Joshua Tree, Geology Tour Road on Sunday, October 22nd, 2017

J

jdotlim

New member
Hello Guys,

I am planning on camping with my family on October 22nd in Joshua Tree, I've only drove off-road there once, and it was on the Geology Tour Road, but only to the squaw tank, because the sign said 4x4 only. Every where I am reading, it says 2WD will make it, just air down and drive. I do not plan on going into Berdoo Canyon, just through the loop and back out.

If anyone would like to join me on this trip for the day that would be awesome. Gives me a piece of mind that someone is with me instead of adventuring out alone.

Let me know if you want to join! I plan on getting to the trail head around 10-11AM. I am driving from Orange County.
 
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For what it's worth, the geology tour road is easily doable in 2wd. I've taken civics, a corolla and an old buick sedan over it without issue. Never aired down either. Also, it gets moderately steady traffic on weekends-so as long as you start it by shortly after noon more people should be coming through and you can't get too stuck.

The only consideration I'd make is that as always (whether your vehicle is stock or not), make sure you have enough water for everyone in your vehicle for a 48 hour period.

Anyways, have fun-Joshua Tree is beautiful.
 
i will echo bringing more water than you think you'll need. at least a few extra gallons. i always pack my 5g igloo jug plus my camelbak bladder full and full nalgenes for the front seats. water and some protein bars.

gold crown road would be pretty chill for 2WD with low psi. just keep it in 3rd the entire time you're barreling through there. love that road.
 
4rcybr said:
For what it's worth, the geology tour road is easily doable in 2wd. I've taken civics, a corolla and an old buick sedan over it without issue. Never aired down either. Also, it gets moderately steady traffic on weekends-so as long as you start it by shortly after noon more people should be coming through and you can't get too stuck.

The only consideration I'd make is that as always (whether your vehicle is stock or not), make sure you have enough water for everyone in your vehicle for a 48 hour period.

Anyways, have fun-Joshua Tree is beautiful.
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awesome, thanks for the heads up. I was afraid haha.
 
grave said:
i will echo bringing more water than you think you'll need. at least a few extra gallons. i always pack my 5g igloo jug plus my camelbak bladder full and full nalgenes for the front seats. water and some protein bars.

gold crown road would be pretty chill for 2WD with low psi. just keep it in 3rd the entire time you're barreling through there. love that road.
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should i keep it in 4th or 3rd for geology? or D would be okay?
 
I mean, whatever is good for you. I just like to use the engine to brake a bit when on dirt rather than the brakes themselves.
 
jdotlim said:
should i keep it in 4th or 3rd for geology? or D would be okay?
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I'm really thrown off by your comment here lol. I suggest you don't go out alone given whats been said unless you are well prepared.

Joshua Tree is simple and easy but you will be offroad, there will likely be 0 cell coverage, you will have no access to services, what if you get a flat?, you will have no cell GPS ability so unless you download maps ahead of time you can get lost. There is no water out there. If you run out then you could be in real trouble. There is no extra gas either.

Regarding the gearing I suspect you will be going 10-15 mph most or all of the way on Geology Tour road. I've driven it 3 times and it has always been slow and dusty.
 
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BrianSD_42 said:
I'm really thrown off by your comment here lol. I suggest you don't go out alone given whats been said unless you are well prepared.

Joshua Tree is simple and easy but you will be offroad, there will likely be 0 cell coverage, you will have no access to services, what if you get a flat?, you will have no cell GPS ability so unless you download maps ahead of time you can get lost. There is no water out there. If you run out then you could be in real trouble. There is no extra gas either.

Regarding the gearing I suspect you will be going 10-15 mph most or all of the way on Geology Tour road. I've driven it 3 times and it has always been slow and dusty.
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I appreciate your concern. I will be with 4 other people in my car. I've driven on dirt/sand before at Anza Fish Creek/Sandstone Canyon. And I will be prepared. I will have a cooler full of water, I have a spare tire, 5 gallon of gas, max trax, straps, etc. Obviously straps won't work if no one is there to pull me lol. I will have a map of Geology Tour Road with me, I've prepared myself by watching youtube videos of people finishing the loop as well. I don't have many friends who goes off road, if I don't go, I would probably never go. Thanks again for your concern though.
 
85straight said:
You do now! There are a few runs a month going on here and other forums. Join us and gain some experience
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yeah, I plan on trying to get more runs in with you guys! Wish this was not the same weekend the other guys are going to Anza. I will try to make it out next time. Thank you guys for being friendly.
 
Agreed, a very easy and scenic ride. Wifey and I love Jtree and whenever she wants to go, I say, "Can we do Berdoo?"

Coming from the park side, its a totally easy drive. But you will have ZERO cell signal. And if you broke down, you could wait for a passer-by but they will probably be a hipster in a Subaru and no help. Or worse, a Jeeper.

There is a fork in the road that says "One Way" at 33.92752,-116.07717. Turn right.

At 33.91040,-116.05755 you can turn left to loop back around the way you came. But if you go right its a beautiful drive.

If you choose to go right, you'll be fine till 33.83368,-116.07350. If that spot doesnt bother you, then you are good to go all the way thru!

Have fun!
 
cdiset said:
Agreed, a very easy and scenic ride. Wifey and I love Jtree and whenever she wants to go, I say, "Can we do Berdoo?"

Coming from the park side, its a totally easy drive. But you will have ZERO cell signal. And if you broke down, you could wait for a passer-by but they will probably be a hipster in a Subaru and no help. Or worse, a Jeeper.

There is a fork in the road that says "One Way" at 33.92752,-116.07717. Turn right.

At 33.91040,-116.05755 you can turn left to loop back around the way you came. But if you go right its a beautiful drive.

If you choose to go right, you'll be fine till 33.83368,-116.07350. If that spot doesnt bother you, then you are good to go all the way thru!

Have fun!
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I think your coordinates is telling to go into Berdoo Canyon, which I do not want to go in haha. I plan on staying on Geology all the way, and looping. From the videos, all seem like just a dirt/sand trail. Nothing more. I hope it is right. haha
 
I'll be in Jtree that weekend but will probably be doing some rock climbing. This sounds pretty chill. I have done geology tour road with a subaru outback with no problem.
 
If you plan on having fun (speeding a bit) on a dirt road, it is better to drive in a lower gear than D so you get engine braking in case a big rut, drop, turn comes up. If you are cruising slow then D is fine. Without engine braking, slamming on the brakes could fully compress your suspension and damage it or lose traction and slide into an obstacle.
 
jdotlim said:
Hello Guys,

I am planning on camping with my family on October 22nd in Joshua Tree, I've only drove off-road there once, and it was on the Geology Tour Road, but only to the squaw tank, because the sign said 4x4 only. Every where I am reading, it says 2WD will make it, just air down and drive. I do not plan on going into Berdoo Canyon, just through the loop and back out.

If anyone would like to join me on this trip for the day that would be awesome. Gives me a piece of mind that someone is with me instead of adventuring out alone.

Let me know if you want to join! I plan on getting to the trail head around 10-11AM. I am driving from Orange County.
Click to expand...

Am I not going with you now?
 
jdotlim said:
Yes! You Are! I have not heard from you through PM, so I assumed you were busy that day or something HAHA. I am glad you responded now. I will message you my number. Thank you.
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Oh you're in for a wild time with [MENTION=117408]Oneluv13T4R[/MENTION] going along. Good thing you have straps. hahahha.
 
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