JohnTheLuck's Adventures Thread
- Thread starter JohnTheLuck
- Start date
JohnTheLuck
Member
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.
Yep, very glad to be here! Hopefully, my house will not suffer any damage.
JohnTheLuck
Member
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 [MENTION=306890]MAST4R[/MENTION] (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.
.
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 [MENTION=306890]MAST4R[/MENTION] (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
Member
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.
.
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.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
You are back early today!
I am curious what the Mojave Rd will be like with all the rain.
Rain? What rain? The white thing on the ground?!!!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 27:
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Needles, CA
Distance driven: 299 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km
The beautiful blue sky of yesterday had given way to increasing cloudiness today, with a frankly lower temperature than we had hoped.
We started our day by taking a segment of the legendary Route 66 between Needles and the almost ghost town of Goffs CA. This city flourished when the train and Route 66 were the only transport routes. The number of employees of the railway company located in Goffs even justified the construction of a school. Times have changed.
We then began our exploration of the Mojave National Preserve by driving the East Lanfair Road in the far east. Here again, we met several remains of mines abandoned to their fate.
Further, we joined the Mojave Road that we should travel tomorrow. This road was damaged during recent and closed rains. We went through the damaged section for Mark Doiron who should be here in a few weeks. For those interested, we drove from the top to the bottom of the hill, but turned around before the junction to Fort Piute. The road is very rough but manageable. The rocks were very colorful in places.
We continued on East Lanfair Road toward the north and reached views over Piute Gorge.
Continuing northward, we left Mojave National Preserve to enter Castle Mountains National Monument, designated in 2016 by President Obama and protecting rare prairies, Joshua Tree forest, and archaeological remains, not to mention beautiful mountains.
We then joined the site of the former mining town of Hart. Today there is very little left but a gold mine is still in operation.
We made the decision to abandon the rest of East Lanfair Road which becomes very remote and seldom used further north to return instead toward the south by the New York Mountains Road that we wanted to travel tomorrow, thus freeing a few hours for the coming days. This road, also in Mojave National Preserve, runs through one of the densest Joshua Tree forest we have seen so far.
Further south, the road provides access to many ranches.
The further south we went, the higher we gained in altitude and we even reached areas with some snow.
Having finished New York Mountains Road, we have traveled the Wild Horse Mesa Road and went to a viewpoint high above the valley.
As we had joined the paved road and were busy airing-up, we witness a magnificent sunset.
.
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Needles, CA
Distance driven: 299 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km
The beautiful blue sky of yesterday had given way to increasing cloudiness today, with a frankly lower temperature than we had hoped.
We started our day by taking a segment of the legendary Route 66 between Needles and the almost ghost town of Goffs CA. This city flourished when the train and Route 66 were the only transport routes. The number of employees of the railway company located in Goffs even justified the construction of a school. Times have changed.
We then began our exploration of the Mojave National Preserve by driving the East Lanfair Road in the far east. Here again, we met several remains of mines abandoned to their fate.
Further, we joined the Mojave Road that we should travel tomorrow. This road was damaged during recent and closed rains. We went through the damaged section for Mark Doiron who should be here in a few weeks. For those interested, we drove from the top to the bottom of the hill, but turned around before the junction to Fort Piute. The road is very rough but manageable. The rocks were very colorful in places.
We continued on East Lanfair Road toward the north and reached views over Piute Gorge.
Continuing northward, we left Mojave National Preserve to enter Castle Mountains National Monument, designated in 2016 by President Obama and protecting rare prairies, Joshua Tree forest, and archaeological remains, not to mention beautiful mountains.
We then joined the site of the former mining town of Hart. Today there is very little left but a gold mine is still in operation.
We made the decision to abandon the rest of East Lanfair Road which becomes very remote and seldom used further north to return instead toward the south by the New York Mountains Road that we wanted to travel tomorrow, thus freeing a few hours for the coming days. This road, also in Mojave National Preserve, runs through one of the densest Joshua Tree forest we have seen so far.
Further south, the road provides access to many ranches.
The further south we went, the higher we gained in altitude and we even reached areas with some snow.
