Ever have one of those moments where you really wish you’d followed your own advice? I had one years ago in Death Valley, face to face with a rattlesnake in Monarch Canyon. (Don’t worry — I clearly lived to tell the tale!)
That story pairs perfectly with Part 1 of my latest “On the Road with Ranger Rose” Death Valley series. Come explore mining ruins, volcanic rock, and desert mystery with me — Part 2 arrives next month!
And if you’re looking for a fun family outing, I’ve got a gem: the Gold Rush Museum in Auburn, CA. It’s a hands-on history stop kids love — just ask my grandson George, who struck gold (or at least a photo op!).
Here’s to exploring, remembering, and respecting the wild places that call to us.
– Rose
P.S. If you’re craving even more stories from the trail, check out Tales from a Rogue Ranger and Trip Tales: From Family Camping to Life as a Ranger — they’re packed with wild moments and lessons learned the dusty way.
Still Exploring: New Roads in a Familiar Land
Last month, Vern and I teamed up with my brother and sister-in-law for a real-deal Death Valley adventure of our own.
The highlight? Dante’s View at sunset — absolutely breathtaking. (Check out the photo—I swear the colors were painted by magic.)
And for the first time ever, I explored Gold Valley, a vast and rugged corner of the park above Willow Creek and Sidewinder Canyons. I’ve been to Death Valley more times than I can count, but this remote stretch was brand new to me — and wow, was it worth the drive.
Another spot I was especially excited to finally visit was Racetrack Valley — the place where those mysterious rocks slide across the desert floor during stormy weather. The road had been closed for a while, and it just reopened the night before we went. Talk about perfect timing!
Still wild. Still wonderful. Always more to discover.
New “On the Road with Ranger Rose” Episode — now on YouTube!
In case you missed it mid-January, the latest episode of On the Road with Ranger Rose is here — and we’re heading to Death Valley… in winter!
This is Part 1 of a special series on Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the lower 48 (3.4 million acres!). I spent several winters there as a seasonal ranger — and spoiler: it’s not just a land of scorching heat.
Winter in Death Valley?
Think:
☀️ 65° and sunny
🌈 Canyons bursting with color
💦 Hidden waterfalls
⛰️ 11,000 ft peaks
🌬️ And wide-open desert skies
that’ll steal your breath
If you’ve ever wanted to explore this wild, wonderful place — or hear a few ranger stories from the desert — you’ll love this episode.
You can watch the episode now on YouTube.
(Originally aired on Auburn Community Television.)
Did you miss my December episode?
A Close Call in Monarch Canyon: How NOT to get bit by a giant rattlesnake
As a park ranger, I gave the same trail advice a hundred times:
“Watch where you put your hands and feet. Stay alert for wildlife. Always tell someone where you’re going.”
And then one hot May day in Death Valley… I forgot to take my own advice.
The heat had driven me up into Upper Monarch Canyon — higher elevation, cooler air, pure desert beauty. I wandered past old mining ruins, soaking in the silence and relief from the valley floor below.
But as the sun dipped and shadows filled the canyon, I turned to head back — and that’s when I heard it.
That unmistakable rattle.
A huge coiled rattlesnake was inches away in the rocks, tail vibrating, eyes locked on me.
I froze. Then leapt backward.
That snake could have struck. But it didn’t. It warned me.
Shaken but grateful, I made it back to my truck. And you better believe I remembered my own list:
1) Be prepared.
2) Don’t go alone without telling someone.
3) Respect the wild — it doesn’t owe you anything.
Nature is beautiful. But it’s wild. Stay safe out there.
Weekend Idea: Pan for Gold and Play History Detective!
Looking for a local adventure to share with your kiddos or grandkids? Here’s one of my absolute favorites — and little George agrees!
The Gold Rush Museum in Auburn is a gem tucked inside a historic train depot, complete with railroad tracks and train cars just outside the door. Step inside and you’ll find a walk-through mining tunnel, a bubbling gold panning creek (yes, with pans!), a cozy little theater, and colorful exhibits that bring California’s Gold Rush history to life.
But the real treasure? Watching kids light up as they pan for gold, explore the tunnel, and climb up on those old train cars like pint-sized pioneers.
Here’s a snapshot of my grandson George, striking a pose at the museum’s adorable “miner photo frame” stop — it’s made just for kids and makes for a great memory.
If you’re looking for a fun way to blend history, fresh air, and a bit of local magic, this is it.
Your Words Matter (more than you know)
One of the kindest things you can do for an author (besides reading the book!) is to leave a quick review. Just a sentence or two about what you loved can help other readers discover Tales from a Rogue Ranger and Trip Tales: From Family Camping to Life as a Ranger.
Your reviews don’t just help others find the books — they also keep me encouraged and inspired to keep writing the next adventure. 🥰
👉 If you’ve read one (or both!) of my books, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to share your thoughts!
Thanks for being part of the adventure!
Have a question, want to share your own outdoor story, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you!
Stay wild, Rose
I love your stories!! Great adventures with you Rose! I feel like I’m there!