usdashworks
New member
keep these photos coming, they are inspiring me to get out and see the country....
now to just find the time....
now to just find the time....
JohnTheLuck's Adventures Thread
- Thread starter JohnTheLuck
- Start date
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks! No worry, photos will still be coming everyday until we drive back home (which is too near now...). And if you like great scenery, wait for today's post, in about two hours!!!
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 43:
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 329 km
Distance hiked: 10.3 km
After finally settling our credit card problems, we headed back to Death Valley NP to hike the Badlands Loop trail from Zabriskie Point. The view is absolutely grandiose given the variety of colors and shapes dominated by Manly Beacon, all covered with morning lighting. What a delight!
This very popular trail runs along a ridge offering a great panoramic view, before joining a succession of washes.
Arrived at an intersection, we decided to make a detour to reach Manly Beacon then Red Cathedral, an area at the bottom of huge columns of reddish rocks carved by erosion. People had gone up to the promontory we wanted to reach.
After finishing this superb hike, we went onto Badwater Road finally open again. We saw a few places where the debris flows had covered the road during heavy rainfall, but nothing extreme as we had been told. I guess it's the safety of people that's important.
This road runs along spectacular panoramas. Unfortunately, some points of interest were still closed, including the famous Artist Drive, and Devils Golf Course. Maybe we'll be lucky before we leave.
Then we travelled the Chloride Cliffs Road, climbing the mountains overlooking Keane Wonder Mine that we had visited yesterday.
There are several points of view towards Death Valley at the top of the mountain. Keane Wonder Mine is however not visible from the places we went.
Other allow to see Amargosa Valley.
This place has a number of tunnels and mine shafts. A small tunnel has already collapsed and allows to enter safely.
We started our descent while the sun was already very low. We bifurcated to finish in Nevada rather than California, to save a long detour in Death Valley NP.
While we had almost reached the paved road, a barricade was erected by four donkeys, the air determined not to let us pass. These animals do not fear man even if they live free in nature. As we moved slowly, they wisely moved to the side of the road. One of them was probably a youngster, with his puffy fur.
As the last rays of sun illuminated the mountain tops, another great photographic opportunity came to us.
Tomorrow we should explore the southern end of Death Valley NP, an area still unknown to us. There will certainly be nice surprises, like every day since the beginning of the trip.
.
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 329 km
Distance hiked: 10.3 km
After finally settling our credit card problems, we headed back to Death Valley NP to hike the Badlands Loop trail from Zabriskie Point. The view is absolutely grandiose given the variety of colors and shapes dominated by Manly Beacon, all covered with morning lighting. What a delight!
This very popular trail runs along a ridge offering a great panoramic view, before joining a succession of washes.
Arrived at an intersection, we decided to make a detour to reach Manly Beacon then Red Cathedral, an area at the bottom of huge columns of reddish rocks carved by erosion. People had gone up to the promontory we wanted to reach.
After finishing this superb hike, we went onto Badwater Road finally open again. We saw a few places where the debris flows had covered the road during heavy rainfall, but nothing extreme as we had been told. I guess it's the safety of people that's important.
This road runs along spectacular panoramas. Unfortunately, some points of interest were still closed, including the famous Artist Drive, and Devils Golf Course. Maybe we'll be lucky before we leave.
Then we travelled the Chloride Cliffs Road, climbing the mountains overlooking Keane Wonder Mine that we had visited yesterday.
There are several points of view towards Death Valley at the top of the mountain. Keane Wonder Mine is however not visible from the places we went.
Other allow to see Amargosa Valley.
This place has a number of tunnels and mine shafts. A small tunnel has already collapsed and allows to enter safely.
We started our descent while the sun was already very low. We bifurcated to finish in Nevada rather than California, to save a long detour in Death Valley NP.
While we had almost reached the paved road, a barricade was erected by four donkeys, the air determined not to let us pass. These animals do not fear man even if they live free in nature. As we moved slowly, they wisely moved to the side of the road. One of them was probably a youngster, with his puffy fur.
As the last rays of sun illuminated the mountain tops, another great photographic opportunity came to us.
Tomorrow we should explore the southern end of Death Valley NP, an area still unknown to us. There will certainly be nice surprises, like every day since the beginning of the trip.
.
MAST4R
New member
Yes, these are indeed great pictures! I, too, love that hike. I carried one of my kids on my back on it but it was still great.