Having finished New York Mountains Road, we have traveled the Wild Horse Mesa Road and went to a viewpoint high above the valley.
As we had joined the paved road and were busy airing-up, we witness a magnificent sunset.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 28:
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Needles, CA
Distance driven: 357 km
Distance hiked: nope
Mojave Road fans, you are in for a treat!
We were awakened this morning by the sound of rain falling from a gutter near the door of our hotel room. This did not look good for the day.
We still wanted to get to our goal of the day hoping for a change in the weather; travel the central part of the famous Mojave Road, a road originally drawn by Native Americans. It usually takes from 2 to 3 days to complete it full length in good conditions.
Once at the intersection of the Lanfair Road and Mojave Road, we were a little worried because the snow covered the path and the skies showed no sign of improvement.
After airing down, we tried our luck and reached the Penny Tree nearby, a Joshua Tree to which is suspended a tin can. Travelers can deposit a cent for good luck (not having it, I deposited 5 cents, hoping having more luck!).
The driving experience on the portion towards Penny Tree having given us confidence, we turned around to undertake the central portion toward the west. In passing, a bird of prey has observed us for a long time before taking off, seemingly wondering who was crazy enough to undertake this route in such conditions.
Further, we joined the ruins of an old stone house.
Continuing on the Mojave Road, the conditions remained essentially the same, with some snow falling at times. The traction was pretty good and the road in excellent condition. The presence of fairly thick snow ensured a very smooth ride. In addition, we could see that we were the first to browse it since the beginning of the day because no trace was visible.
Further, the road reaches the descent towards Watson Wash, rather intimidating normally, but completely senseless in today's conditions.
We preferred to make the recommended detour and return to the bottom of the slope to see the difficulty.
A little further, Government Holes are wells developed by the government at the beginning of the last century to facilitate livestock farming.
Continuing farther, we reached the place where the snow cover was then the thickest, about 10 to 12cm. Except for the short tracks of a reckless man who had tried the Mojave Road with his small city SUV for a very short distance (!), we still had no tracks in front of us.
We then made a small detour to see Marl Springs. The snow then fell again.
Further west, we joined Mojave Road Mailbox and its American flag, installed by Friends of the Mojave Road in 1983. Visitors are asked to sign the register to obtain traffic statistics.
2019-02-21 IMG_2423_1024px by Jean Lachance, on Flickr
As we lost a little altitude, we joined the demarcation between snow and rain. This transition was quite significant because in the space of a few hundred meters on Mojave Road, we transitioned to conditions more expected in a desert. We were then near Cinder Cones, ancient volcanoes with lava flows.
As we were just reaching the end of the central part of Mojave Road on Kelbaker Road, some Rangers from the park came to see what we were doing. They had seen us earlier in the morning on the Mojave Road while they were driving on the Cedar Road then parallel. They warned us against going west toward the Mojave Road because Soda Lake, a normally dry lake, would be impassable and the waterlogged soil would become a trap for any vehicle. He also informed us that the winter storm was intense enough to close the I-15 to Las Vegas, as well as US 95 to the north. This slowed down our exploration.
We then decided to go down and find a warmer temperature. We went to the Kelso Depot Visitor Center to ask for some information. The Ranger in place advised against any unpaved road (we had just traveled the Mojave Road in the snow ...). We decided to visit the Vulcan Mine located in the hills not far. No way for us to limit ourselves to paving with our vehicle!
The road to Vulcan Mine goes up, then goes down again forming a triangle. Arrived near the mine, there was little to see except a lot of snow. We climbed a steep slope to join the downhill part. At the top, we decided that the descent would be too risky and decided to turn around. We then found that the slope we had climbed was just as steep as the other slope! We were then pretty worried.
Very slowly, we descended the slope, sliding a few times but without gravity. This 4Runner is such a capable vehicle!
As it was getting late, we took the road back. Once again, the sun has managed to pierce the cloud layer, offering much more vivid landscapes.
A clearing is expected for tomorrow as we complete our visit to Mojave National Preserve and join Barstow CA for the next few days.
.
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Needles, CA
Distance driven: 357 km
Distance hiked: nope
Mojave Road fans, you are in for a treat!
