Showing posts with label PHOTOS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PHOTOS. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
We Got Mail
Monday, May 15, 2017
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Mojave Road in a Day
We ran across this great trip report by Matthew Scott at Expedition Portal and thought we'd share:
The Mojave Road in a Day
The Mojave Road in a Day
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Mojave Road - An Unexpectedly Peaceful Family Drive
Over at Expedition Portal, Marianne Hyland shares a great write-up and photos from her family's trip over the Mojave Road. It's a nice reminder of why so many of us love spending time out in the East Mojave.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Off-Road Travel: Mojave National Preserve Part I
You might enjoy this Off-Road.com article posted in December about a trip on the Mojave Road, with photos. They took a few short side trips to see additional sights often visited by those traveling the Road.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Mojave Road in the 90s
We received this note and photos from Karl Vogeley and he graciously gave us permission to share with everyone. Great images of the adventures to be had on the Mojave Road. Thanks, Karl!
Attached are some photos from my first trip on the Mojave Road in the early 90s. My daughter who is in the pictures is now 30 so you can see how long ago this was! I'm guessing 1991 but somewhere around that time. The green Suzuki was our ride for the trip and did great. The crosssing at Soda Lake was very difficult but the Samurai motored right through no problem. This was the era when nothing was fenced off or made off limits. On this trip we encountered a group on quads, rifles in scabbards. The days of high adventure! This trip was done with a group of off-roaders from the Sierra club. I can't imagine such a group existing today in this polarized society.
I've made the trip 3 times since then, once more in the Suzuki, once in a 98 Wrangler, and most recently in an 08 Wrangler unlimited Rubicon with air conditioning and satellite radio. In some regards progress can be nice! I included a picture of my Jeep from the latest trip to demonstrate that as I have gotten older my desire for comfort has grown!
Happy holidays,
Karl Vogeley
Attached are some photos from my first trip on the Mojave Road in the early 90s. My daughter who is in the pictures is now 30 so you can see how long ago this was! I'm guessing 1991 but somewhere around that time. The green Suzuki was our ride for the trip and did great. The crosssing at Soda Lake was very difficult but the Samurai motored right through no problem. This was the era when nothing was fenced off or made off limits. On this trip we encountered a group on quads, rifles in scabbards. The days of high adventure! This trip was done with a group of off-roaders from the Sierra club. I can't imagine such a group existing today in this polarized society.
I've made the trip 3 times since then, once more in the Suzuki, once in a 98 Wrangler, and most recently in an 08 Wrangler unlimited Rubicon with air conditioning and satellite radio. In some regards progress can be nice! I included a picture of my Jeep from the latest trip to demonstrate that as I have gotten older my desire for comfort has grown!
Happy holidays,
Karl Vogeley
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Marl Springs
Thanks to all the talented people who are sharing their stories and photos online these days, you no longer have to get in your vehicle to visit many of the sights along the Mojave Road (although we still encourage you to see them in person too!). Our latest find is on the DZRTGRLS Web site. They have provided an informative write-up and great photos of a visit to Marl Springs. Be sure to click the link to view all of the photos and captions.
Thank you, Niki and Jamie, for allowing us to share your adventure here.
Happy travels!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Mojave Desert by Jeep and by Foot 2010
We received permission to share the link here, so you can enjoy them too.
Thank you, Eddie at JK-Forum.com, for sharing your trip with all of us!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Mojave National Preserve - Beyond The Mojave Road
There are many easy and interesting side trips just off the Mojave Road. Here's an article from 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine about a trip up Carruthers Canyon. (Note that the correct spelling is with two r's, after homesteader George Carruthers. Map makers continually label it incorrectly.)
Mojave National Preserve - Beyond The Mojave Road
Less-Beaten Paths In The Mojave National Preserve
May 2010
By Kevin Blumer
Photography by Kevin Blumer
The Mojave Road bisects the Mojave National Preserve on its way from Afton Canyon to the Colorado River. Perusing a map of the Mojave National Preserve, it's easy to come up with a one-word description of what's beyond the Mojave Road: plenty.
Maps and guidebooks in hand, we packed up the 4Runner to see the preserve firsthand. It's impossible to talk about the Mojave National Preserve without some background information about how the preserve came to be.
The Mojave National Preserve was created in 1994 after many years of controversy and legal wrangling. The political ball was set in motion during the 1980s by the late Senator Alan Cranston, who proposed making the area into Mojave National Park, along with re-designating Death Valley National Monument and Joshua Tree National Monument as National Parks. When first penned by Cranston, giant swaths of what was then called the East Mojave National Scenic Area were slated to become federal wilderness areas, which we'll refer to as "Wilderness" for the balance of this story. This legislation was called the California Desert Protection Act.