On a different but related note, my 4R made one year yesterday. I had it detailed twice by a vary good shop over its first year but after the last 6 miles of tight brush I decided that it is time to take control. So, I washed it, clayed it using the modern version of a clay bar, the Mother 2.0, then used rubbing compound on the two sides, and then used "Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus" wax. The result is stellar, with the headlight-to-taillight pinstripping hard to see even for me.
Hopefully, it will get dirty next weekend already but the point was to clean it thoroughly and seal the paint. I also read that some folks put wax and just leave it there going into brushy areas (without wiping it off). Apparently it helps the brush slide off the paint.
On a different but related note, my 4R made one year yesterday. I had it detailed twice by a vary good shop over its first year but after the last 6 miles of tight brush I decided that it is time to take control. So, I washed it, clayed it using the modern version of a clay bar, the Mother 2.0, then used rubbing compound on the two sides, and then used "Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus" wax. The result is stellar, with the headlight-to-taillight pinstripping hard to see even for me.
Hopefully, it will get dirty next weekend already but the point was to clean it thoroughly and seal the paint. I also read that some folks put wax and just leave it there going into brushy areas (without wiping it off). Apparently it helps the brush slide off the paint.
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JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 44:
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 259 km
Distance hiked: 4.8 km
Once again we had a great sunny day, with temperatures approaching 20C. We took the opportunity to explore the southern region of Death Valley NP.
To begin, we drove the Alexander Hills Road, encircling these hills and being sometimes quite narrow and too close to the cliff.
The road joins several mines in its highest part, but most have few vestiges and the tunnels are either too unstable to venture into or simply blocked. However, the panoramas it offers are superb. We saw in the distance the Dumont Dunes.
Further, the road enters a wash becoming narrower and crossing passages with colorful rocks.
While we were almost at the end of this road, a little surprise was waiting for us, a step of almost 50 cm that we had to go down with an angle. Because of lack of nearby rocks, we had to shovel sand and gravel to make a ramp to allow us to progress.
After having negotiated the step and reached the end of the road, we came back a little on Sperry Wash Road to see the Western Talc Mine. The bright white contrasted with the other surrounding rocks. Nature likes contrasts.
Continuing westward on Sperry Wash Road, we entered a canyon lined with beautiful cliffs carved by water.
Sperry Wash flows into the Amargosa River which travels a great distance into the earth, and flowing to the surface in a few places, including the one we were exploring. We had to cross it many times, but the challenge was not very hard.
Further on, we had to relax our legs a bit, we explored on foot a pretty canyon lined with red sedimentary rock and black volcanic.
The end of Sperry Wash Road is located near Dumont Dunes State Recreation Area. We were surprised to see only a few groups since it was Saturday.
Having completed the route, we then proceeded to Ibex Dunes Road and Ibex Springs Road. Here again, we have seen several talc mines, including the Monarch Talc Mine with some structures.
Then we explored nearby Ibex Ghost Town and Ibex Springs.
Continuing on Ibex Dunes Road, we reached the Ibex Dunes, very photogenic under the late afternoon sun.
Further on, we explored Saratoga Springs, one of the three largest in Death Valley NP. The ground was very soft because of the rain of the last days and we could not reach the edge of the water.
As we finished the road, the setting sun lit up the mountains and brought out the colors. What a great way to end another beautiful day exploring this beautiful region in the 4Runner.
Tomorrow will be our last day in Death Valley NP. Although we still hope for a re-opening of some roads, we already have a plan B in mind.
.
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 259 km
Distance hiked: 4.8 km
Once again we had a great sunny day, with temperatures approaching 20C. We took the opportunity to explore the southern region of Death Valley NP.
To begin, we drove the Alexander Hills Road, encircling these hills and being sometimes quite narrow and too close to the cliff.
The road joins several mines in its highest part, but most have few vestiges and the tunnels are either too unstable to venture into or simply blocked. However, the panoramas it offers are superb. We saw in the distance the Dumont Dunes.
Further, the road enters a wash becoming narrower and crossing passages with colorful rocks.
While we were almost at the end of this road, a little surprise was waiting for us, a step of almost 50 cm that we had to go down with an angle. Because of lack of nearby rocks, we had to shovel sand and gravel to make a ramp to allow us to progress.
