Flying Over the Mohave

Had a window seat this last flight to OC...  My god what a huge jet engine!  And a nice contrast to the starkness of the Mohave Desert.  Somehow its bleakness holds a fascination with me...  is this some sort of environmental existentialism?  Anyway, I hope to explore more of this area, on the ground, especially since Prez Obama has created (3) new national monuments in the area.  And more info here...