Out on the open antelope range.
Some antelope on the horizon.
More antelope hanging out in the sagebrush.
I’m pretty sure we found an entire antelope family.
Antelope on the horizon saying hello.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Headquarters
The refuge headquarters is a small collection of buildings constructed long ago. In an otherwise high desert environment, the little bit of water, the few trees, and the green grass are a welcome respite. Evidently the antelope think the same thing and are often found within a mile or two of the headquarters.
The American flag and the weather station.
A classic stone house in which a ranger lives.
The refuge headquarters. There is a small area open 24/7 where one can get information. Staff are only in the office a few hours per day during the week and rarely on the weekend. They have important things to do on the far-flung portions of the refuge and aren’t in the office much as a result.
Hart Mountain Overlook
Partway up the west escarpment of Hart Mountain, there is a small pullout on the gravel road. If you walk over the little rise to the west of the pullout, you will have amazing views of the valley and lakes beyond.
Looking out into forever.
Lichen on the rocks.
It is a long way down if you happen to trip and fall.
The Poker Jim Bathtub Ring is visible from the pullout. It is the transition between dark rock and light sagebrush in the distance. That marks the high water point when the lakes were full and water plentiful. Long gone are the days of huge lakes in this part of the world.
Desert wildflowers.
Panorama of the valley to the west of Hart Mountain.
