[JohnTheLuck]

Day 21:

Start point: Twentynine Palms, CA
End point: Twentynine Palms, CA

Distance driven: 222 km
Distance hiked: 1.7 km

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

True to the gloomy weather forecast, we woke up in a heavy rain at times, and without hope of any improvement during the day. What do you want, you have to do with. The rain sometimes offers opportunities for interesting photos, and that's what we tried to find today. Of course, with flood warnings, we only traveled on established roads, forgetting off-road trails.

At the gas station this morning, we met two people working at Joshua Tree NP. They directed us to a waterfall flowing only when there is rainfall. It is located in Rattlesnake Canyon, formed of interlocking rocks of thorny bushes. Approaching the parking lot, we saw it in the distance, on the beige hill in the foreground.




We tried for about an hour to sneak between the rocks to see her, but lost time, the rain and thorny busts were right of us. On the other hand, we have seen the stream into which it flows. This stream is normally dry and provides easier access to the waterfall.




Subsequently, we circulated on the various roads of the park, seizing the opportunities for photos. In many places, the washes crossed the road and there was a lot of water accumulation.






At the altitude we were located, the clouds were very low and the mist added a dramatic effect to the landscapes.




As we reach the southern part of the park, located in the Colorado desert, the rain has stopped and the wind has risen.








On the way back, as we approached Twentynine Palms, the sky was breaking through the clouds, bringing some hope for tomorrow.


.

[MAST4R]

More great pics, thanks!

Yeah, I am very curious about the weather this coming weekend as well. I don't think we had strong rains in C. AZ. Those can tear up the trails quite quickly.

[final]

Beautiful wildflowers!

[JohnTheLuck]

Originally Posted by MAST4R

More great pics, thanks!

Yeah, I am very curious about the weather this coming weekend as well. I don't think we had strong rains in C. AZ. Those can tear up the trails quite quickly.

Originally Posted by final

Beautiful wildflowers!

Thanks guys!

When we were at Cottonwood Visitor Center, the ranger told us they received 1 inch of rain today, but they didn't notice any new damage. Hopefully, the trails we will get on the next few days are still ok.

[JohnTheLuck]

Day 22:

Start point: Twentynine Palms, CA
End point: Twentynine Palms, CA

Distance driven: 150 km
Distance hiked: 12.9 km

As we hoped yesterday, we got up with a partly cloudy sky, contrasting with yesterday's rainy conditions. As the winds were very light, we took the opportunity to go on a long hike in the northern Joshua Tree NP hills, the North View Loop then back through the northern portion of The Maze Loop. The trail crosses several peaks and passes in succession before descending into a wash for the return.












This loop crosses several zones of vegetation, according to the exposure to the sun and the presence of water. Desert plants have obviously adapted to extreme conditions by using several strategies to conserve water, the most common of which is the small size of the leaf surface. Here, a shrub of the family of oaks with its tiny leaves.




After completing the loop, we hiked the short Hidden Valley Trail, completely surrounded by hills that concentrated the water during the rains. This little oasis was used around 1930 to hide stolen cattle. Today, it is a spectacular place covered by one of the most popular trails in the park with hikers and mountaineers. We had a lot more traffic than we expected.




After the Hidden Valley Trail, we needed peace of mind and the 4Runner was hungry for some dirt roads. We then headed for the unpaved Covington Flats road giving access to backcountry trailheads in Joshua Tree NP. The goal of finding tranquility has been fulfilled because we have only crossed one vehicle. The road contained traces of yesterday's rainfall with many crevasses and pools of water.




The place is very favorable to the growth of the Joshua Trees and we have seen very large and supplied specimens.




We made a small detour to Eureka Peak. Almost at the top, a Joshua Tree was blocking the road, probably uprooted by the strong winds that raged then.




We walked the rest of the road to a very windy promontory overlooking the Palm Springs area we visited a few days ago. The low sun and the glare of the clouds did not allow to appreciate the sight which was to be superb the morning rather than the evening. We still managed to distinguish the wind turbines of San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm.