We were awakened this morning by the sound of rain falling from a gutter near the door of our hotel room. This did not look good for the day.
We still wanted to get to our goal of the day hoping for a change in the weather; travel the central part of the famous Mojave Road, a road originally drawn by Native Americans. It usually takes from 2 to 3 days to complete it full length in good conditions.
Once at the intersection of the Lanfair Road and Mojave Road, we were a little worried because the snow covered the path and the skies showed no sign of improvement.
After airing down, we tried our luck and reached the Penny Tree nearby, a Joshua Tree to which is suspended a tin can. Travelers can deposit a cent for good luck (not having it, I deposited 5 cents, hoping having more luck!).
The driving experience on the portion towards Penny Tree having given us confidence, we turned around to undertake the central portion toward the west. In passing, a bird of prey has observed us for a long time before taking off, seemingly wondering who was crazy enough to undertake this route in such conditions.
Further, we joined the ruins of an old stone house.
Continuing on the Mojave Road, the conditions remained essentially the same, with some snow falling at times. The traction was pretty good and the road in excellent condition. The presence of fairly thick snow ensured a very smooth ride. In addition, we could see that we were the first to browse it since the beginning of the day because no trace was visible.
Further, the road reaches the descent towards Watson Wash, rather intimidating normally, but completely senseless in today's conditions.
We preferred to make the recommended detour and return to the bottom of the slope to see the difficulty.
A little further, Government Holes are wells developed by the government at the beginning of the last century to facilitate livestock farming.
Continuing farther, we reached the place where the snow cover was then the thickest, about 10 to 12cm. Except for the short tracks of a reckless man who had tried the Mojave Road with his small city SUV for a very short distance (!), we still had no tracks in front of us.
We then made a small detour to see Marl Springs. The snow then fell again.
Further west, we joined Mojave Road Mailbox and its American flag, installed by Friends of the Mojave Road in 1983. Visitors are asked to sign the register to obtain traffic statistics.
2019-02-21 IMG_2423_1024px by Jean Lachance, on Flickr
As we lost a little altitude, we joined the demarcation between snow and rain. This transition was quite significant because in the space of a few hundred meters on Mojave Road, we transitioned to conditions more expected in a desert. We were then near Cinder Cones, ancient volcanoes with lava flows.
As we were just reaching the end of the central part of Mojave Road on Kelbaker Road, some Rangers from the park came to see what we were doing. They had seen us earlier in the morning on the Mojave Road while they were driving on the Cedar Road then parallel. They warned us against going west toward the Mojave Road because Soda Lake, a normally dry lake, would be impassable and the waterlogged soil would become a trap for any vehicle. He also informed us that the winter storm was intense enough to close the I-15 to Las Vegas, as well as US 95 to the north. This slowed down our exploration.
We then decided to go down and find a warmer temperature. We went to the Kelso Depot Visitor Center to ask for some information. The Ranger in place advised against any unpaved road (we had just traveled the Mojave Road in the snow ...). We decided to visit the Vulcan Mine located in the hills not far. No way for us to limit ourselves to paving with our vehicle!
The road to Vulcan Mine goes up, then goes down again forming a triangle. Arrived near the mine, there was little to see except a lot of snow. We climbed a steep slope to join the downhill part. At the top, we decided that the descent would be too risky and decided to turn around. We then found that the slope we had climbed was just as steep as the other slope! We were then pretty worried.
Very slowly, we descended the slope, sliding a few times but without gravity. This 4Runner is such a capable vehicle!
As it was getting late, we took the road back. Once again, the sun has managed to pierce the cloud layer, offering much more vivid landscapes.
A clearing is expected for tomorrow as we complete our visit to Mojave National Preserve and join Barstow CA for the next few days.
.
MaddoxPics
New member
I've been enjoying catching up on your trip. Excellent pictures. Have already added a few places for me to visit this year! Hope your trip continues to go well!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks guys! We have a blast here. Flowers everywhere, now snow every where, a lot of excellent and fun trails, amazing scenery. What to ask for more?