After having negotiated the step and reached the end of the road, we came back a little on Sperry Wash Road to see the Western Talc Mine. The bright white contrasted with the other surrounding rocks. Nature likes contrasts.
Continuing westward on Sperry Wash Road, we entered a canyon lined with beautiful cliffs carved by water.
Sperry Wash flows into the Amargosa River which travels a great distance into the earth, and flowing to the surface in a few places, including the one we were exploring. We had to cross it many times, but the challenge was not very hard.
Further on, we had to relax our legs a bit, we explored on foot a pretty canyon lined with red sedimentary rock and black volcanic.
The end of Sperry Wash Road is located near Dumont Dunes State Recreation Area. We were surprised to see only a few groups since it was Saturday.
Having completed the route, we then proceeded to Ibex Dunes Road and Ibex Springs Road. Here again, we have seen several talc mines, including the Monarch Talc Mine with some structures.
Then we explored nearby Ibex Ghost Town and Ibex Springs.
Continuing on Ibex Dunes Road, we reached the Ibex Dunes, very photogenic under the late afternoon sun.
Further on, we explored Saratoga Springs, one of the three largest in Death Valley NP. The ground was very soft because of the rain of the last days and we could not reach the edge of the water.
As we finished the road, the setting sun lit up the mountains and brought out the colors. What a great way to end another beautiful day exploring this beautiful region in the 4Runner.
Tomorrow will be our last day in Death Valley NP. Although we still hope for a re-opening of some roads, we already have a plan B in mind.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 45:
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 521 km
Distance hiked: 2.8 km
For our last day in Death Valley NP, we hesitated for a long time between some hiking trails or making a long loop in the 4Runner in the remote areas of the park. Our hesitation came mainly from the gray weather forecasts for the day. At the decision point, the intersection of Badwater Road, we decided; the lack of sun would not have favored the hikes. We then proceeded north to join the volcanic cone Ubehebe Crater, created by a massive explosion of gas under pressure, and not by an eruption itself. In the following photo, we can appreciate the size of the crater with the people barely visible on the rim at the far left and the other going up the trail.
We then headed to Racetrack Playa, crossing Teakettle Junction invaded by too many tourists to stop there. Further, our goal appeared with its characteristic black hill. At that time, we were pampered by beautiful sunny days.
Obviously, Racetrack Playa is known worldwide for its rocks moving by themselves and leaving traces of their displacement.
After a long time on Racetrack Playa, we continued driving south on Lippincott Mine Road. This mine has two levels, lower and upper, accessible by narrow shelf roads. We visited both of them. There are several tunnels, of course, and some interesting remains including rails.
Continuing on Lippincott Mine Road, we had a beautiful view of both levels of the mine and surrounding area.
Further, the road joins Lippincott Pass and begins a long descent to Saline Valley. This road has a reputation for being very rough but it has probably been worked lately because we have only encountered a more difficult segment which required a slightly more delicate wheel placement.
We finally reached Saline Valley Road and its strange monument at the intersection, then a last look at Lippincott Mine Road before leaving.
You may remember that Saline Valley Road is the closed road between North Pass and South Pass that had to be impassable? Well, as Lippincott Mine Road joins Saline Valley near the lake, you have to pass South Pass to get back, otherwise do everything in reverse. We took a chance and try to cross South Pass. A few kilometers before reaching South Pass, the threatening clouds did not look too well.
A few minutes later, we met another 4Runner driver. He told us it was snowing at South Pass but that there was no noticeable buildup. This reassured us a little because with the advanced wear of the tires, we would have turned around in case of heavy accumulations, imposing a detour of several hours.
Immediately after South Pass, the snow stopped before we lost altitude significantly. The Panamint Valley and its dunes appeared to be a relief, confirming that our bet had been profitable.
Farther down Saline Valley Road, after crossing the beautiful Joshua Tree Forest, the person responsible for the snowfall that we suddenly experienced appeared in all its grandeur.
There was still a lot of water in Panamint Lake and we were once again blessed by an unusual scene at Death Valley NP.
The setting sun indicated the end of the day but also the end of the California portion of this trip.
Tomorrow we will explore Valley of Fires in Nevada.
.