Cranston's legislation outlived his political career. Cranston was caught accepting $1 million in campaign contributions from a savings and loan that wanted a "problem solved." Cranston left office in 1991. His successor, Dianne Feinstein, chose to carry the bill through Congress. When the California Desert Protection Act passed, mining, ranching, and off-roading became even more restricted in the Mojave. It pains this author's hands to even type the names of those who ramrodded this legislation down our collective throats. If there's a silver lining, it's that the intended Mojave National Park was instead designated the Mojave National Preserve, a designation that allows certain economic and recreational activities that would be banned within a National Park.
Another silver lining is the vehicular corridors that pass among the newly created Wilderness Areas. These corridors are previously established routes that were left open and intact. In the desert, the sheer distances combined with a general lack of water make it impractical to explore very far on foot. Vast Wilderness designations in the desert without vehicular access amount to nothing more than a land grab. The vehicular corridors are the key to discovering what's out there. For those who like to hike (of which the author is one), the vehicular corridors are the key to getting close enough to the trailheads to have the time and energy to see what’s inside the Wilderness.
With the ugly political stuff dispensed with, let's talk trails.
The Mojave National Preserve is big at 1.6 million acres. It's crisscrossed by dirt routes, some of which are more challenging than others. If you're after hardcore rock-crawling trails, this isn't the place. If you're after discovery and solitude it's a great place to be. Don't get complacent: deep sand, jagged rocks, errant tree stumps, and cholla cactus are in healthy supply, and they aren't forgiving. The big distances in the preserve mean that it's essential to show up with a well-prepared vehicle that carries the same spare parts and tools you'd carry anywhere else. Carry all the water you'll need, and then some. Vehicles must be street-registered to drive on the dirt routes in the preserve.
We had two guidelines during our visit: avoid the pavement, and avoid the Mojave Road.
Our first jaunt took us to the defunct railroad stop at Ivanpah, where we saw the weathered ruins of a loading dock, a cottage, and some holding pens. Shortly after, Ivanpah Road's pavement disappeared and we shifted into 4-Hi for better traction and stability as the dirt surface changed moods. Our goal was Caruthers Canyon and the Giant Ledge Mine. The canyon lies in the New York Mountains.
Caruthers Canyon was first prospected in the 1860s, and mining continued well after the turn of the 20th century. Beyond mining relics, the plant life and geology of the New York Mountains also draws you in. Tall peaks dot the range, the highest of which is New York Peak at 7,529 feet above sea level. Instead of creosote bushes, you'll see pinyon pines and juniper here. There's also manzanita and other plants seen more often in a coastal sage plant community. Scientists say these floras developed during a wetter period of the earth's natural history, and then was left isolated high in the mountains when the surrounding terrain became more arid. The New York Mountains are a sort of island unto themselves. The climate is cooler up there, too, and snow isn't uncommon during the winter.
These days, the road into Caruthers Canyon is still legally open because it's not in a designated Wilderness Area. On the way to the Giant Ledge mine you'll drive until you can't drive any further, park your rig, and hike the rest of the way to the mine. There are several pullouts along the Caruthers Canyon trail. You are allowed to have fires in already established fire rings, and camping is allowed in already established campsites.
What's beyond the Mojave Road? Plenty. Follow along and we'll show you what we mean.
Click here to see the rest of the story with accompanying photos.
Here's the link to the entire story on the 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine Web site: http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/adventures/west/1005_4wd_mojave_national_preserve/index.html
Mojave National Preserve - Beyond The Mojave Road
Less-Beaten Paths In The Mojave National Preserve
May 2010
By Kevin Blumer
Photography by Kevin Blumer
The Mojave Road bisects the Mojave National Preserve on its way from Afton Canyon to the Colorado River. Perusing a map of the Mojave National Preserve, it's easy to come up with a one-word description of what's beyond the Mojave Road: plenty.
Maps and guidebooks in hand, we packed up the 4Runner to see the preserve firsthand. It's impossible to talk about the Mojave National Preserve without some background information about how the preserve came to be.
The Mojave National Preserve was created in 1994 after many years of controversy and legal wrangling. The political ball was set in motion during the 1980s by the late Senator Alan Cranston, who proposed making the area into Mojave National Park, along with re-designating Death Valley National Monument and Joshua Tree National Monument as National Parks. When first penned by Cranston, giant swaths of what was then called the East Mojave National Scenic Area were slated to become federal wilderness areas, which we'll refer to as "Wilderness" for the balance of this story. This legislation was called the California Desert Protection Act.
Cranston's legislation outlived his political career. Cranston was caught accepting $1 million in campaign contributions from a savings and loan that wanted a "problem solved." Cranston left office in 1991. His successor, Dianne Feinstein, chose to carry the bill through Congress. When the California Desert Protection Act passed, mining, ranching, and off-roading became even more restricted in the Mojave. It pains this author's hands to even type the names of those who ramrodded this legislation down our collective throats. If there's a silver lining, it's that the intended Mojave National Park was instead designated the Mojave National Preserve, a designation that allows certain economic and recreational activities that would be banned within a National Park.
