Mojave Road... Freedom to Live

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
Originally posted on my build / adventure thread thought I'd share it here as well... enjoy. :)


Having just returned from OvEx 2012, I was inspired and ready to hit the road for some much needed trail time. It would be a toss up between Mengel Pass and Butte Valley in Death Valley or the Mojave Road... I chose the Mojave Road. The wife and kids had prior commitments, so I’d be traveling solo. My goal was to start at the Colorado River and end at Camp Cady. Let the journey begin…

My day started off bright and very early, with a direct to Avi Casino for a top off of fuel and coffee. Using Dennis Casebier’s book, Mojave Road Guide as my main reference, I followed the book and trail east to west. My plan for the day, was to travel the distance from the Colorado River to Caruthers Canyon where I’d set up camp later that evening.

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Fort Mojave across the river and my starting point at the Colorado River.

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At my point of no return.

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Rock Carins always on the right. Right?

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First of many cattle guards.

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Enroute to Fort Piute.

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Fort Piute: Built to Last... just like our Toyota Landcruisers.

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My Mac sitting copilot. Running MacGPS Pro with GlobalSat BU-353 GPS receiver, a 3 year old Magellan GPS, Dennis Casebier's Mojave Road Guide, and a Tom Harrison Mojave National Preserve map all working together to guide me along and keep me on path.

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From my beginning at the Colorado River to Fort Piute, the Road was pretty mellow. There were a couple spots during the 10 or so miles where I thought it was a bit confusing as to whether or not I was still on the Mojave Road, others wise staying on course was fairly easy. I did a walk around and quick inspect of the truck... back on the road. It was around 1 or so and wanted to have camp set up before dark. Next up is passing through Lanfair Valley. Stay tuned...:)
 

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
My exploration time at Fort Piute was limited, with not knowing exactly how long it would take to get to Caruthers Canyon for camp. Next time I'd like to hike down to the creek and see what remains of the George Irwin Ranch. I'd also like to find the petroglyphs on the way out. So much to see with such limited time.

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Just left the road to Fort Piute and heading south on the MWD high line service road.

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Heading up into the Piute Range... let the fun begin.

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Looking back east.

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Wish I took more pictures driving over Piute Range as this portion was by far the rockiest with lots of washouts and ruts. This portion took my full attention while driving making it a bit difficult to take pictures, I just wanted to make it over without any problems. My temps were also on the rise... peaking around 200* during the climb.
Lanfair Valley ahead.

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Made it to the Hippy Bus... It would be kinda cool to know the history of when and why this bus is out here. What I do Know, is that this area gave me a major case of the creeps, not sure if it was just because I was alone and my mind was getting the best of me or what. I did get a good laugh at the "Jesus loves you everyone else thinks your an a**hole" bit though. Not a place I'd camp by myself.

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Nothing like living in the middle of no where. Homestead lots? Seeing the trailers out here gave me another case of the creeps. Keep on moving...

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Penny Can tree. Gave 4 pennies.:elkgrin:

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Passed a VORTAC.

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Came upon this cabin... Another case of the creeps. I'm writing it off as just being on my own. I'll have to make it out to Barker Ranch and stay the night just to make sure I'm feeling the creeps at places I should and shouldn't be. Nice stove, I tried to imagine what meals would have been cooked on it. Time to get back on the road.

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Another cabin... just passed by due to time.

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It was nice to be on a maintained road, Cedar Canyon Road... I drove right past my turnoff for Caruthers Canyon. Looks like I'll be camping at Mid Hills Campground. Stay tuned...:)
 

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
Since I missed the turnoff for Caruthers Canyon, I decided on camping at Mid Hills campground. The site is around 8 miles or so off of Cedar Canyon road up on a hill that suffered fire damage from years past. I'd say the temps were around the mid 60's with a constant breeze making for a very nice relaxing nights sleep... What a relief from the afternoon heat :sunny:. Spot 26 had a great view overlooking the valley, but it was taken... so I opted for spot 25. I went to sleep at around 10pm and slept straight through the evening till being woken up by birds around 7am. Talk about a good nights sleep... I needed that.

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It's been a while since I'd seen any windmills... Nice

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My view at camp.

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Theres a lot of room in a 1600 when your sleeping solo.

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These trees have seen better days. They reminded me of a Tim Burton movie.

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Ended my day with an awesome meal and a much need full nights sleep. Stay tuned for day 2
 

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
After an awesome nights sleep, I woke up around 7 am to the sound of chirping birds and the sun peering in to the tent. A good nights sleep is definitely the frosting on the cake while out camping for me. My agenda for the day would be to continue on the Mojave Road while stopping at the Mailbox, Marl Springs, Lava Tube, Soda Lake, Travelers Monument, and setting up camp at Afton Canyon. The LC just continues to exceed my expectations as a vehicle... no problems found during my morning inspection.

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Spot 25 at Mid Hills campground.

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All packed up and thought I'd take a couple of pics of whats inside my lid. WagonGear tailgate lid stores all the stuff you rarely use, but when you do need its easily accessible. I've got a couple manuals, flares, jumper cables, spares, recovery gear, and first aid stored in mine.

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Back on the Road again.



Enjoy the video. Had a blast driving this portion.

