In 1933, an unknown photographer found this view of the snow-covered southern Sierra Nevada irresistible. This photographer stood on the northwest side of the Red Mountain–Trona Road, which was dirt at the time; the Spangler Hills are behind the photographer. The Garlock Fault, a major tectonic feature of the Mojave Desert, crosses the midground. Small-scale mining operations, probably seeking gold, were operating in this valley when the photograph was taken (note buildings at right midground). Livestock grazing, primarily cattle, also occurred in this valley. The vegetation is Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) and Ambrosia dumosa (white bursage) in the foreground. (photographer unknown, courtesy of Roberta Starry)