Death Valley has at least one hidden treasure in plain sight—Mushroom Rock. Along Badwater Road heading to Badwater Basin there are so many wonders to see, especially the gorgeous mountain colors and formations. However, it is hard to find the 7-foot tall Mushroom Rock along Badwater Road, and for good reason.
This is a 1938 picture of Mushroom Rock, originally called Devil’s Throne. We will get to its geology momentarily–and no “oh nos” in the audience please. 😉
Thanks to Online Archive of California
Today the rock’s strange shape is not only thanks to million of years of windblown sand and salt, but also two-legged creatures’ abuse. The formation was heavily damaged by visitors climbing on it, carving and defacing it, breaking off small chunks as souvenirs, and groups posing on it for pictures. Well, the Park Service finally had enough. The exact date is hard to find, but the large parking area along the road was done away with, there are no signs for Mushroom Rock, and it no longer appears on any park maps or in any brochures. Although only about 150 feet off Badwater Road, it is tough to see as driving along. It sure blends into the background! Thanks to the discerning eye of Susan.
So its geology–stay with me. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but a good place to start is easy. There are three types of rock. Yup, only three:
Igneous–formed from melted rock deep inside the Earth.
Sedimentary–formed from layers of sand, silt, dead plants, and animal skeletons.
Metamorphic–formed from other rocks that are changed by heat and pressure underground.
Thanks to American Museum of Natural History–Ology Home. Take a look! Never too proud to explore simple sites designed for kids. Need simple as a jumping-off place.
Still with me?
Mushroom Rock is an Igneous rock, a type of basalt. Now that wasn’t so painful, was it? 😂
Until next time my friend . . .