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Pahrump, NV
Distance driven: 521 km
Distance hiked: 2.8 km
For our last day in Death Valley NP, we hesitated for a long time between some hiking trails or making a long loop in the 4Runner in the remote areas of the park. Our hesitation came mainly from the gray weather forecasts for the day. At the decision point, the intersection of Badwater Road, we decided; the lack of sun would not have favored the hikes. We then proceeded north to join the volcanic cone Ubehebe Crater, created by a massive explosion of gas under pressure, and not by an eruption itself. In the following photo, we can appreciate the size of the crater with the people barely visible on the rim at the far left and the other going up the trail.
We then headed to Racetrack Playa, crossing Teakettle Junction invaded by too many tourists to stop there. Further, our goal appeared with its characteristic black hill. At that time, we were pampered by beautiful sunny days.
Obviously, Racetrack Playa is known worldwide for its rocks moving by themselves and leaving traces of their displacement.
After a long time on Racetrack Playa, we continued driving south on Lippincott Mine Road. This mine has two levels, lower and upper, accessible by narrow shelf roads. We visited both of them. There are several tunnels, of course, and some interesting remains including rails.
Continuing on Lippincott Mine Road, we had a beautiful view of both levels of the mine and surrounding area.
Further, the road joins Lippincott Pass and begins a long descent to Saline Valley. This road has a reputation for being very rough but it has probably been worked lately because we have only encountered a more difficult segment which required a slightly more delicate wheel placement.
We finally reached Saline Valley Road and its strange monument at the intersection, then a last look at Lippincott Mine Road before leaving.
You may remember that Saline Valley Road is the closed road between North Pass and South Pass that had to be impassable? Well, as Lippincott Mine Road joins Saline Valley near the lake, you have to pass South Pass to get back, otherwise do everything in reverse. We took a chance and try to cross South Pass. A few kilometers before reaching South Pass, the threatening clouds did not look too well.
A few minutes later, we met another 4Runner driver. He told us it was snowing at South Pass but that there was no noticeable buildup. This reassured us a little because with the advanced wear of the tires, we would have turned around in case of heavy accumulations, imposing a detour of several hours.
Immediately after South Pass, the snow stopped before we lost altitude significantly. The Panamint Valley and its dunes appeared to be a relief, confirming that our bet had been profitable.
Farther down Saline Valley Road, after crossing the beautiful Joshua Tree Forest, the person responsible for the snowfall that we suddenly experienced appeared in all its grandeur.
There was still a lot of water in Panamint Lake and we were once again blessed by an unusual scene at Death Valley NP.
The setting sun indicated the end of the day but also the end of the California portion of this trip.
Tomorrow we will explore Valley of Fires in Nevada.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks! Yes, we had a lot of fun in this region. Ubehebe Crater, Racetrack and Lippincott Mine Loop was on my bucket list since a long time. Done!
Thanks for the tip on trails. We will be there tomorrow instead.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 46:
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Mesquite, NV
Distance driven: 429 km
We left Pahrump under a clear sky. As my wife loves all that is orange, and especially orange rock, the next two days should serve as an introduction and transition to our next trip that should be in Utah in the fall.
Our first destination was the Red Rock National Canyon Conservation Area, located just west of Las Vegas. As the name suggests, this site protects a very beautiful place made of red rocks and is very popular because of its proximity to the city. We only drove the scenic route as an exploration for our first visit, our time being now quite limited.
Continuing the route, we went around Las Vegas by the west then by the north, being not really attracted by big cities and preferring the wide natural spaces. We then passed close to Nellis Air Force Base as a KC 135 Stratotanker took off and two F16s landed. My son would have liked!
Our second destination was the Northshore Drive in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, created by the construction of the famous Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Our original plan was only to travel this route to make a reconnaissance for a future trip. We loved it so much that we postponed our scheduled activities in the afternoon in Valley of Fire SP for tomorrow.
At one point we could see Valley of Fire SP playing hide and seek with the hills along Northshore Drive.
Further down the road we reached Redrock, a group of red sandstone rock formations carved by water and wind.
Just a little further, as we approached a bridge spanning Echo Wash, we noticed traces of vehicles down below. Nothing like to pique our curiosity and here we are to explore this wash downstream. The water had dug a deep canyon up to 30 meters in some places.
After a few kilometers driving in the wash, we reached the shore of Lake Mead whose level is currently extremely low. The 4Runner GPS and GaiaGPS both indicated that we had been driving in the lake for a long time!