The snow is not that bad when I drive on virgin snow. Problems arise when I drive onto other tracks where the snow is compressed, or when the trails becomes at an angle. My KO2 were fine before the trip, but as we progress and make a lot of trails with abrasive sand and gravel, the took a hard hit and they have about a quarter inch of tread left. First thing I will do when back home is buy new ones.
More post and pics to come for this second half of the trip. It should be also great.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 29:
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 493 km
Distance hiked: 2.4 km
We left Needles CA early this morning because we had a busy day. We wanted to enjoy the early morning sun to return to Granite Pass in Mojave National Preserve, because indeed, the gray of yesterday has given way to a beautiful clear sky.
Continuing towards Kelso on Kelbaker Road, we came across the Kelso Sand Dunes, with snow on the north side, a rather unusual sight.
Crossing the Kelso railroad we had to let a train through. Kelso was founded out of necessity because the trains going to the north start here a long climb towards Cima. In the old days, locomotives were added at the end of the train to help climb the slope. Today, the building houses the Mojave National Preserve Visitor Center.
The train joined us as we tried to pass under a viaduct to start Macedonia Canyon Road. Unfortunately, as the space is quite limited under the bridge, the 4Runner did not pass. We could have dug a little way, but we had better things to do.
We continued on Kelso Cima Road, then Cedar Canyon Road (Mojave Road at this location), and Black Canyon Road. Some indications are a few times out of context.
We went back to Wild Horse Mesa Road and we were once again the very first vehicle to drive on this road today. In the distance, we saw the Kelso Sand Dunes at the bottom in the valley.
We wanted to return to the viewpoint near Mid Hills Campground but with the amount of snow on the ground, it was impossible to see the road despite our GPS track from two days ago. Instead, we continued on Wild Horse Mesa Road.
We stopped to walk the Hole Trail in the Wall Ring Loop Trail. The amount of snow and the fact that the bottom of Banshee Canyon is hardly ever exposed to the sun was dangerous to pursue. We then had to be content to go around the south, located in the sun.
Then, as we reached Cima, we found that Cima Road was still closed after yesterday's snowstorm. We took a track to reach Cima Road higher up.
On Cima Road, we stopped at World War 1 Memorial.
We then started the Ivanpah Mountains Road, starting near Cima Dome, a mountain with a very gentle slope but quite high. Here again, we had a virgin road in the snow before us.
We made a small detour to see the Evening Star Mine with its buildings in excellent condition.
Then we made another detour to Riley's Camp, located at the end of a long road and located in an enchanting landscape.
We then rejoined I-15 after a long steep descent with the snow becoming slippery at times. Our last destination of the day was the Ivanpah Solar Power Plant, consisting of three generators each with a tower lit by a very large number of mirrors.
We are in Barstow for the next four nights. Tomorrow, we will probably return to Mojave National Preserve and travel through part of the western section of Mojave Road.
.
Start point: Needles, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 493 km
Distance hiked: 2.4 km
We left Needles CA early this morning because we had a busy day. We wanted to enjoy the early morning sun to return to Granite Pass in Mojave National Preserve, because indeed, the gray of yesterday has given way to a beautiful clear sky.
Continuing towards Kelso on Kelbaker Road, we came across the Kelso Sand Dunes, with snow on the north side, a rather unusual sight.
Crossing the Kelso railroad we had to let a train through. Kelso was founded out of necessity because the trains going to the north start here a long climb towards Cima. In the old days, locomotives were added at the end of the train to help climb the slope. Today, the building houses the Mojave National Preserve Visitor Center.
The train joined us as we tried to pass under a viaduct to start Macedonia Canyon Road. Unfortunately, as the space is quite limited under the bridge, the 4Runner did not pass. We could have dug a little way, but we had better things to do.
We continued on Kelso Cima Road, then Cedar Canyon Road (Mojave Road at this location), and Black Canyon Road. Some indications are a few times out of context.
We went back to Wild Horse Mesa Road and we were once again the very first vehicle to drive on this road today. In the distance, we saw the Kelso Sand Dunes at the bottom in the valley.
We wanted to return to the viewpoint near Mid Hills Campground but with the amount of snow on the ground, it was impossible to see the road despite our GPS track from two days ago. Instead, we continued on Wild Horse Mesa Road.