Another silver lining is the vehicular corridors that pass among the newly created Wilderness Areas. These corridors are previously established routes that were left open and intact. In the desert, the sheer distances combined with a general lack of water make it impractical to explore very far on foot. Vast Wilderness designations in the desert without vehicular access amount to nothing more than a land grab. The vehicular corridors are the key to discovering what's out there. For those who like to hike (of which the author is one), the vehicular corridors are the key to getting close enough to the trailheads to have the time and energy to see what’s inside the Wilderness.
With the ugly political stuff dispensed with, let's talk trails.
The Mojave National Preserve is big at 1.6 million acres. It's crisscrossed by dirt routes, some of which are more challenging than others. If you're after hardcore rock-crawling trails, this isn't the place. If you're after discovery and solitude it's a great place to be. Don't get complacent: deep sand, jagged rocks, errant tree stumps, and cholla cactus are in healthy supply, and they aren't forgiving. The big distances in the preserve mean that it's essential to show up with a well-prepared vehicle that carries the same spare parts and tools you'd carry anywhere else. Carry all the water you'll need, and then some. Vehicles must be street-registered to drive on the dirt routes in the preserve.
We had two guidelines during our visit: avoid the pavement, and avoid the Mojave Road.
Our first jaunt took us to the defunct railroad stop at Ivanpah, where we saw the weathered ruins of a loading dock, a cottage, and some holding pens. Shortly after, Ivanpah Road's pavement disappeared and we shifted into 4-Hi for better traction and stability as the dirt surface changed moods. Our goal was Caruthers Canyon and the Giant Ledge Mine. The canyon lies in the New York Mountains.
Caruthers Canyon was first prospected in the 1860s, and mining continued well after the turn of the 20th century. Beyond mining relics, the plant life and geology of the New York Mountains also draws you in. Tall peaks dot the range, the highest of which is New York Peak at 7,529 feet above sea level. Instead of creosote bushes, you'll see pinyon pines and juniper here. There's also manzanita and other plants seen more often in a coastal sage plant community. Scientists say these floras developed during a wetter period of the earth's natural history, and then was left isolated high in the mountains when the surrounding terrain became more arid. The New York Mountains are a sort of island unto themselves. The climate is cooler up there, too, and snow isn't uncommon during the winter.
These days, the road into Caruthers Canyon is still legally open because it's not in a designated Wilderness Area. On the way to the Giant Ledge mine you'll drive until you can't drive any further, park your rig, and hike the rest of the way to the mine. There are several pullouts along the Caruthers Canyon trail. You are allowed to have fires in already established fire rings, and camping is allowed in already established campsites.
What's beyond the Mojave Road? Plenty. Follow along and we'll show you what we mean.
Click here to see the rest of the story with accompanying photos.
Here's the link to the entire story on the 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine Web site: http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/adventures/west/1005_4wd_mojave_national_preserve/index.html
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Snow in the East Mojave
Just thought we'd share a link to photos and videos of the Mojave Road from this past weekend (November 28-29) that have been posted in the Flickr Mojave Road Pool. A beautiful wintry day!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/mojaveroad/pool/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/mojaveroad/pool/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Trip Report: October 10-12, 2009
"off-roader" recently posted a report and photos from a Mojave Road trip during the weekend of October 10-12 on the Expedition Portal forum and gave us permission to share. Here's the report, with a direct link to the photos:
Mojave Road, Mojave Desert, California October 10-12 2009
Just finished the trip. 14 rigs, 25 people.
Trip started in Laughlin Nevada traversing the Mojave Road through the Mojave National Park/Desert and ended just west of Barstow California.
Rigs kept fairly separated in order to avoid dust on the trails & overall the total length on the road was nearly if not over a mile.
The trip itself was mostly uneventful with the exception of a few event and surprisingly some vehicle casualties
One driver (04 Isuzu Axiom) accidentally locked his keys in his running rig. Fortunately it had electric windows and we were able to use a tape measure to hit the window switches to gain access.
Another driver (09 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ ~2000 miles") over-ran his bow wave while crossing the Mojave River, ingested water and threw a rod requiring AAA premium (200 mile towing) for a +100mile tow to S. Cal.
Another driver (Isuzu Vehicross) had electrical issues when his voltage regulator quit while we were on the trail. He was able to complete the run and limped most of the way home before is Transmission Computer finally gave out. Unfortunately it looks like the tranny will need a complete rebuild. We used AAA+ to tow him much of the 100+ miles home.
Another driver (01 Isuzu Trooper) also encountered issues when his front axle disconnect got stuck in the midway position. Fortunately he was able to drive it home and knows it can be fixed easily enough.
