature-loving crowds will enjoy scoping out flowers during the Southern Blooms Festival. Learn about these events and more here.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Disclaimer: While this article was not sponsored, Outdoors Wire did visit Rock City during a press trip with Chattanooga Tourism Co. As always, Outdoors Wire operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
What is rockhounding? Simply put, rockhounding is the hobby of collecting and studying rocks and minerals. Avid rock collectors may refer to themselves as rockhounds. These hobbyists spend their days exploring the land for new gems to add to their collections.
Why do they do it? While everyone enjoys this activity for different reasons, many rockhounds just appreciate the beauty they find in nature. After all, precious stones like diamonds and rubies are rocks. These fascinating geological features are perfect examples of the mysteries awaiting people who explore the outdoors. If you want to discover these mysteries for yourself, start by reading up on some essential rockhounding tips. These quick facts will help you build a stellar rock collection and keep you from making major mistakes.
Rules for ethical rockhounding
You’ve got to walk before you can run. For aspiring rockhounds, this means familiarizing yourself with the rock collector’s code.
Currently Rockhounding, a resource site created by two dedicated rock collectors, has compiled a few essential rockhounding rules here. One key guideline is respecting public and private lands. Public lands include places like national and state parks. Do not take rocks from these areas; the National Park System prohibits it. Be respectful of private property, too. The last thing you want is an angry stranger approaching you or pressing charges because you went digging around their land.
No matter where you go, do your best to treat the environment with consideration. Ecosystems can be fragile, and your actions have an impact. Don’t use blasting materials to get at rock deposits, and fill any excavation holes you make.
Photo by Deidre Woollard
How to build an awesome rock collection
With the ethical guidelines memorized, rockhounds can begin building a rock collection. For many, this is as easy as picking up cool stones around the neighborhood. Still, studious rockhounds can elevate their collection with a few basic tips.
As Rachel M. Barker, a geologist with the United States Geological Survey, wrote in “Collecting Rocks,” a quality collection begins with “properly labeled specimens.” While you may not immediately know what kind of rock you have collected, you can still note important information about the stone. Barker recommends recording where you found the rock soon after collecting it. Later, you can use a rock identification app to determine the exact mineral type. Reddit’s rockhounding community can also help you identify any particularly confusing specimens.
Speaking of the rockhounding community, interacting with fellow rockhounds is a great way to expand your collection. Whether you pursue online or local rockhounding groups, connecting with other collectors can help you discover cool finds from regions far and wide.