We stopped to walk the Hole Trail in the Wall Ring Loop Trail. The amount of snow and the fact that the bottom of Banshee Canyon is hardly ever exposed to the sun was dangerous to pursue. We then had to be content to go around the south, located in the sun.
Then, as we reached Cima, we found that Cima Road was still closed after yesterday's snowstorm. We took a track to reach Cima Road higher up.
On Cima Road, we stopped at World War 1 Memorial.
We then started the Ivanpah Mountains Road, starting near Cima Dome, a mountain with a very gentle slope but quite high. Here again, we had a virgin road in the snow before us.
We made a small detour to see the Evening Star Mine with its buildings in excellent condition.
Then we made another detour to Riley's Camp, located at the end of a long road and located in an enchanting landscape.
We then rejoined I-15 after a long steep descent with the snow becoming slippery at times. Our last destination of the day was the Ivanpah Solar Power Plant, consisting of three generators each with a tower lit by a very large number of mirrors.
We are in Barstow for the next four nights. Tomorrow, we will probably return to Mojave National Preserve and travel through part of the western section of Mojave Road.
.
Last edited:
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 30:
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 486 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km
Today again, the sky was completely clear with a temperature more and more comfortable. We started the day heading east towards a portion of Route 66 that we had not traveled. At first, we crossed a volcanic area with some quite recent craters, including the Amboy Crater.
The construction of the Interstate system has dealt a great blow to several communities and Route 66 is dotted with remnants of another era that have become curiosities today.
We reached the intersection with Cadiz Road that we traveled a few days ago. Route 66 being closed toward the east at this point, we had to make a detour. After we informed ourselves, we learned that some bridges dating from the construction of the road around 1926 had been damaged. These bridges have a wooden structure and the weather has weakened them.
We then left Route 66 to go on the Cima Dome Road in Mojave National Preserve. At first, the road crosses another volcanic field with several cones still showing some traces of snowfall. In the distance, we could slightly see Soda Lake.
Further down the road, we reached the Aiken Mine, a volcanic rock mine that was abandoned abruptly around the 1980s, with equipment left behind.
We continued on Cima Dome Road and reached an increasingly dense Joshua Tree forest. A few times, we crossed other roads including this one along a telephone line.
Near the summit of Cima Dome, snow was still very present, much more than at lower altitudes. We saw a little more trace of vehicles in the snow.
After Cima Dome Road, we went to Zzyzx harboring a research center in a most charming oasis. The access road runs along Soda Lake, showing noticeable traces of water.
Then, after going around Soda Lake, we reached the western portion of Mojave Road. It crosses Soda Lake but with recent rains the Rangers of Mojave National Preserve strongly advised us to try to cross this very big place somewhat isolated.
Following a bend, our goal was finally in sight on the shores of Soda Lake, the Traveler's Monument consisting of rocks brought by visitors to the place, including us. To our surprise, we saw in the distance a convoy of five vehicles busy crossing it.
After placing our rocks on Traveler's Monument, we turned around and took the highway back to Afton Canyon. This is one of the few places where the Mojave River flows to the surface as it flows below the ground. As it was getting late we only explored the place a little while two Jeep Wranglers crossed the river, still quite deep.
.
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 486 km
Distance hiked: 1.0 km
Today again, the sky was completely clear with a temperature more and more comfortable. We started the day heading east towards a portion of Route 66 that we had not traveled. At first, we crossed a volcanic area with some quite recent craters, including the Amboy Crater.
The construction of the Interstate system has dealt a great blow to several communities and Route 66 is dotted with remnants of another era that have become curiosities today.
We reached the intersection with Cadiz Road that we traveled a few days ago. Route 66 being closed toward the east at this point, we had to make a detour. After we informed ourselves, we learned that some bridges dating from the construction of the road around 1926 had been damaged. These bridges have a wooden structure and the weather has weakened them.
We then left Route 66 to go on the Cima Dome Road in Mojave National Preserve. At first, the road crosses another volcanic field with several cones still showing some traces of snowfall. In the distance, we could slightly see Soda Lake.