We were then immediately next to the descent of boats from the old Echo Bay marina, closed because of the water level as you can imagine ...
We then reached the paved marina road to return to the main road. At several places we could see Echo Wash that we had just traveled.
Once again reaching the Echo Wash access, we decided to go back down again to explore now the upstream portion.
As time passed, we took a road out of the wash and headed for the main road. We came across beautiful, colorful hills and towards the end, Redrock, which we had seen previously. We finally realized that we had just traveled a short section of the Bitter Springs Trail Backcountry Byway.
Tomorrow we should (again...) visit Valley of Fire State Park.
.
Start point: Pahrump, NV
End point: Mesquite, NV
Distance driven: 429 km
We left Pahrump under a clear sky. As my wife loves all that is orange, and especially orange rock, the next two days should serve as an introduction and transition to our next trip that should be in Utah in the fall.
Our first destination was the Red Rock National Canyon Conservation Area, located just west of Las Vegas. As the name suggests, this site protects a very beautiful place made of red rocks and is very popular because of its proximity to the city. We only drove the scenic route as an exploration for our first visit, our time being now quite limited.
Continuing the route, we went around Las Vegas by the west then by the north, being not really attracted by big cities and preferring the wide natural spaces. We then passed close to Nellis Air Force Base as a KC 135 Stratotanker took off and two F16s landed. My son would have liked!
Our second destination was the Northshore Drive in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, created by the construction of the famous Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Our original plan was only to travel this route to make a reconnaissance for a future trip. We loved it so much that we postponed our scheduled activities in the afternoon in Valley of Fire SP for tomorrow.
At one point we could see Valley of Fire SP playing hide and seek with the hills along Northshore Drive.
Further down the road we reached Redrock, a group of red sandstone rock formations carved by water and wind.
Just a little further, as we approached a bridge spanning Echo Wash, we noticed traces of vehicles down below. Nothing like to pique our curiosity and here we are to explore this wash downstream. The water had dug a deep canyon up to 30 meters in some places.
After a few kilometers driving in the wash, we reached the shore of Lake Mead whose level is currently extremely low. The 4Runner GPS and GaiaGPS both indicated that we had been driving in the lake for a long time!
We were then immediately next to the descent of boats from the old Echo Bay marina, closed because of the water level as you can imagine ...
We then reached the paved marina road to return to the main road. At several places we could see Echo Wash that we had just traveled.
Once again reaching the Echo Wash access, we decided to go back down again to explore now the upstream portion.
As time passed, we took a road out of the wash and headed for the main road. We came across beautiful, colorful hills and towards the end, Redrock, which we had seen previously. We finally realized that we had just traveled a short section of the Bitter Springs Trail Backcountry Byway.
Tomorrow we should (again...) visit Valley of Fire State Park.
.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
John, I've been away from the forum for a while, so just getting caught up again now. Your photos are beautiful and the reports of your progress are enjoyable! I'm sorry to hear your credit cards got hacked, but I'm glad that you apparently got everything worked out.
The National Park service at Death Valley is terrible about closing roads, often for no good reason. They also leave roads closed for years without doing repairs. It was a much better place to visit when it was a National Monument, prior to being put under control of the park service.
The National Park service at Death Valley is terrible about closing roads, often for no good reason. They also leave roads closed for years without doing repairs. It was a much better place to visit when it was a National Monument, prior to being put under control of the park service.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks for your good comments!
Yes, I have kind lost confidence in the benefit at stopping at visitor centers to get road conditions of info about places to visit. Each time, I have the feeling they want me to turn around and go home, sadly. And the Web sites are always out of date, as well as Facebook road conditions. Now, I fell that I have to take a look and decide for myself. This works for roads closed with only post signed, but many others were closed by impassable fences.
I know they have the responsibility to keep everybody safe. Not everyone drive vehicles such as a 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler. I saw someone with a stock Nissan Rogue on the Racetrack Road yesterday. The tires on this is not really adapted to the ruggedness of that road. Most of the time it is ok, but he was driving so fast over washboard section it was dangerous. People are sometime not very aware of the danger they face.
