November Mojave Road trip (and a few questions)

[DennisDawg]

I have done the Mojave Road a few times. I agree that after running it, driving back from the Colorado River to home would be less than pleasant and the best way is from The River to Afton Canyon.

Overview map for those wanting to know where the basic places in the Mojave Preserve are located: http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/u ... JAmap1.pdf

You really want to have the Mojave Road Guide and if wanted by participants, one of the group points out the places along the way at the stops and via the radio: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pa ... gwodo3XTZA

The best way is to start at the Avi Casino. http://www.avicasino.com/ Most folks then make reservations there and since the trail starts almost from their parking lot, the first morning is an easy start. They have a hotel, casino, a campground, gas, ice and all that as well.

As was presented and just to be sure the correct rules are here again (since some of the above was incorrect), you can have 6 rigs and less than 15 people and not get a permit. The official rules are that “groups of at least 7 vehicles or 15 participants” require the permit and it costs $50.00. http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/permits.htm Danette Woo was the person who at least used to do the permits out there. Her number is (760) 252-6107 and fax number is (760)252-6174.

But the best times are in spring when there are flowers to look at in the more boring stretches. The best way to track if the flowers will be good when you want to go as it gets close is by using DesertUSA: http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/mnp.html

You for sure want to know the condition of Soda Lake before you go across it. If it is wet and you get stuck, it will be an unhappy time. If it is wet, you just go around the lake and on the freeway for a little bit to start again at Razor.

When I have done the Mojave Road, by the end, I am really tired of being on the Mojave Road. I have lead trips on it, and been navigator when my wife lead a trip on it, each time kind of narrating until folks also grew tired and wanted me to be quiet! Between the road and the various side trips, the amount of seat time has can to be too much, and by Afton Canyon I usually really want to go home. When we have had to bypass the lake, we usually see a one or two people quit as soon as they see the I-15!

Then I get talked into it again . . . such is life.

As much of a downer as that sounds, it is one of those trips you have to do because there is so much history and geology along the way and a ton of scenery.

I’d agree with others that a big group on the Mojave road is going to be a lot less fun than a small one. It would be better to run multiple groups, leave at different times, then to run all in a pack if you have a lot of people coming.

If possible, it is better to not be in the campgrounds, such as Mid Hills. My preference is no not camp with a lot of folks and to spread out a bit. North in the mountains is better then.

You want to ensure folks bring extra gas, water, and all that because there is no place to get anything along most of the way.

Just my 57 cents worth!

[OLLIE]

I was thinking of putting a small group together for a MR trip in February or March during my sons next school break. I would want to limit the group to no more than six rigs (and that has nothing to do with not wanting to get permits). I was thinking of a three to four day trip starting at Avi Casino and spitting out at Afton Canyon.

[Chazz Layne]

I might be around. I don't think Soda Lake is going to be passable for another year though after all this water.

[cruiserlarry]

I might be around. I don't think Soda Lake is going to be passable for another year though after all this water.

We'll let you go first

Always a fun trip to me...

[BorregoWrangler]

I was thinking of putting a small group together for a MR trip in February or March during my sons next school break. I would want to limit the group to no more than six rigs (and that has nothing to do with not wanting to get permits). I was thinking of a three to four day trip starting at Avi Casino and spitting out at Afton Canyon.

Since our daughter arrives early March, do I dare ask the wife if I can get out for this?

[SteveS]

[Afton, Devil's Playground, Soda Lake areas...... How's Nipton for a starting point?

IMHO those are all great areas to explore at least once. Over the last ten years some of the roads have been removed or closed, and that trend may continue. The Devil’s playground is not going to be a lot of people’s cup-of-tea, but some should explore the area at least once. One bummer with the area is there is very little written history of it, and there is lots of history there.

Nipton is a real desert jewel, but some complain of high prices, my wife and stay at the Motel as often as we can, especially when the Harbor slows down. If you can swing the cost, plan to eat there too. Stateline (Prime Nv) and Searchlight (drive the speed limit thru town) is not that far away and has cheaper rooms and more food selections can be found.

I hope that helps some.

[Chazz Layne]

FYI - Mitchell Caverns will be closed from January to October 2011.



I still want to do this, but need to wait and see how funding and scheduling play out...

[cruiserlarry]

FYI - Mitchell Caverns will be closed from January to October 2011.

Why ? Damage from the rains, or maintenance / repair ??

[Chazz Layne]

They dinna say.

[salad_man]

Any plans still for a Mojave Road trip?