Tomorrow, we leave Twentynine Palms and cross Joshua Tree NP for the last time before traveling the long Bradshaw Trail to Blythe CA.
.

[JohnTheLuck]

Day 23:

Start point: Twentynine Palms, CA
End point: Blythe, CA

Distance driven: 312 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km

We left Twentynine Palms early this morning because we had a busy day, at least for the distance to be travelled.

Taking advantage of the rising sun, we made a first stop at Cholla Garden in Joshua Tree NP. A short path winds through the cholla cacti and the low morning light makes them shine.






Then, as I had promised before to my wife, we made a long stop at the flower fields located near the southern entrance of Joshua Tree NP. Sorry guys, but I have the feeling my off-road trip is becoming a botanical trip with all those wild flowers.




Leaving Joshua Tree NP, we continued our route toward Blythe by taking off-road trails, and not the interstate. We first drove the Red Canyon Road, following the canyon on a ridge before joining the Bradshaw Trail.










On the Bradshaw Trail, we reached the mouth of Red Canyon that we traveled partially, a fun and beautiful diversion.




We then began our long progression on the Bradshaw Trail eastbound. We had traveled the beginning of this road a few days ago. We follow the railroad track for a while, and then while crossing it, we noted that the rails had been removed and only the grade is left. I had read that it was planned to destroy the entire line, including the big bridge crossing the wash over the Bradshaw Trail. Better go before it is too late.




The Bradshaw Trail runs through vast expanses of desert and we only passed a few vehicles despite the fact that we were on the weekend. But the road is very beautiful and easy.




Some interesting points can be found along this road, some cars abandoned a long time ago, but also this sailboat that has seen better days.




We made a slight detour to see the Roosevelt Mine. Not much to see there but a few pits and tunnels, all closed by metal barriers.




Finally, as we had finished the Bradshaw Trail a little ahead of our schedule, we decided to go for a ride to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, along the Colorado River. At the destination, the sun was about to set.




Tomorrow, we will explore the Blythe region.
.

[jimmynotjim]

We just passed reach other! I went up there yesterday and just got back to San Diego.

Wish I'd know about Covington Flats being open. The rangers told us everything on dirt was closed. Ended up cutting out trip short since we couldn't go many places with our dog and had taken her thinking she could get out and stretch on the dirt roads.

Looks like you made the best of the weather. Looking forward to what this trip brings you next.

[JohnTheLuck]

Originally Posted by jimmynotjim

We just passed reach other! I went up there yesterday and just got back to San Diego.

Wish I'd know about Covington Flats being open. The rangers told us everything on dirt was closed. Ended up cutting out trip short since we couldn't go many places with our dog and had taken her thinking she could get out and stretch on the dirt roads.

Looks like you made the best of the weather. Looking forward to what this trip brings you next.

I was kind of disappointed also after speaking to the rangers when they told us every dirt roads were closed. I found out this wasn't true. I think they want to protect themselves if something happen to someone on these roads. The only dirt roads that were clearly marked closed were Geologic Tour, Berdoo Canyon, and Eagle Mine Road.

For Covington Flats, there was a lot of water crossing and deep gullies which could have been a problem with stock tires, but apart from this I should be ok. For sure, it was impassable for cars.

Even when the weather is not so great, I find many times that this leads to great photo ops.

There is still a lot of off-road and hiking trails planed for this trip (and probably more flowers for my wife...). We are slowly reaching the half-point now. It has been a blast so far!

[JohnTheLuck]

Day 24:

Start point: Blythe, CA
End point: Blythe, CA

Distance driven: 362 km
Distance hiked: 2.0 km

Today, we explored the Blythe surroundings beginning with the Blythe Intaglios, drawings made on the ground that are much better defined and larger than the ones we saw earlier.




The road continues towards a promontory facing the mountains of Big Maria Mountains Wilderness.