.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Also I believe the National Park Service has a mindset that is generally opposed to "off-road" vehicular access, and only allows it very grudgingly if at all. Which is why many of the trails in Death Valley have been permanently closed since they took control.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 47:
Start point: Mesquite, NV
End point: Mesquite, NV
Distance driven: 254 km
Distance hiked: 9.6 km
The day began with a gloomy weather with a completely overcast sky and frequent showers, but it got a lot better later and ended with an explosion of colors. We spent the whole day at Valley of Fire State Park, as promised yesterday ...
We started our visit by going to points of interest requiring only a short walk because of the rainfall. We drove the Scenic Loop circulating in the reddish rocks.
Farther on the Scenic Loop, Atlatl rock is a rock with many petroglyphs, including a rare illustration of an atlatl, a weapon made up of a long spear thrown with a piece of wood increasing the launch force.
Farther on the main road, we went to see Petrified Logs, large petrified coniferous trunks dating back more than 225 million years.
Then, we made a short stop at cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC, a government agency hiring people for infrastructure work to get the country out of the Great Recession. Several CCC works still exist today across the country.
Later, as the sky began to show signs of a much-needed release, we made a stop at P1 parking and randomly explored the area on the west side of the road. This area is made of very colorful sandstone rocks.
Then we hiked the Seven Wonders Loop Trail, crossing varied backgrounds and seven notable attractions. On a few occasions, we had to deal with flooded passages in tight places, but that added to the pleasure.
One of the major attractions of this trail is the Fire Wave, a zebra patterned and wind-sculpted rock, somewhat resembling the The Waves formation of Vermilion Cliffs NM in Arizona.
We finished the day as the sun went down, making the rocks shine with bright colors.
Tomorrow is unfortunately already our last day of visit before starting our long trip back to Montreal. We will finish this in beauty, I promise!...
.
Start point: Mesquite, NV
End point: Mesquite, NV
Distance driven: 254 km
Distance hiked: 9.6 km
The day began with a gloomy weather with a completely overcast sky and frequent showers, but it got a lot better later and ended with an explosion of colors. We spent the whole day at Valley of Fire State Park, as promised yesterday ...
We started our visit by going to points of interest requiring only a short walk because of the rainfall. We drove the Scenic Loop circulating in the reddish rocks.
Farther on the Scenic Loop, Atlatl rock is a rock with many petroglyphs, including a rare illustration of an atlatl, a weapon made up of a long spear thrown with a piece of wood increasing the launch force.
Farther on the main road, we went to see Petrified Logs, large petrified coniferous trunks dating back more than 225 million years.
Then, we made a short stop at cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC, a government agency hiring people for infrastructure work to get the country out of the Great Recession. Several CCC works still exist today across the country.
Later, as the sky began to show signs of a much-needed release, we made a stop at P1 parking and randomly explored the area on the west side of the road. This area is made of very colorful sandstone rocks.
Then we hiked the Seven Wonders Loop Trail, crossing varied backgrounds and seven notable attractions. On a few occasions, we had to deal with flooded passages in tight places, but that added to the pleasure.
One of the major attractions of this trail is the Fire Wave, a zebra patterned and wind-sculpted rock, somewhat resembling the The Waves formation of Vermilion Cliffs NM in Arizona.
We finished the day as the sun went down, making the rocks shine with bright colors.
Tomorrow is unfortunately already our last day of visit before starting our long trip back to Montreal. We will finish this in beauty, I promise!...
.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Awesome pics! Reminds me that I really ought to make another trip to Valley of Fire one of these days.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 48:
Start point: Mesquite, NV
End point: St George, UT
Distance driven: 277 km
Distance hiked: 3.5 km
For our last day touring for tis trip, we offered ourselves the all-new Gold Butte National Monument, designated by President Obama in 2016. To access it, we drove the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway, an easy road in excellent condition except for the part formerly paved at the beginning which is a field of potholes. This road runs in a rather remote area, and apart from a few campers at the beginning, we have the whole place to ourselves.
The first point on the road was Whitney Pocket, with its colorful hills, and a dam forming a reservoir and a shelter, both built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Further on, we reached the enchanting site of the former gold mining town of Gold Butte, located on a promontory and populated by rounded rocks.
Continuing on the other branch of the loop, we headed north. This part traveling in different rocky layers is much more colorful than the one we have taken to the south.
The northern portion of the loop circulates in a wash. As it had been raining last night, there was still a slightly muddy, slippery layer. Fortunately, another vehicle had circulated before and it was much less slippery in its tracks. My old KO2, already not that great in the mud when new, would have not be very helpful in this situation. The landscape was really beautiful with high colored cliffs.