Further down the road, we reached the Aiken Mine, a volcanic rock mine that was abandoned abruptly around the 1980s, with equipment left behind.
We continued on Cima Dome Road and reached an increasingly dense Joshua Tree forest. A few times, we crossed other roads including this one along a telephone line.
Near the summit of Cima Dome, snow was still very present, much more than at lower altitudes. We saw a little more trace of vehicles in the snow.
After Cima Dome Road, we went to Zzyzx harboring a research center in a most charming oasis. The access road runs along Soda Lake, showing noticeable traces of water.
Then, after going around Soda Lake, we reached the western portion of Mojave Road. It crosses Soda Lake but with recent rains the Rangers of Mojave National Preserve strongly advised us to try to cross this very big place somewhat isolated.
Following a bend, our goal was finally in sight on the shores of Soda Lake, the Traveler's Monument consisting of rocks brought by visitors to the place, including us. To our surprise, we saw in the distance a convoy of five vehicles busy crossing it.
After placing our rocks on Traveler's Monument, we turned around and took the highway back to Afton Canyon. This is one of the few places where the Mojave River flows to the surface as it flows below the ground. As it was getting late we only explored the place a little while two Jeep Wranglers crossed the river, still quite deep.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Yes, it is kind of a marathon, but we are off since we left Montreal!!!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 31:
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 144 km
Distance hiked: 8.2 km
At the risk of repeating myself, we had another great day under the sun with a temperature of about 15C. We are very lucky.
The theme of the day was certainly the color. We started the day going by Mule Canyon Road and Phillips Loop Road, winding in a very colorful place and having been heavily mined in the past. The name of Mule Canyon comes from convoys of wagons who worked in Death Valley and operated in this region afterwards.
On Phillips Loop Road, we made a small side trip to see Kramer Arch.
Further, we reached a very rocky passage. We could have crossed it but as we had to retrace our steps, we preferred not to waste too much time. Sometimes, you have to choose your battles (wifey said no...)!
Back on Mule Canyon Road, we crossed very beautiful desert landscapes.
We made another side trip on Tin Can Alley Road to try to reach the top of a mountain where are located several antennas. Unfortunately, the road is blocked.
We made another side trip to explore a very colorful area in Sunrise Canyon that I had spotted on Google Map. Joining it by foot took a lot more effort than we expected, but the exceptional view was worth it.
Having completed Mule Canyon Road, we then went to Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Here again, the colors and strata going in all directions evoke a very tumultuous geological past.
We tried to explore on foot a canyon slot, but after three unsuccessful branches of a large drainage basin, we gave up. But we still saw beautiful landscapes, and after several days on off-road tracks, walking a little was good. On their way back to the truck, a group of students were busy with geological studies.
Finally, to end this great day, we traveled the trail Owl Canyon Trail. As the weather was running out, with the sun going down from minute to minute, we only made one section.
.
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 144 km
Distance hiked: 8.2 km
At the risk of repeating myself, we had another great day under the sun with a temperature of about 15C. We are very lucky.
The theme of the day was certainly the color. We started the day going by Mule Canyon Road and Phillips Loop Road, winding in a very colorful place and having been heavily mined in the past. The name of Mule Canyon comes from convoys of wagons who worked in Death Valley and operated in this region afterwards.
On Phillips Loop Road, we made a small side trip to see Kramer Arch.
Further, we reached a very rocky passage. We could have crossed it but as we had to retrace our steps, we preferred not to waste too much time. Sometimes, you have to choose your battles (wifey said no...)!
Back on Mule Canyon Road, we crossed very beautiful desert landscapes.
We made another side trip on Tin Can Alley Road to try to reach the top of a mountain where are located several antennas. Unfortunately, the road is blocked.
We made another side trip to explore a very colorful area in Sunrise Canyon that I had spotted on Google Map. Joining it by foot took a lot more effort than we expected, but the exceptional view was worth it.
Having completed Mule Canyon Road, we then went to Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Here again, the colors and strata going in all directions evoke a very tumultuous geological past.
