We Got Mail

As you can see, we don't post much to this blog anymore, but occasionally something lands in our inbox that's worth taking a few moments to share. A gentleman named Billy Dean recently contacted us to say thank you. It turns out the information we've gathered here helped him create his own page about his experience on the Mojave Road. We're gratified that this blog is still serving a purpose. Thanks for reaching out and sharing your adventure, Billy. Happy travels...

Mojave Road Deep River Crossing Detour

Spring 2019: Recommended Alternate Route for Afton Canyon River Crossing

April 19, 2019. Mojave River, Afton Canyon, Deep Water Crossing. [Photo By John Marnell] 

From time to time the water level in two places along the Mojave Road within Afton Canyon has become deeper than some people are comfortable driving through. There have been reports of the water running as high as 30+ inches. These two crossings are described in the Mojave Road Guide as at miles 120.5 and 121.5 – a quarter mile south of the BLM Campground.

Coming from the east, you can follow the below directions thus avoiding these potential problem areas. Those driving the Mojave Road from west to east would simply reverse the instructions. The historical and cultural significance as well as the special beauty of Afton Canyon can be enjoyed but may require a bit of backtracking. A PDF of the road log is available for download here.

A map of the above route is available for download here.

Family Adventure on the Mojave Road

We ran across this family's trip on the Mojave Road and thought we'd share.

MOJAVE ROAD CLOSED OVER PIUTE RANGE: NEW DETOUR AVAILABLE

As of April 19, 2016, the National Park Service has closed the Mojave Road between Mile 27.0 and 30.5 in the Mojave National Preserve. This closure is due to a washout on the old underground telephone cable road connecting Piute Valley with Lanfair Valley. No date has been set for completion of repairs to the road.

The National Park Service recommends a 29-mile bypass on their Web page.

The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, the publishers of the official Mojave Road Guide, have developed an alternate 14.2-mile detour for Mojave Road travelers who would prefer a shorter, more historic and scenic route. A PDF with a map and road log is available for download on the home page of their Web site, www.mdhca.org.

Acceptable Behavior?!?

UPDATE: We are pleased to report that the individual discussed in this post stepped forward and apologized. We greatly appreciate his honesty and willingness to share what happened (you can see his comments below). Thank you!

We wish we didn't have to write this post. The following photos were shared by a fellow Mojave Road enthusiast who was disturbed and saddened to find someone so blatantly disrespecting and destroying something we all treasure. None of us knows who this person is, but we hope that sharing this example of thoughtless, negligent behavior will remind everyone that the Mojave Road belongs to all of us and it will only exist as long as every one of us takes care of it.

If you can't respect rules and regulations, at least find it within yourself to respect your fellow off-roaders: don't ruin the experience for everyone else. Not to mention the volunteers who put countless hours into creating and maintaining the Mojave Road for your use.

Thanks for listening, everyone. And thank you to the concerned citizen who brought this to our attention.

An April Trip on the Mojave Road

We ran across this posting about a group trip on the Mojave Road in April that we thought we'd share since it provides a lot of good information about making the journey. Click on the link below...

Syncro Safari, "Mojave Road '14"

Off-Road Basics: Trail Etiquette

This article at Driving Line provides some great pointers for people driving the Mojave Road for the first time, and important reminders for "regulars." Be safe while you're out there having fun!

Dramatic Afton Canyon a hidden oasis in the Mojave

Afton Canyon, Calif., between Baker and Barstow, is known as "the Grand Canyon of the Mojave."
(MIKE MILLER/SPECIAL TO THE LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL)

By Margo Bartlett Pesek
Las Vegas Review-Journal

One of those hidden beauty spots that delight desert lovers, scenic Afton Canyon lies off Interstate 15 between Baker and Barstow in Southern California.

Also known as “the Grand Canyon of the Mojave,” the rugged gorge carved by the intermittently flowing Mojave River is best suited to cool-season visitation. It appeals to off-highway explorers, campers, horsemen, rock hounds, photographers and wildlife watchers.

Follow I-15 south from Las Vegas toward Barstow. About 20 miles south of Baker, watch for a series of turnoffs, starting with Rasor Road, which accesses a nearby off-highway vehicle area. Keep driving on I-15, next passing Basin Road. Watch for the turnoff to Afton Canyon onto a graded road.

From the freeway, the road runs about 3½ miles to a small campground established near the Mojave River and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, which follow the water through the canyon. A sturdy railroad bridge spans the river near the campground, carrying trains that rumble across the desert several times a day — and night. The road may be used by all but the lowest-slung vehicles as far as the campground. Beyond the campground, explore marked routes using high-clearance vehicles, preferably with four-wheel drive.