The view at the end of the road was beautiful, with cultivated fields irrigated by the waters of the Colorado River slightly visible before the fields.







Then we continued the road along the Colorado River to reach Parker Dam, forming Havasu Lake.




A little further north we saw Whitsett Intake, the Colorado River Aqueduct's Havasu Lake intake, a huge project made in 1930 to carry fresh water over 390 km to the city of Los Angeles by a system of tunnels, reservoirs, and pumping stations. Three pipes of 16 feet in diameter are used to convey the water.




The water pumped by Whitsett Intake leads to the Gene Reservoir and the Gene Pumping Station.




The water rises even higher towards the Copper Basin Reservoir, then it descends by gravity through a series of tunnels. In the coming days, we will cross the path taken by this aqueduct and will see other pumping stations and reservoirs.

On the road, we saw a rather unusual and contrasting group, be swamps, mesa, cacti, and a lake.




We then began a series of roads around the Whipples Mountains, an area very rich in abandoned mines and scenery. At the beginning, we passed the Colorado River Aqueduct. At regular intervals, vents are arranged to provide air into the tunnel to facilitate the flow of water. We heard the water running under our feet.




In many places we have encountered large expanses of black rock, dotted with rare plants. Nobody around, we were well alone in our great desert.




Further, as we reached the D and W Mine, our loneliness was quickly erased when we saw no less than 15 vehicles present, with a small crowd enjoying the sun while having a drink, beer, wine, and others !!! What a contrast.

We spoke with several people who noted the Quebec 4Runner license plate. Some even recommended other interesting sites in the area. They were very nice people, enjoying these beautiful places too.

We also ventured into the depths of the earth in a gallery of the copper mine.




We followed the group to the nearby American Eagle Mine. Here, some structures including this one overlooking a vertical well.






Leaving the mine and the group, the clouds had just appeared. Nothing too worrying about flash floods, but since it was also a bit late, we did not visit other mines. The splendid landscapes succeeded one after the other.






We joined the paved road as the rain began to fall. We do not think trail conditions will be affected.

Tomorrow we will leave Blythe CA. Following information received by @MAST4R , it is very likely that we will deviate from the planned route to spend some time in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Decision time is tomorrow morning!
.

[final]

I am probably in the minority, but I think the wildflowers make the desert pictures pop.

Most, if not all of us, think wildflowers are in the Spring. Seeing them in bloom in February is a rare treat!

[lakerman]

Your definitely making me hunger for adventure...looks like your fellowman back home are busy shoveling roofs,those collapses are scary.

[JohnTheLuck]

Originally Posted by final

I am probably in the minority, but I think the wildflowers make the desert pictures pop.

Most, if not all of us, think wildflowers are in the Spring. Seeing them in bloom in February is a rare treat!

Yes, I am just kidding about flowers and my wife. You should hear her we we drive past some of them! We are really luck to have these flowers at that time of the year. It wasn't expected at all.

Originally Posted by lakerman

Your definitely making me hunger for adventure...looks like your fellowman back home are busy shoveling roofs,those collapses are scary.

Yep, very glad to be here! Hopefully, my house will not suffer any damage.

[JohnTheLuck]

Day 25:

Start point: Blythe, CA
End point: Needles, CA

Distance driven: 546 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km

Having decided to modify our itinerary a bit as recommended by @MAST4R (thanks again!) , we got up early to minimize the impact on the rest of the day.

Our first destination was The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona, southeast of Blythe (while our final destination was rather north). We drove the road to Palms Canyon, then Queen Canyon.








Then we traveled another route suggested by MAST4R passing by the Plamosa Mountains. This road, a combination of 0080 and 0080A/E/F/G, offered stunning scenery, interesting obstacles, sand dunes, and enough narrow passages between bushes for the 4Runner to come home with long memories of the painting.








As we approached Plamosa Mountain, the sand gave way to the rocks. The site had a host of sites of ancient mines, but no remains other than wells or galleries.




