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The New Gold Rush Starts at Home
Gold hit $3,300 an ounce—and you might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. In this DesertUSA video, Jim Bremner shows you how to prospect for gold inside your own home by identifying valuable items bought decades ago when gold was cheaper. Learn what types of old jewelry, electronics, coins, and collectibles may hold real gold, how to safely sort and sell them, and what to avoid when turning clutter into cash.
Full Afton Canyon 4×4 Guide: Colors, River Crossings & Flat‑Tire Fix
Explore Afton Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Mojave River, on this in‑depth Desert USA field video. Jim Bremner drives the full 14‑mile 4×4 trail off Basin Road, showcases multicolored sandstone walls sculpted by the ancient Lake Manix flood, visits Native footpaths, caves, and a pink copper “glory hole,” and explains why Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson, and John C. Fremont passed here. Watch two Mojave River crossings—one dry, one 3.5–4 ft deep—learn why “Cars Can’t Swim,” get the facts on the Area of Critical Environmental Concerndesignation, and see a real desert tire repair with multi‑plug patch kit and compressor. Perfect for off‑roaders, geology buffs, and Southwest history fans planning a Barstow‑area adventure.
The Lost Atomic Bomb of the Salton Sea
I’m Jim Bremner with DesertUSA.com, and in this video, I take you deep into the ruins of the Salton Sea Naval Base—a place few have seen firsthand. Once a top-secret military site used for atomic bomb training, missile testing, and even NASA parachute experiments, the base now lies buried under sand and silence.
But there’s more. Rumors of a missing nuclear bomb, dropped accidentally into the lake during a Cold War training flight, still echo through the desert. We’ve explored this site for years, documented its strange history, and now I’m sharing that journey with you.
The Colorado River, A Crucial Water Source
The Colorado River, a crucial water source for over 40 million people across seven U.S. states and Mexico, is facing significant challenges in sustaining its supply to downstream cities, agricultural regions, and water bodies like the Salton Sea. The original 1922 Colorado River Compact allocated water rights based on overestimated flow measurements, leading to commitments that exceed the river’s actual capacity. This overallocation has been exacerbated by prolonged droughts and climate change, resulting in diminished water levels in major reservoirs such as Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
The long-term outlook for the Colorado River is concerning. Studies indicate that the river’s flow has declined by approximately 20% over the last century, with projections suggesting further reductions of up to 31% by 2050. This decline threatens the water security of major urban centers, agricultural operations, and ecosystems dependent on the river. The Salton Sea, for instance, relies heavily on agricultural runoff from Colorado River water; reduced flows could accelerate its shrinkage, leading to environmental and public health issues. Addressing these challenges requires revisiting existing water allocation agreements, implementing more efficient water use practices, and developing adaptive strategies to cope with the anticipated decrease in water availability. More…
The Rise and Fall of Eagle Mountain—And Its Mysterious Future
Beneath the scorching sun of the California desert, Eagle Mountain stands frozen in time—a relic of a once-booming iron mine, now a ghost town with a new mystery. In 2023, a company paid $22.6 million for this abandoned town, but no one knows why. Founded in 1944 by industrial giant Kaiser Steel, Eagle Mountain was a thriving mining town, complete with schools, homes, and a railway stretching deep into the desert. But when the mine shut down in 1981, the town fell into ruin. A failed prison, a controversial landfill proposal, and decades of abandonment followed. So why now? Why would a company invest millions in a town that’s been left to decay? Is there something hidden beneath the ruins? A secret project? A treasure yet to be found? More…
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The Epic Journey of Maize
Heat shimmers over an ancient desert valley. In the still air, cicadas whir and a lone shadow—perhaps a traveler—wavers on the horizon. For countless generations, this arid land yielded only what nature provided: wild seeds, mesquite pods, and small game scavenged by roaming bands. But change is coming on the wind. A mystery is about to take root in this unforgiving soil, one that will transform nomadic hunter-gatherers into the ancestors of great pueblo builders. The arrival of corn in the deserts of North America is a story of resilience, innovation, and wonder, beginning with a handful of kernels and ending with new civilizations. More…
Discover the breathtaking beauty and unique wonders of the American Southwest with DesertUSA.com. Our comprehensive travel guide offers in-depth information on destinations, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Explore articles on the flora and fauna of the desert, geology, history, and desert culture. Whether you’re planning a road trip, looking for hiking trails, or seeking insights into the vibrant desert ecosystem, DesertUSA.com is your ultimate resource. Join our community of desert enthusiasts and uncover the hidden gems and rich heritage of this extraordinary region. More…