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Marl Springs... next time I plan to do more exploring of the area.

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The source of the water... Next time I'll have a drink.

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Brushing up on cactus would have ruined my day. OUCH

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At this location my phone blew up with messages...Yes Tmobile 3g... found out I'd possibly be deploying. :Wow1:

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Signed my name and spent a couple minutes reading through the log book, had a couple laughs on the contents of both. Stay tuned for Soda Lake.
 
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Mauka2Makai

Explorer
May 25 2012 signed my name at the Mailbox and continued on to my next destination... the Lava Tube. Sure enough I drove right past the turn off... just decided to continue on forward. My next destination to look forward to was Soda Lake with Travelers Monument on the far west end. I am now privy to the secret of Travelers Monument and its message… my life as I know it will forever be changed.:sombrero:
With the winds gusting well above 40 mph it made for quit an experience driving through Soda Lake... luckily no worries over mud.

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I think this is where I was supposed to turn off for the Lava tube. Got caught up with carins on the right.

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Soda Lake in the far distance.

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I've never encountered such a variety of different forms of sand than here in Mohave... my favorite was the ultra fine that kept you fighting to stay afloat.


Enjoy the video... sorry for the quality.

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For the life of me I can't remember where I picked up this rock, but its new home is at the top of Traveler's Monument.

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Up next is more sand in Mojave wash and Afton Canyon to wrap things up. stay tuned :)
 

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
Having just travelled the distance of Soda Lake and now knowing the secret of Travelers Monument, I was ready for the final leg of my journey on Mojave Road.

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I knew the sand in the Mojave River was going to be a challenge, but this was flat out crazy. The winds were in full effect working as hard as possible to erase all signs of past travelers. At this point I wasn't concerned so much with getting lost, but staying on trail so if I did get stuck hopefully I'd be more easily spotted by a passing vehicle. There were many patches where the sand was so fine that it felt as though if I were to come to a stop I'd sink down to the frame and literaly drown. Thankfully the LC and Toyos worked in unison floating me through this sea of angry sand.

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Line poles were erected to help guide the way and this final flag pole lets you know you've made it.

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Heading into Afton Canyon.

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The first of two water crossings. No significant depth to the Mojave River today, just enough to rinse the wheels off.



Enjoy the video
 

Mauka2Makai

Explorer
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Enjoy the video... second crossing is a little longer and just a little deeper.

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Seeing this graffiti tag summed up my Mojave Road adventure... It would be such a shame to lose access to this historic route. I hope to travel the Mojave Road with my boys in the near future and hope that they can pass on the same. Freedom to Live

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Afton Canyon campgrounds looking down from the group sites.

As I was driving into the campgrounds I was a bit discouraged from what I was seeing. The site was completely empty, except for two guys that just seemed completely out of place camped at the entrance. I wasn't sure if they were the camp hosts or what. One fellow hesitantly waved as I drove by the other just mad dogged me like I stole his firewood for the night. Circled around at the end and just decided to continue on down to Camp Cady.

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There was room at the top, but it was a very close call. Dang train snuck up on me.

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Stuck it in neutral and rolled down a bit.

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This was the last picture taken, it's looking west into the Mojave River towards Camp Cady.

I drove around 4 miles going toward Camp Cady in the Mojave River and turned around due to the never ending torment of sand. This was by far the absolute worst of sand driving and just felt it wasn't worth getting stuck at the end. Headed back to Afton Canyon to give the campgrounds one last feel... it wasn't happening. With a combination of negatives, I just felt it was best to air up, gas up, and head back home that night.
This adventure was completed in one night and two days. Many pictures were taken, memories made, and most of all I now have a reason to go back... My family wants to experience the same...can't wait. I also would like to take a drink of the water at Marl Springs.:ylsmoke:
 
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Mauka2Makai

Explorer
I would also like to add that I was confidently able to travel damn near the whole route made possible by... the Mojave Road Guide, by Dennis Casebier. This book literally paved my path for a clear route to follow on my first Mojave Road adventure. A big Thank you to Dennis...your words of direction and enlightenment helped bring forth an educational and successful traverse of the Mojave Road.:)
 

ANDYROO

Adventurer
Great trip report. I'm doing the same trip in November this year, so good to get an idea of what to expect. Thanks!
 

CYi5

Explorer
Nice writeup, Mojave Road is always a fun one. I'm so jealous of your sweet Wagongear tailgate cubby! Someday I'd like to mod my 3rd Gen runner into tailgate/hatch. :)
 

MojaveKJ

Adventurer
Great write up and pics, thank you. I go alone sometimes too and I think those things would freak me out as well. Once I'm on dirt I nearly always go to condition one (locked and loaded) with my sidearm tucked between the seat and center console or holstered on my side depending on where I am. The Mojave Road is in the top 10 of my list of trips to make and I like how you use the Mac as a GPS and also have paper maps (books) to augment the GPS to navigate. I am big on blending the simplistic nature if off-roading and the hi-tech ways of computer GPS and radio comms.

I'm in the process of studying for my HAM license so I can at least talk to folks while I'm out solo and not feel so alone while on the trail. I also need to get a SPOT before my next trip. I'm hoping to hook up with some other SoCal overlanders in the future; they number one rule I've always heard is to go with other people/rigs.
 

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