4th Annual UY Mojave Road Expedition - "Off The Road" Trip - March 13-15, 2014
The dates are set. Friday March 13, 2015 through Sunday March 15, 2015.
If you can't make it the whole weekend, come out and join us for a day trip, come a day late or leave a day early! This trip is very different from the previous years. All are welcome, but read below to see if you are up for it!
The first post will be continually updated with more information, locations, suggestions, etc.
General Information:
Our direction of travel will be South, then West. See picture below.
6 Vehicle/14 Person Max (NPS regulations - otherwise we must apply for a permit) If there are more than 6, we will reach out to NPS for a permit or we will split the group into two smaller groups for camping and driving, whichever is more convenient.
Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean +1?
2. JayDee914 - JD + (maybe Fam)
3. Kryptoroxx - John (maybe)
4. troyboy - Troy
5. boyfester - +2?
6. Toyotech - +1
7.
8.
Out:
MarcP - Marc + some fam (Probably Not)
6 vehicles, ~12 people
Itinerary:
Thursday:
20:00 - Camp 1: Near Clark Mountain (Location TBA) or State Line Casinos
Friday:
Tires Rolling - 09:00
Valley Wells
Colosseum Mine
Benson Mine
Lunch - 12:30
Evening Star Mine
Teutonia Peak Hike
Camp - 17:00
Saturday:
Tires Rolling - 08:00
Long Drive
Hole in the Wall Hike
Lunch - 12:00
Bonanza King Mine
Camp - 17:00
Sunday:
Tires Rolling - 08:00
Mines
Kelso
Devil's Playground
Desert Megaphone
Lunch - 12:00
Afton Canyon
GO HOME!
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/...fa198b9a_b.jpg
Important Information:
Communication:
Ham only run. If you don't have a ham, I have 1 extra hand held, but I highly encourage you to buy one and get your license. Contact me if you have any questions about this.
UY simplex primary 146.430MHZ (2m Ham)
Cell service is spotty at best. You may have a chance to check in with family at some point, and are encouraged to do so, but don't count on it!
Vehicle Requirements:
- Vehicle in good working condition, with no known faults
- Working 4WD
- 1 spare tire within 2" of other tires
- Working, suitable jack
- Front and rear recovery points
- Ham Radio in good working order
Note: Stock Vehicles are generally welcome on this trip. The road conditions are somewhat unknown. Most appear to be typical desert/mountain dirt roads, but we will encounter rocks, soft sand, and the unknown. Some areas present unrelenting corrugations, and others have undulations that can catch you off guard and swallow your vehicle. This is not a technically challenging run, but a scenic drive over some of the most beautiful desert areas found in California. The long distances and rough road are the challenge. Terrain will vary from rocky desert pavement, extremely soft sand, off camber sections, deep ruts and washes, and a riverbed. There will also be some water crossings that are easily crossed. All vehicles must be 4WD.
Required Equipment and Supplies:
- Enough fuel to travel 225 miles in 4wd
- Minimum 1/2 gallon water per person, per day
- Food
- Well stocked, current first aid kit
- Tow strap (no hooks!) & shackle
- Method to refill tires, if you choose to air down (recommended)
- Basic tools
- Sanitation Supplies - anywhere from a shovel and TP to a PETT toilet and privy, your choice.
- Emergency Info Sheet
I will not be doing vehicle inspections, but I expect you to have all of these things in your vehicle.
Recommended Items:
- Rear locker
- Full size spare
- Spares for common items
- Still/Video camera with spare batteries and extra memory
- Binoculars
- Fire wood
- Wide-brimmed hat
This is by no means a complete list, but merely the high points of what should be considered for this trip.
For those uninitiated to expedition style desert travel: The best way to travel is to travel light but do not forget comfort items. Three days off pavement without a good night's sleep will be miserable!
Sanitation:
At some point during this trip, you will have to use the bathroom. There are no toilets where we are camping, and none along the road. #1 is fairly easily handled, #2 is up to your comfort level. I personally have a bucket with seat, Double-Doodie bags, and a privacy shelter. What you bring is up to you. Pack in - Pack out is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
Firewood:
We will be camping 2-3 nights. If everyone brings 1-2 bundles of firewood, we should have plenty for 3 nights of camping with a good fire.
Weather:
Weather can be very unpredictable in the deserts. This event is a rain or shine event, meaning we will be traversing the desert even if it is raining. Temperature can vary wildly. Higher elevations can see significant snowfall during the winter, and lower elevations frequently break 120F in the summer. Temperatures are expected to be between 50 and 80 in the day, and 30-50 at night. Layers are suggested, as well as extra socks and gloves. We will be camping around 4000ft each night. It can get quite cold.
More Information:
Since we are doing only a small fraction of the Mojave Road, Dennis Casebier's "Mojave Road Guide" does not really apply. That being said, it is HIGHLY recommended for future adventures. It can be purchased here: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/5094.html
I also have a previous edition for sale if anyone wants it. PM me for details.
Probably the best resource is looking at the past trip reports.
MRE 2014
MRE 2013
Mojave Road day trip
MRE 2012
Mojave Road West
Route:
Final Distance: 200 miles from interstate to interstate. You will need more fuel than this.
There are a few miles of paved roads we will have to travel. I have tried to minimize this as much as possible.
Fuel is available at the Cima Rd. Exit. Fill up there. Next gas is in Barstow,
Important Files:
MRE 2014 Safety Brief.pdf - Safety tips
MRE15.GPX
MRE15.KML
MRE15.KMZ