We tried to explore on foot a canyon slot, but after three unsuccessful branches of a large drainage basin, we gave up. But we still saw beautiful landscapes, and after several days on off-road tracks, walking a little was good. On their way back to the truck, a group of students were busy with geological studies.
Finally, to end this great day, we traveled the trail Owl Canyon Trail. As the weather was running out, with the sun going down from minute to minute, we only made one section.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 32:
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 254 km
Once again we had a great day under the Californian sun exploring the surroundings of Barstow. To begin, we headed toward Black Canyon Road. This road crosses a normally dry lake but we had to use a little imagination to continue this morning.
Once out of the dry lake, we entered Black Canyon through a narrow passage between two volcanic lava flows. In certain places the basaltic black rock gave way to colored layers coming from ashes.
On a number of occasions, we have seen various remains dating back to the time when this passage was frequently used as a transportation route.
Further on, in Inscription Canyon, other traces of human presence went back several hundred years. This little canyon was almost covered with petroglyphs, carved on black volcanic rocks.
The book we use to plan our off-road trails date back from 2006. In the description, the Black Canyon Road was going further north, but we ran into a barrier around an area that is now restricted. We had to improvise a little with the maps loaded in our iPad in low resolution. Zigzagging, we crossed large expanses without significant attractions. At a certain point, we joined a four-lane intersection. We stopped, hesitating between which direction to go because the crossing road did not appear on our maps. I remembered the sequence at the end of the Cast Away movie while Tom Hanks was also hesitant about an intersection in the middle of nowhere.
Further on, we saw Superior Lake, another lake supposedly drained in the restricted area, that we would have to cross to continue the road. Fortunately, the forced detour prevented us from improvising again.
The restricted area forced us to abandon the end of Black Canyon Road, as well as the start of Starbright Mine Road, our second destination of the day. So we joined Starbright Mine and its hopper.
This road winds between slightly colored hills and offers beautiful views in the distance.
After completing Starbright Mine Road, and as there was plenty of time left so we went exploring the beginning of Doran Scenic Loop Road, a difficult loop with an easy to moderate beginning. This road runs through an extremely colorful area of brown, red, yellow and green rocks.
Farther, the canyon narrows and the road becomes very difficult. Obviously this was our return point.
A series of tunnels located near the beginning of the canyon are wide enough to drive through.
Finally, for the last time on this trip, we traveled the west end of Mojave Road, traveling in the bed of the river which is underground for the majority of its course.
Tomorrow we leave Barstow to join Ridgecrest a little further north. Of course, we will not use paved roads, it would not be exciting enough!
.
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Barstow, CA
Distance driven: 254 km
Once again we had a great day under the Californian sun exploring the surroundings of Barstow. To begin, we headed toward Black Canyon Road. This road crosses a normally dry lake but we had to use a little imagination to continue this morning.
Once out of the dry lake, we entered Black Canyon through a narrow passage between two volcanic lava flows. In certain places the basaltic black rock gave way to colored layers coming from ashes.
On a number of occasions, we have seen various remains dating back to the time when this passage was frequently used as a transportation route.
Further on, in Inscription Canyon, other traces of human presence went back several hundred years. This little canyon was almost covered with petroglyphs, carved on black volcanic rocks.
The book we use to plan our off-road trails date back from 2006. In the description, the Black Canyon Road was going further north, but we ran into a barrier around an area that is now restricted. We had to improvise a little with the maps loaded in our iPad in low resolution. Zigzagging, we crossed large expanses without significant attractions. At a certain point, we joined a four-lane intersection. We stopped, hesitating between which direction to go because the crossing road did not appear on our maps. I remembered the sequence at the end of the Cast Away movie while Tom Hanks was also hesitant about an intersection in the middle of nowhere.
Further on, we saw Superior Lake, another lake supposedly drained in the restricted area, that we would have to cross to continue the road. Fortunately, the forced detour prevented us from improvising again.
The restricted area forced us to abandon the end of Black Canyon Road, as well as the start of Starbright Mine Road, our second destination of the day. So we joined Starbright Mine and its hopper.
This road winds between slightly colored hills and offers beautiful views in the distance.