Aside from these 3 issues, the trip was a total success and everyone including those with issue are hoping to go again on another of my trips in the near future.
Pictures for those interested... http://picasaweb.google.com/RayOfSunshinePhotography/MojaveTrailOctober10122009
Thanks to "off-roader" for allowing us to post this report!
Mojave Road, Mojave Desert, California October 10-12 2009
Just finished the trip. 14 rigs, 25 people.
Trip started in Laughlin Nevada traversing the Mojave Road through the Mojave National Park/Desert and ended just west of Barstow California.
Rigs kept fairly separated in order to avoid dust on the trails & overall the total length on the road was nearly if not over a mile.
The trip itself was mostly uneventful with the exception of a few event and surprisingly some vehicle casualties
One driver (04 Isuzu Axiom) accidentally locked his keys in his running rig. Fortunately it had electric windows and we were able to use a tape measure to hit the window switches to gain access.
Another driver (09 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ ~2000 miles") over-ran his bow wave while crossing the Mojave River, ingested water and threw a rod requiring AAA premium (200 mile towing) for a +100mile tow to S. Cal.
Another driver (Isuzu Vehicross) had electrical issues when his voltage regulator quit while we were on the trail. He was able to complete the run and limped most of the way home before is Transmission Computer finally gave out. Unfortunately it looks like the tranny will need a complete rebuild. We used AAA+ to tow him much of the 100+ miles home.
Another driver (01 Isuzu Trooper) also encountered issues when his front axle disconnect got stuck in the midway position. Fortunately he was able to drive it home and knows it can be fixed easily enough.
Aside from these 3 issues, the trip was a total success and everyone including those with issue are hoping to go again on another of my trips in the near future.
Pictures for those interested... http://picasaweb.google.com/RayOfSunshinePhotography/MojaveTrailOctober10122009
Thanks to "off-roader" for allowing us to post this report!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Another Great Trip Report
"Citizen Grouch" provides another great trip report with photos. And we note that these two latest reports include sightings of the infamous Mojave Green rattlesnake, so make sure you are alert to their presence (and all other venomous creatures) when you're out there.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May Trip on the Mojave Road
As usual in spring, there are a lot of folks out on the Mojave Road. We ran across a blog post about the Perry family's recent trip. They took some great photos. Enjoy!
Friday, April 10, 2009
A Busy Time on The Road
Once spring arrives with its mild weather, traffic on the Mojave Road increases. When you're in the area, you start to notice more and more caravans passing through. We also notice more postings on blogs and forums, as people share their experiences and photos when they return home. This report, with lots of great photos, is from a Land Rover trip taken last weekend, April 3-5.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
What you might encounter along the way...
We ran across this blog with some wonderful photos of the smaller creatures you are likely to encounter if you make stops on your journey along the Mojave Road.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Mojave Road - The Government Road: Mules, Springs, And Regulations
Jeeping The Mojave Road (In A 4Runner)
By Kevin Blumer
Photography by Kevin Blumer
4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine
No matter how many times you may have read about an adventure, there's nothing like firsthand experience to truly understand what it's all about. Even though I've enjoyed trips to the desert since the mid '80s and consider myself somewhat of a desert rat, I had yet to travel the Mojave Road until recently.
To read the rest of this trip report with photos, visit this link: http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/adventures/midwest/0905_4wd_the_mojave_road/index.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mojave Road Trip in May 2008
Just another traveler on the Mojave Road sharing photos of his adventure in May 2008...
http://netshumo.blogspot.com/2008/09/mojave-road-may-2008.html
http://netshumo.blogspot.com/2008/09/mojave-road-may-2008.html
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Trip Report & GPS Track from 2007
We recently ran across an entry on the FJ Cruiser Forums (fjcruiserforums.com) that provides a link to a 2007 trip report with photos - and offers an attached GPS track. Here's the link:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/trail-navigation-files/68915-old-mojave-road-california.html
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/trail-navigation-files/68915-old-mojave-road-california.html
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Bicycle on the Mojave Road
Most people travel the Mojave Road in 4WD vehicles, but a few who possess more adventurous and hardy spirits choose alternate methods. You might enjoy "Cycling the Mojave Road," a travelogue with photos posted by someone who rode from the Colorado River to Zzyzx on a bicycle called the "Rough-Roadster."
Friday, April 25, 2008
East Mojave Photo Essay
In our "travels" on the World Wide Web, we find many treasures. One of them is this photo essay posted on April 25 on YouTube. "Mojave Calling" is not specific to the Mojave Road, but it offers beautiful images of the amazing sights one encounters in the East Mojave. Enjoy!
(Click the image to play it right here, or click here to view it with more options at YouTube.)
(Click the image to play it right here, or click here to view it with more options at YouTube.)
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