We then left Arizona to resume our planned itinerary, having omitted a few points scheduled at the beginning of the day. The first point was Rice Shoe Fence, a fence in Rice's ghost town where people hung pairs of shoes. Who knows how it started, but there are probably a few thousand pairs!




Then we went to see the remnants of the Iron Mountain Camp, established during the Second World War to train soldiers before their departure for Africa. There is very little visible on the ground except this rock chapel and a representation of the entire territory of the camp. Everything is clearly visible on Google Maps.




We also crossed the Colorado River Aqueduct twice, and saw the Iron Mountain Pump Station in the distance. But like the other facilities, it's impossible to get anywhere tonight. Yesterday, while trying to get a better view of Gene Pump Station, someone in a pickup truck even came to watch us from a distance.




We hesitated for a long time on the 75-kilometer Cadiz Road through the heart of the Mojave Desert. The presence of threatening clouds and even light rain made us hesitate, in addition to the late hour. We finally decided to go through it quickly and see if it would deserve a more thorough visit later. The place is really in the middle of nowhere and we only met a truck coming back from a mine at the very beginning.




In many places, pools reminded us of recent rainfall.




In the distance, we saw the Cadiz Dunes that we were supposed to get a closer look at. Another time maybe.




We finally reached the northern end of the Cadiz road when the sun had just disappeared under the horizon. The threatening clouds then took on beautiful colors.



This is when the loss of time began; as we joined a three-way crossing, a train appeared. After its passage, the barriers remained lowered preventing us from advancing. The reason, a second train in reverse on another way ... We do not see anyone for more than an hour, then we have to wait for two trains in the middle of nowhere!!!

Having taken the road again, we ended up with a roadblock and indications that Route 66 to Needles was closed. We had to move away from Needles to the west for a detour of probably 30 to 40 km. On I-40, we had to travel 100 km to finally reach Needles. Many attractions are accessible only by Route 66, it is possible that we can not visit them. We will inform ourselves tomorrow.
.

[JohnTheLuck]

Day 26:

Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Needles, CA

Distance driven: 211 km
Distance hiked: 4.4 km

Once again we had a great day under a cloudless sky in the Mojave desert. The temperature is however a little cool for the season, with a maximum of 12C only.

After a short visit to the BLM Needles Field Office to inquire about the conditions of the area's roads, we headed to the southern border of Mojave Trails NM to travel the Turtle Mountain Road followed by the Sunflower Springs Road. These roads form a circular arc of more than 85 km through very remote places, passing by many wildernesses areas.




After a while, we made a short loop on Brown's Camp Road flowing through a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. At this location, the greenery is very present and is mainly composed of a small flowering plant.






We stopped to see the Lost Arch Inn (Brown's Camp) and the mine nearby. The name comes from a legend which states that the setting sun passes in an arch located near a huge gold vein. Obviously, nobody has found it yet!




As for most mines in this region, it consists of an inclined well and for obvious security reasons, access is restricted by a metal grid.






On our way back toward Turtle Mountains Road, we found that the mountains to the west of the valley formed an inclined plane.






At the intersection with Turtle Mountains Road, a mailbox was there, quite alone in the desert. Inside, some items left by passers-by including a notebook that we signed.




After reaching a summit, we started a long descent to a wash, followed by an equivalent rise on Sunflower Spring Road. The absence of large vegetation allows for a view of several tens of kilometers, something that Eastern Canadians are not used to.






We made another detour to the Old Woman Mountains Preserve, a significant place for Indians for centuries. The place is enchanting with carved and very colorful rocks.










Towards the end of Sunflower Springs Road, we came across some wells for the cattle, because yes, even in this desert here we find these. We also crossed several tracks and other thinks...




Tomorrow we begin our visit to Mojave National Preserve.
.

[MAST4R]

You are back early today!

I am curious what the Mojave Rd will be like with all the rain.