I recently had the opportunity to meet Robert Miramontes -- rock-climber, author and photographer -- and he was kind enough to guide me to the top of Valhalla Dome. The approach we took was a bit out of my comfort zone, but the payoff at the top was well worth the adrenaline generated in getting there.

What an amazing spot. The top of the dome is long, flat and about the size of two football fields, but all around on each slope are areas to explore and photograph. Pinyon pines, bonsai cactus gardens, caves, unusual rock formations and amazing views into the Wonderland and beyond. I was totally unprepared for the beauty of the area. From below, a glance up makes you think, "there's nothing but rocks up there, I'm not going to waste my time climbing up that nearly vertical slope." But Valhalla proves a JTree truism: You never know what you're going to find until you get there. I wish I had had more time to wander, but I didn't want to chance scrambling down in the dark. I'll visit again someday, perhaps finding a bit easier (I'm old) route to the top. Here are a few of the photos I took, which I call "Views from Valhalla."

Hint: Left click on any of these images to enlarge them.