The region is a complex of public and private lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management as Afton Canyon Natural Area. Because of its oasislike setting, running water, thick vegetation and wide variety of birds and animals, it has been designated an area of critical environmental concern. Efforts are ongoing to enhance the natural vegetation by eradicating exotic plant species and to control damage done by indiscriminate vehicle use.

Vehicle access is restricted to a few routes, including historic Mojave Road, a rough, four-wheel-drive trail beloved by off-roaders. Mojave Road follows in the footsteps of prehistoric native nomads, mountain men, early explorers and military expeditions. Other old trails into nearby side canyons may now be traveled only on foot or horseback. Although hiking, backpacking and primitive camping are encouraged, campfires outside of the campground area are restricted.

The modest campground provides several sites, available on a first-come basis for a fee of $6 per night. There is a 14-day limit. Each site is equipped with a parking pad, table and grill. Pit toilets are centrally located. Drinking water must be trucked to the site, so many campers bring their own, at least a gallon per person per day. Use a self-contained camp stove or bring firewood. You’ll need bags for disposing of camp refuse at home.

Because the campground lies well within the canyon, the night sky is very dark, except during bright moonlight. The site is popular for stargazing and watching celestial events such as meteor showers.

The Mojave River is one of those elusive desert streams that course underground most of their length. Along this part of the watercourse, however, the river and flooded streams have scoured the landscape down to bedrock and the water runs over the rocky surface.

Scenery in Afton Canyon is quite colorful and dramatic. The birds and desert wildlife drawn to the water and vegetation delight observers and photographers. Observation is most rewarding early or late in the day, also the best times for photography. You’ll want to bring your camera, spotting scope, binoculars and field identification guides.

The surrounding area is open to seasonal hunting under state regulations, but only with limited types of firearms and ammunition. Certain county and federal regulations apply. Hunters must be very careful about shooting on private land, which requires permission. No firearms may be discharged near the campground. Recreational shooting is not allowed within Afton Canyon Natural Area.

Margo Bartlett Pesek’s column appears on Sundays.

MNP Campground Closures This Week

Just noted this on the Mojave National Preserve Web site:

Campground closures scheduled for the week of October 20
Roads in campgrounds will be graveled this week. Mid Hills will be closed on Tuesday and Wedensday, October 22-23. Hole-in-the-Wall Campground may be closed on Thursday and Friday, October 24-25.

Road Conditions in the East Mojave

Severe weather has hit the East Mojave over the past couple days, so before you travel out there, you might want to confirm with Caltrans that roads are open. Currently, Highway 95 is closed from the junction of the I-40 to the Nevada state line.

Some of the roads in the Mojave National Preserve are damaged. Here's the information provided on the MNP Current Conditions page right now:

Updated: August 26, 2013

Call for updates: 760 252-6108 (every day) or 760 252-6100 (Monday through Friday)

A severe thunderstorm yesterday evening washed debris onto paved roadways and damaged dirt roads. Rangers are assessing roads this morning. Travel on dirt roads within Mojave National Preserve is not advised at this time.

Paved Roads 

Black Canyon Road - Closed. Pavement is washed out in many places.
Essex Road - Closed. Road is heavily impacted with mud and debris.
Ivanpah Road - Travel is not recommended.
Kelbaker Road - Open. San Bernardino County is performing emergency storm repairs through Friday, August 30.
Kelso-Cima Road - Open. San Bernardino County is performing emergency storm repairs through Friday, August 30.
Lanfair Road - Travel is not recommended.
Morning Star Mine Road - Open
Zzyzx Road - Open to all vehicles.

Dirt Roads 

Kelso Dunes Road - Open to all vehicles.
Black Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.
Cedar Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.
Lanfair Road - Travel not recommended.
Ivanpah Road - Travel not recommended.
Mojave Road - Travel not recommended.
Aiken Mine Road - Open. High clearance vehicle recommended.
Wildhorse Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.

When traveling to the preserve via I-15 or I-40 check Caltrans' Highway Information Service for up-to-the-minute road conditions 1-800-427-7623.

Campgrounds and Visitor Services 

Essex and Black Canyon Roads leading to the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center and both campgrounds are severely damaged. Travel is not recommended. 

Mid Hills Campground is open. Please conserve water.
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is open.

Information centers: Kelso Depot Visitor Center open Friday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wedensday and Thursday. Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center is open Saturdays, 9 am to 4 pm.