Bridgeman Gulch, California

A large desert valley that's located in the Mojave that protects from harsh sun and wildlife. But is often avoided as the various burrowed holes leave travellers susceptible to bandit attacks.

---

History

by Butcher (via Midjourney)

Bridgeman Gulch was first discovered by Spanish settlers in the 1700s, in hopes of avoiding attacks from native American war bands.
The valley saw an increase in utility during the California Gold Rush. Many travelling families and prospectors struggled to cross the Mojave with its insufferable heat and complete lack of shelter. When coming across Bridgeman Gulch, the high-wall valley allowed travellers to be less likely seen by any wildlife prowling the desert, and protection from the extreme heat of the sun overhead. 
Many settlers camped in the gulch for a few days to rest and recover from the desert's cruel environment. Unfortunately, they weren't alone. Ridge Crickets lived within tunnels that they etched into the cliffside walls, often attacking caravans of travellers.
To make the valley a safer path for new arrivals into California, settlers and hunters began an initiative to cull the area of any ridge crickets that still establish homes in the valley. by the end of 1851, The gulch was deemed 'threat-free'. Since 1855, no sightings of Ridge Crickets have been reported since.
Though cleared for the safety of many newcomers to the state, Bridgeman Gulch is often avoided by most travellers and traders as the area is highly susceptible to bandit ambushes.
Bandits and thieves would often camp within the tunnelled-out cliffside waiting for any poor soul who dared risk saving a few hours on their journey. The high walls allow great vantage points for snipers to dispatch anyone, and many dark tunnels that rarely see light allow for surprise attacks on unsuspecting people.
Most lawmakers and common folk advise avoiding Bridgeman Gulch. Many deputies and lawmen often raid the area to clear out gangs of criminals. But much like cockroaches, they always seem to find their way back.

Geography

by Butcher (via Midjourney)

Bridgeman Gulch is a deep valley created by the erosion of an ancient river that had long since dried up. The gulch strands nine miles out, with a narrow and steep-sided sandstone cliffside obstructing any of the horizon.
The strand of valley is shaded entirely from the direct sun unless the sun hits zenithal at noon.
Scattered all over the cliffside are hundreds of intricate tunnel entrances. Some only a few feet deep, others connecting to a vast tunnel system within the sandstone. It is believed that the tunnels were dug out by Ridge Crickets who are known to burrow into hardstone for shelter.
The tunnels have long since been vacant of any Ridge Crickets.

by Butcher (via Midjourney)

Pictured Above: Lawmen arresting known bandits at Bridgeman Gulch, 1881

Location
Mojave, California, USA
Discovered
1700s~ (Spanish settlers)
1848 (California Gold Rush)
Population
Unknown
Biome
Desert, Deep Valley