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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.
Gold Fever: How Shorty Harris Changed the Desert Forever
Shorty Harris never became rich, but he changed the American West forever. In this video, DesertUSA’s Jim Bremner retraces Shorty’s legendary 1904 gold strike, the birth (and fall) of Rhyolite, and the incredible life of a prospector who sparked towns—and then walked away from them. Discover how one man’s wild search for gold left a lasting mark on the desert’s ghost towns and forgotten dreams.
The Guardian Lions of Amboy and RT 66
Discover the enigmatic Guardian Lions of Amboy, two marble statues standing guard along Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. From their mysterious origins to their role as a traveler’s shrine, this video explores the history, culture, and allure of these desert sentinels. Join us on a journey to uncover one of California’s strangest roadside attractions!Â
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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Fish Creek Wash and Sandstone Canyon
Out here in the heart of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the land tells stories — if you know where to look. Today, we’re traveling into Fish Creek Wash — and deep into the narrow folds of Sandstone Canyon — where time and water carved the desert into something unforgettable. As we enter the wash, the first thing that hits you is the scale — soft stone walls rise around us, sculpted by flash floods and time. We stop at a rock face that tells a different story — look closely, and you’ll see the layers of earth bent upward, tilted at steep angles. These aren’t just hills — they’re the result of powerful tectonic uplift and pressure from faults running deep beneath the desert. 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…