We made a slight detour into another wash to reach one of the main highlight of this route, Little Finland, an extraordinary region where orange sandstone was carved by water and wind in strange shapes.
Tomorrow, we will make a change of oil on the 4Runner and we will then start our return. We hope to be home late Sunday afternoon, if the weather does not play tricks.
.
Start point: Mesquite, NV
End point: St George, UT
Distance driven: 277 km
Distance hiked: 3.5 km
For our last day touring for tis trip, we offered ourselves the all-new Gold Butte National Monument, designated by President Obama in 2016. To access it, we drove the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway, an easy road in excellent condition except for the part formerly paved at the beginning which is a field of potholes. This road runs in a rather remote area, and apart from a few campers at the beginning, we have the whole place to ourselves.
The first point on the road was Whitney Pocket, with its colorful hills, and a dam forming a reservoir and a shelter, both built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Further on, we reached the enchanting site of the former gold mining town of Gold Butte, located on a promontory and populated by rounded rocks.
Continuing on the other branch of the loop, we headed north. This part traveling in different rocky layers is much more colorful than the one we have taken to the south.
The northern portion of the loop circulates in a wash. As it had been raining last night, there was still a slightly muddy, slippery layer. Fortunately, another vehicle had circulated before and it was much less slippery in its tracks. My old KO2, already not that great in the mud when new, would have not be very helpful in this situation. The landscape was really beautiful with high colored cliffs.
We made a slight detour into another wash to reach one of the main highlight of this route, Little Finland, an extraordinary region where orange sandstone was carved by water and wind in strange shapes.
Tomorrow, we will make a change of oil on the 4Runner and we will then start our return. We hope to be home late Sunday afternoon, if the weather does not play tricks.
.
Last edited:
JohnTheLuck
Member
Yes indeed this is a great place. The first two times, we only passed by without really taking the time to explore. Yesterday we did just that, with only a few points we did planned. Let room for some improvisation!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 49:
Start point: St George, UT
End point: Santa Rosa, NM
Distance driven: 1025 km
States traveled: UT, AZ, NM
After a very quick oil change at Stephen Wade Toyota in St. George, Utah, we began our travel back home. The high mountains to the north-west of St. George were under a thick cloud and from the city it was seen that it was snowing heavily there. Without knowing it, we observed a phenomenon that we would suffer many times during the day.
Approaching Kanab UT, I listened to the co-pilot's advice that it would be shorter to go south to join US 89 south of Vermilion Cliffs NM than to go through Page AZ as I suggested. Well, here's what we had while the road was 7912 feet ...
For the rest of the day, each time we approached 6000 feet of altitude, clouds and snow appeared. The worst place was east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, while fairly heavy snow was falling but the hot pavement melted it to prevent accumulations.
A little further, we are still up around 6000 feet in the Cibola National Forest, but again without accumulation.
We are in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, on Route 66. Tomorrow, we will resume our journey by staying wisely on I-40 with hope for some heat and no snow.
.
Start point: St George, UT
End point: Santa Rosa, NM
Distance driven: 1025 km
States traveled: UT, AZ, NM
After a very quick oil change at Stephen Wade Toyota in St. George, Utah, we began our travel back home. The high mountains to the north-west of St. George were under a thick cloud and from the city it was seen that it was snowing heavily there. Without knowing it, we observed a phenomenon that we would suffer many times during the day.
Approaching Kanab UT, I listened to the co-pilot's advice that it would be shorter to go south to join US 89 south of Vermilion Cliffs NM than to go through Page AZ as I suggested. Well, here's what we had while the road was 7912 feet ...
For the rest of the day, each time we approached 6000 feet of altitude, clouds and snow appeared. The worst place was east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, while fairly heavy snow was falling but the hot pavement melted it to prevent accumulations.
A little further, we are still up around 6000 feet in the Cibola National Forest, but again without accumulation.
We are in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, on Route 66. Tomorrow, we will resume our journey by staying wisely on I-40 with hope for some heat and no snow.
.
MAST4R
New member
Yeah, that's normal for the area! In dry weather it is faster, yes. Page slows you down for a while. This is also the more scenic route. The section around Vermillion Cliffs and then to the intersection with the road from Page is among the best paved roads there are even though it is best when driven the other way.
