Last month we went over to California to explore some of the eastern Mojave Desert points of interest. It ended up being a very windy and cold weekend, so our original plan to camp two nights was aborted late in the second day when we split up and headed for our respective homes. In spite of the weather we managed to cover quite a bit of distance and it turned out to be a nice little adventure.
Our club actually had 2 groups exploring the same area from different directions, and ended up seeing completely different things. Below are a few pictures from our visit, but go ahead and click here to redirect to more pictures and trip reports if you'd like: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4974
Our first dirt road went alongside the railroad near Nipton, CA.
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, shown in the background here, was fascinating and surreal looking from the trail.
When Primm, NV came into view from the trail we all wondered what it was we were seeing. Finally we were close enough to see that it was a roller coaster at a hotel/casino! I wanted to ride the roller coaster, but it wasn't running, which was probably for the best because we still had some miles to cover before dark.
First night camp was in a gorgeous Joshua Tree forest. That night it was SUPER windy and gusty.
The next day we visited Riley's Camp, Morning Star Mine, Mojave Monument, Death Valley Mine, Thomas Place and Columbia Mine.
Riley's Camp
Morning Star Mine
Death Valley Mine
After lunch at the Death Valley Mine we continued south and stopped at Thomas Place where we found a series interconnected corrals. The location was beautiful, set in a Joshua Tree forest overlooking a wide valley on one side and a rocky hill on the other.
We went through Macedonia Canyon and visited the Columbia Mine. We found lots of mining relics throughout that area. Then when we got to the road we discovered an unusual obstacle; the railroad bridge was too short! So I was standing up through the passenger window of Smurftruck checking our (lack of) roof clearance, when I happened to notice the other group from our club up on the other side of the tracks!
The trail book shows you can go to another bridge about a quarter mile up the tracks, so that's what we all did and barely squeezed through.
Our group was going to camp at Thomas Place that night because we thought the corral fencing might block some wind but it it was just too cold and windy so we headed home. So even though it was cut a little short, it was still a fun weekend of sightseeing in a beautiful area!
Our club actually had 2 groups exploring the same area from different directions, and ended up seeing completely different things. Below are a few pictures from our visit, but go ahead and click here to redirect to more pictures and trip reports if you'd like: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4974
Our first dirt road went alongside the railroad near Nipton, CA.
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, shown in the background here, was fascinating and surreal looking from the trail.
When Primm, NV came into view from the trail we all wondered what it was we were seeing. Finally we were close enough to see that it was a roller coaster at a hotel/casino! I wanted to ride the roller coaster, but it wasn't running, which was probably for the best because we still had some miles to cover before dark.
First night camp was in a gorgeous Joshua Tree forest. That night it was SUPER windy and gusty.
The next day we visited Riley's Camp, Morning Star Mine, Mojave Monument, Death Valley Mine, Thomas Place and Columbia Mine.
Riley's Camp
Morning Star Mine
Death Valley Mine
After lunch at the Death Valley Mine we continued south and stopped at Thomas Place where we found a series interconnected corrals. The location was beautiful, set in a Joshua Tree forest overlooking a wide valley on one side and a rocky hill on the other.
We went through Macedonia Canyon and visited the Columbia Mine. We found lots of mining relics throughout that area. Then when we got to the road we discovered an unusual obstacle; the railroad bridge was too short! So I was standing up through the passenger window of Smurftruck checking our (lack of) roof clearance, when I happened to notice the other group from our club up on the other side of the tracks!
The trail book shows you can go to another bridge about a quarter mile up the tracks, so that's what we all did and barely squeezed through.
Our group was going to camp at Thomas Place that night because we thought the corral fencing might block some wind but it it was just too cold and windy so we headed home. So even though it was cut a little short, it was still a fun weekend of sightseeing in a beautiful area!