After completing Starbright Mine Road, and as there was plenty of time left so we went exploring the beginning of Doran Scenic Loop Road, a difficult loop with an easy to moderate beginning. This road runs through an extremely colorful area of brown, red, yellow and green rocks.
Farther, the canyon narrows and the road becomes very difficult. Obviously this was our return point.
A series of tunnels located near the beginning of the canyon are wide enough to drive through.
Finally, for the last time on this trip, we traveled the west end of Mojave Road, traveling in the bed of the river which is underground for the majority of its course.
Tomorrow we leave Barstow to join Ridgecrest a little further north. Of course, we will not use paved roads, it would not be exciting enough!
.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Great pics, and I'm getting a lot of ideas for places to visit on my future Mojave trips.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 33:
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Ridgecrest, CA
Distance driven: 275 km
Distance hiked: 2.3 km
We left Barstow to head north toward Ridgecrest CA on two off-road trails. The sky was veiled and the smog of Los Angeles filled the bottom of the valleys. The first trail, Grass Valley Road, begins with a large plain to reach Fremont Peak higher up. In the distance, the dry Lake Cuddeback Lake was clearly visible.
After visiting an old mine, we skirted Fremont Peak and headed down to the valley further north. Then, after several kilometers in a wash, we joined a very colorful and scenic area.
At this point, we had to overcome several obstacles a little more technical. We even swung the 4Runner on just two wheels by testing the flexibility of the suspension. This was the first time the locker was really helpful.
Later, we reached the Husky Memorial, started in 1987 when the Zebras motorcycle club of the desert wanted to commemorate the desert runner Jim Erickson. They brought his 1978 Husqvarna 390 motorbike to the Mojave Desert and buried it in concrete for his memorials. Over time, other desert runners began adding their own contributions to commemorate the other runners. About 100 other memorials have now joined the original one.
Then, after crossing Grass Valley Wilderness, we joined Granite Wells. We then saw this inviting road going up to a mine in a colorful mountain. We tried to join this road, but the accesses having been condemned, we gave up.
After completing Grass Valley Road, we traveled a short 10 km on a paved road to join our second off-road track of the day, the Trona Pinnacles Road. This route starts at a fairly high altitude and from the beginning, it begins a long descent in a sandy wash snaking between hills once again very colorful.
Then, after another valley, we joined the famous Trona Pinnacles which served as a filming location for a multitude of movies and science fiction series.
Finally, we have joined Ridgecrest without having used too much paved road.
.
Start point: Barstow, CA
End point: Ridgecrest, CA
Distance driven: 275 km
Distance hiked: 2.3 km
We left Barstow to head north toward Ridgecrest CA on two off-road trails. The sky was veiled and the smog of Los Angeles filled the bottom of the valleys. The first trail, Grass Valley Road, begins with a large plain to reach Fremont Peak higher up. In the distance, the dry Lake Cuddeback Lake was clearly visible.
After visiting an old mine, we skirted Fremont Peak and headed down to the valley further north. Then, after several kilometers in a wash, we joined a very colorful and scenic area.
At this point, we had to overcome several obstacles a little more technical. We even swung the 4Runner on just two wheels by testing the flexibility of the suspension. This was the first time the locker was really helpful.
Later, we reached the Husky Memorial, started in 1987 when the Zebras motorcycle club of the desert wanted to commemorate the desert runner Jim Erickson. They brought his 1978 Husqvarna 390 motorbike to the Mojave Desert and buried it in concrete for his memorials. Over time, other desert runners began adding their own contributions to commemorate the other runners. About 100 other memorials have now joined the original one.
Then, after crossing Grass Valley Wilderness, we joined Granite Wells. We then saw this inviting road going up to a mine in a colorful mountain. We tried to join this road, but the accesses having been condemned, we gave up.
After completing Grass Valley Road, we traveled a short 10 km on a paved road to join our second off-road track of the day, the Trona Pinnacles Road. This route starts at a fairly high altitude and from the beginning, it begins a long descent in a sandy wash snaking between hills once again very colorful.
Then, after another valley, we joined the famous Trona Pinnacles which served as a filming location for a multitude of movies and science fiction series.
Finally, we have joined Ridgecrest without having used too much paved road.
.
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