Joaquín2 is actually the name on the benchmark located near the summit of this rock1. This peak is located at the western edge of the Joaquín Rocks area. The author visited Joaquín2 in May 2001 by hiking in and then walking up to the base of the cliff, and then traversing northeast up the small canyon to the top of the mountain.
The rock concretion shown below rest on the small flat near the dirt road that passes by.
"Table Rock," shown below, was seen on the way up the hill. Of course it is not really a table, but called that because it has a flat top. It is actually a concretion such as shown above, that has broken in half so that one surface appears flat. Erosion has caused the lines on its surface that give it a somewhat cryptic look. Many near ground rocks exibit the appearance of unusal scaring and erosion. If you look carefully, you will notice that similar patterns appear where tree branches, shrubery and yuccas are rubbing against the stone. The wind causes these brances and leaves to move thus carving the stone. This author has viewed very many of these carving in the area. Some were quiet dramatic, such as where a pine branch is actually cutting a deep slot into a large stone at Hunting Camp. In other places, the tips if yucca leaves carved two deep by 6 inch long perfectly parallel, ruler straight line on the side of a stone. These carving often exhibit the appearance of being man-made.
Photo of Table Rock Located Near Joaquín2
Joaquín2 area is extremely rugged and very difficult to traverse. However, it is also a mystical place to roam in because the thick foliage prohibits you from ever getting a clear view of anything except the tops of rock. As you wonder in this area, you occasionally find your way to a vantage point from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and surrounding area. The author was privileged to catch a glimpse of a fleeing mountain lion during the May 2001 trip while roaming this dense area.
Map of Joaquín2 Area
There is an old trail that begins from the dirt road directly west of Joaquín2 and continues up to behind Joaquín2. The trail may continue further as it was only studied from aerial photographs and not actually traversed. This trail is not shown on the current or 1943 USGS topographical maps.
Also there is part of a trail cut through the brush directly east of Joaquín2. Previous visitors apparently used pruning shears (or something alike) to cut brush for a trail and also left many plastic water bottles behind.
The following photographs were taken during the May 2001 trip. These photos should convey some idea about the area.
Photo of Joaquín2
Photo From top of Joaquín2
Photo of Terrain at the Summit of Joaquín2
Photo of Terrain at the Summit of Joaquín2
Photo of Terrain at the Summit of Joaquín2
Photo of Terrain at the Summit of Joaquín2
1. NAD 83(1992)- 36 19 10.87345(N) 120 27 31.49630(W); The station mark is a United States Geological Survey Disk, stamped 4153 va 1908, cemented in a drill hole in a sandstone ledge. it is about 200 feet southeast and about 20 feet lower than the highest formation of sandstone and 3 feet north of the south edge of the rim. - National Geodetic Survey data sheet, Permanent Identifier (PID): GU3493.